Standing in your driveway, you love the solid feel of your home’s red brick—but maybe the exterior feels dated, the color overwhelms a small yard, or your interior brick wall looks heavy and dark. Sound familiar? Whether you’re planning a budget-friendly refresh or a full renovation, these ideas for red brick house updates will help you modernize, restore, or stylize your brickwork with practical DIY steps and real-world tips.
Why Red Brick Is a Gift—and a Challenge
Red brick provides warmth, durability, and character, but it can also limit color palettes and feel heavy in tight spaces. Before you start any project, assess the condition of your masonry, note any cracked mortar or efflorescence (white mineral deposits), and decide whether you want to emphasize the brick or make it a subtle backdrop.
Top Exterior Ideas for Red Brick House
1. Refresh with Paint or Limewash
Painting or limewashing red brick can transform appearance dramatically. Paint gives a solid modern finish; limewash and whitewash let the texture show through for a softer look.
- Materials: masonry primer, exterior acrylic paint or limewash, brushes/rollers, pressure washer, masking tape.
- DIY Steps:
- Clean brick with a pressure washer and mild detergent; let dry 48 hours.
- Repair mortar with tuckpointing where needed and allow to cure.
- Apply masonry primer (1 coat), then paint (2 coats) or apply limewash per manufacturer directions.
- Seal if recommended for your climate.
- Tip: Test a small area first—paint is permanent; limewash is more forgiving and breathable for older brick.
2. Accent With Trim and Color
Use contrasting trim colors around windows, doors, and eaves to breathe new life into the facade. Deep charcoal, navy, or classic black pairs beautifully with red brick. Replace or repaint shutters and update house numbers and the mailbox for high impact at low cost.
3. Modernize With Siding Panels or Cladding
If you want a partial style change, add horizontal siding, board-and-batten, or wood cladding to gables or half the facade. This creates modern contrast and hides less attractive brickwork without full demolition.
Landscaping and Lighting to Complement Brick
Good landscaping can make red brick sing. Use greenery, contrasting mulch, and warm lighting to soften hard edges.
- Plant shrubs with blue-green foliage (e.g., boxwood, lavender) for contrast.
- Use gravel or pale stone pathways to brighten the front yard and highlight brick tones.
- Install low-voltage LED uplights to wash the brick at night—this adds texture and depth.
Interior Ideas: Make Brick a Feature, Not a Focal Problem
1. Whitewash or Paint Interior Brick
Interior red brick can make rooms feel cozy or cramped. Whitewashing preserves texture while brightening the space; painting creates a clean modern look.
2. Integrate Shelving and Built-ins
Built-in shelving around a brick fireplace or using floating shelves on a brick wall turns heavy masonry into a functional focal point. Use warm wood tones or matte black brackets for modern contrast.
3. Soften With Textiles and Warm Metals
Balance the roughness with rugs, curtains, and brass or matte black fixtures. Layered lighting (task + ambient + accent) keeps the brick from feeling overpowering.
Restoration and Repair: Practical Masonry Tips
Preserving brick increases home value and avoids costly future repairs. For a lasting restoration:
- Address mortar damage promptly—tuckpointing is a medium-difficulty DIY task; hire a mason for extensive work.
- Remove efflorescence with a brush and diluted vinegar solution; avoid harsh acids on older bricks.
- Replace cracked bricks individually rather than resurfacing unless damage is widespread.
Budget-Friendly DIY Projects
Not every idea requires a contractor. Here are three quick wins you can do over a weekend:
- Paint trim and front door: cost under $200, time 1–2 days.
- Add planters and pathway lighting: cost $150–$500, time 1 day.
- Whitewash an interior accent wall: cost under $100, time 1 day.
For those wanting more complex renovations, combine these DIY tasks with a contractor for larger masonry or structural changes.
Ideas for Red Brick House: Styling Inspiration
Think about the style you want: farmhouse, mid-century modern, cottage, or urban industrial. Each pairs differently with red brick:
- Farmhouse: whitewashed brick, black window frames, rustic wood accents.
- Mid-century: deep charcoal trim, minimalist landscaping, geometric planters.
- Cottage: climbing vines, pastel trim, cottage-style lighting.
- Industrial: exposed interior brick left natural, metal shelving, concrete floors.
Safety and Cost Considerations
Always prioritize safety when working on masonry. Use proper PPE, work on stable ladders, and consult professionals for high or structural work. Typical costs:
- Paint or limewash: $500–$5,000 depending on size.
- Tuckpointing: $500–$3,000+ depending on extent.
- Siding/cladding additions: $3,000–$15,000+
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you paint red brick exterior?
Yes. Painting red brick exterior is common and effective to modernize a home. Clean, repair mortar, and use masonry primer and exterior paint. Remember paint can trap moisture if not applied properly—choose breathable masonry products or consult a contractor when in doubt.
2. How do I brighten an interior red brick wall without painting?
Whitewashing is an excellent option: it preserves texture but lightens color. You can also add large mirrors, lighter furniture, and layered lighting to reduce the visual weight of the brick.
3. Is it better to repair or replace damaged brick?
Minor damage should be repaired with tuckpointing and individual brick replacement. Full replacement is usually reserved for structural failure or when matching brick is impossible. Get a mason assessment for accurate recommendations.
Conclusion: Make Your Red Brick Work for You
Red brick offers timeless appeal and a lot of design flexibility. Whether you choose subtle updates like new trim and lighting or bold changes such as painting or cladding, these ideas for red brick house give you practical steps and budget-friendly DIY options to improve curb appeal and interior comfort. Ready to start a project? Explore our [DIY projects](/diy-projects) page for weekend guides, check kitchen ideas on our [kitchen upgrades](/kitchen-upgrades) page for coordinating finishes, or browse more [home design ideas](/home-design-ideas) for full inspirations. Share your before-and-after photos, ask a question below, or start with a small weekend project today—your brick home is waiting to shine.
