Red Brick Color Schemes: Best Trim & Door Colors

Red brick features in many homes’ exteriors and interiors, so selecting trim colors, front door colors, exterior color schemes, or accent colors involves understanding the tones and shades present in red brick. Red brick is a versatile building material, but its strong, warm tones can sometimes pose a design challenge. The goal in decorating is to find colors which complement the brick rather than clash with it, creating a harmonious and inviting look.

The Everlasting Charm of Red Brick: A Colorful Adventure

Ah, red brick – the cornerstone of countless cozy homes and charming buildings! There’s just something timeless about that classic, sturdy look. It whispers stories of generations past, of fireplaces crackling on winter nights, and kids playing in sun-drenched yards. Red brick homes exude character, don’t they? They’re like that reliable friend who always makes you feel at home.

But here’s the thing: while red brick is undeniably gorgeous, choosing the perfect colors to go with it can feel like a bit of a puzzle. It’s like trying to find the perfect harmony in a song – when you get it right, it’s pure magic, but a wrong note can throw everything off! And let’s be honest, nobody wants their house to be the neighborhood’s “before” picture.

That’s where the fun begins! Picking the right color scheme is like giving your red brick beauty a makeover. Think of it as choosing the perfect outfit for a celebrity – you want to accentuate their best features and make them shine. Great curb appeal isn’t just about looking pretty; it’s about creating a welcoming vibe that makes your house feel like a home before you even step inside. Plus, let’s not forget that a well-maintained, aesthetically pleasing home can seriously boost its value. Cha-ching!

Now, working with red brick can present some unique challenges. You see, unlike a blank canvas, you’re starting with a fixed element. You can’t just willy-nilly change the color of your bricks (unless you’re really committed, but let’s not go there). That means you need to be a bit strategic. But don’t worry, it’s not as daunting as it sounds.

The journey to color perfection is definitely worth it! With the right palette, you can transform your red brick house into a showstopper that not only looks amazing but also reflects your personal style. Ready to unlock the secrets to color success? Let’s dive in!

Unlocking the Secret: Understanding Red Brick Undertones

Have you ever wondered why some colors just clash with your red brick, while others seem to sing in harmony? Well, my friend, the answer lies in the mysterious world of undertones! Think of undertones as the secret ingredients that make each red brick unique. Understanding these subtle hues is like unlocking a cheat code to the most stunning color palettes for your home’s exterior.

So, what exactly *are undertones? In the simplest terms, they are the underlying colors that subtly influence the overall appearance of a color. They play a vital role in color matching, ensuring that the colors you choose complement rather than compete with your brick. Getting this wrong can lead to a color scheme that feels “off,” while getting it right can elevate your curb appeal to a whole new level.

Now, let’s talk about how these undertones show up in our beloved red brick. Red brick isn’t just “red.” It’s a complex blend of colors, often showcasing warm, cool, or neutral undertones:

• Warm Undertones: These bricks lean towards the yellow and orange side of the spectrum, giving them a sunny and inviting vibe. Think of bricks with a slightly rusty or terracotta appearance.
• Cool Undertones: These bricks have a hint of blue or green, offering a more sophisticated and grounded feel. Look for bricks with a slightly grayed or muted appearance.
• Neutral Undertones: These bricks strike a balance, exhibiting neither strong warmth nor coolness. They are versatile and can work with a wider range of colors.

Okay, here’s the real fun part: figuring out what your brick is rockin’! Don’t worry, you don’t need a magnifying glass or a degree in color theory. Just follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Grab a handful of color swatches in various shades of yellow, orange, blue, green, gray, and beige. You can get these from any paint store. Also, make sure you have a sunny day! Natural light is key here.

Step 2: Head Outside

Take your swatches and head outside to your brick wall. Choose an area that’s representative of the overall brick color.

Step 3: Compare and Contrast

Hold each color swatch against the brick, one at a time. Ask yourself:

• Does the yellow or orange swatch make the brick look more vibrant? If yes, you likely have warm undertones.
• Does the blue or green swatch harmonize better with the brick? Then, cool undertones might be at play.
• Do the gray and beige swatches blend seamlessly with the brick? If so, your brick may have neutral undertones.

Step 4: Trust Your Eyes (and Gut)

Step back and take a good look. Which colors seem to “disappear” into the brick, and which ones clash? The colors that blend in are likely closest to your brick’s undertones.

Step 5: Second Opinion (Optional)

If you’re still unsure, grab a friend or family member and ask for their opinion. A fresh pair of eyes can often spot subtle differences that you might miss.

Remember, identifying your brick’s undertones is not an exact science, but it’s a super important step! Once you’ve cracked this code, you’ll be armed with the knowledge to choose colors that will make your red brick home the envy of the neighborhood!

The Foundation: Best Neutral Colors for Red Brick Exteriors

Okay, so you’ve got this awesome red brick house, right? It’s like a classic beauty, but now you’re staring at it thinking, “What color do I even pair with this?!” Don’t sweat it! Neutral colors are your best friends here. Think of them as the reliable sidekick to your red brick superhero. They’re the versatile backdrops that let your brick shine without stealing the show. Let’s dive into some of the best neutral options to give your red brick home that magazine-worthy look.

Gray: The Versatile Backdrop

Gray. It’s the chameleon of the color world. It can be edgy, sophisticated, or cozy, depending on the shade. The beauty of gray is that it plays so well with red brick. Light grays can create a fresh, modern vibe, while dark, charcoal grays add drama and depth.

• Light Gray: Think of a cloudy sky. It’s soft, subtle, and lets the red brick pop. Perfect for a more understated look.
• Dark/Charcoal Gray: BAM! Instant sophistication. This shade provides a stunning contrast and works especially well with lighter red brick.
• Warm Brick Undertones: Go for a gray with a hint of brown or beige (we’ll get to greige in a sec!).
• Cool Brick Undertones: A true cool gray will complement those blueish hints in your brick.
• Neutral Brick Undertones: You’re in luck! Most grays will work; experiment and find what you love!

[Insert example images here: red brick house with light gray siding, red brick house with charcoal gray siding]

Greige: The Warm Embrace

Now, let’s talk greige. What is greige, you ask? It’s like the love child of gray and beige – a perfect blend of cool and warm. It’s the color equivalent of a warm hug! Greige softens the contrast with red brick, creating a more inviting and harmonious feel. If you want a touch of warmth without going full-on beige, greige is your go-to.

• Best for: Homes where you want a subtle, welcoming feel.
• Complimentary Tones: Greige works wonders with earthier red brick shades.
• Specific Suggestions: Look for names like “Revere Pewter” or “Agreeable Gray” to get that perfect greige tone.

[Insert example images here: red brick house with greige siding, red brick house with greige trim]

White (Off-White, Cream, Ivory): The Crisp and Clean Choice

Ah, white. Classic, clean, and always in style. White trim against red brick is like a breath of fresh air. It’s crisp, it’s bright, and it makes your red brick sizzle. But beware of stark white! It can sometimes be a little too harsh. That’s where off-white variations come in.

• Off-White Variations: Cream, ivory, and antique white all add warmth and prevent that sterile look.
• Warm Brick: Creamy whites enhance the brick’s natural warmth.
• Cool Brick: A slightly cooler off-white keeps things balanced.
• Bright White Caution: Use sparingly, perhaps just for accents, to avoid overwhelming the brick.

[Insert example images here: red brick house with white trim, red brick house with cream siding]

Brown (Taupe, Tan, Beige): Earthy Harmony

Let’s bring it back to nature! Brown, in its many earthy forms, harmonizes beautifully with red brick. Think taupe, tan, and beige. These colors echo the natural tones in the brick, creating a cohesive and grounded exterior.

• Earthy Harmony: Brown brings a sense of calm and stability.
• Dated Look Alert: Be careful! The wrong brown can look a bit dated. Avoid overly yellow-toned browns.
• Ideal Pairings: Look for browns with gray or green undertones for a more modern twist.
• Specific Brown: Try for more brownish gray color in your walls for exterior paint.

[Insert example images here: red brick house with taupe siding, red brick house with beige trim]

When it comes to choosing your colors, remember to test, test, test! Paint swatches are your best friend. Observe how the colors look at different times of day and in different lighting conditions. And most importantly, have fun with it! Your red brick home is a gem, and with the right neutral backdrop, it’s going to shine.

Making a Statement: Bold Color Choices That Complement Red Brick

Ready to really make your red brick pop? While neutrals are fantastic, sometimes you need a little oomph! Let’s dive into some bolder colors that can transform your curb appeal from “nice” to “WOW!” Remember, the key is balance – these colors are best used as accents or to highlight specific features, not necessarily to paint the whole house.

Black: Modern Drama

Black is the LBD (Little Black Dress) of home exteriors – always stylish, always dramatic. A black front door against red brick is a classic, modern statement. Imagine sleek, black shutters framing your windows or elegant black house numbers adding a touch of sophistication.

But be warned! Too much black can be overwhelming and even a bit gloomy. It’s best used sparingly, focusing on doors, shutters, light fixtures, or perhaps a striking address plaque. Think accents, not full coverage. A little goes a long way in creating that modern, dramatic effect.

Blue: Cool Contrast

Blue and red – sounds crazy, right? But hear me out! When done right, a cool blue provides a stunning contrast to the warmth of red brick. The secret lies in choosing the right shade.

• Navy Blue: Offers a classic, timeless feel, perfect for traditional homes.
• Slate Blue: Adds a touch of sophistication and blends beautifully with the natural tones of brick.
• Sky Blue: Creates a charming, cottage-like vibe, ideal for smaller homes or those seeking a more whimsical look.

Always consider your brick’s undertones when selecting your blue. A brick with warmer undertones might pair better with a slate or navy, while a cooler brick could handle a brighter sky blue. Think doors, shutters, or even a section of siding in a complementary blue hue.

Green: Natural Harmony

If you want a color that feels right with red brick, look no further than green. After all, nature knows best! Green and red are analogous colors, meaning they sit next to each other on the color wheel, creating a sense of harmony.

• Sage Green: Offers a subtle, earthy feel that blends seamlessly with natural surroundings.
• Olive Green: Adds a touch of sophistication and works particularly well with darker red brick.
• Forest Green: Creates a cozy, inviting feel, perfect for homes surrounded by trees.

Green siding, trim, or a vibrant green door can all work wonders, enhancing your curb appeal while maintaining a natural, welcoming vibe.

Orange: Warm & Harmonious

Want to boost that warm and cozy feeling? Choose orange, a color similar to the red brick exterior.

• Burnt Orange: A subdued orange color, adding a calm feeling that matches well with the red brick.
• Terracotta: Similar to Burnt Orange, adds more elegance and warmth with a darker color.

Copper: Metallic Accents

Let’s talk bling! Copper accents can add a touch of elegance and warmth to your red brick exterior. Think of it as jewelry for your home.

Copper can be incorporated through:

• Door handles: These are subtle but striking in their metallic color.
• Gutters: A sophisticated accent that will make your home stand out.
• Light Fixtures: Adds a soft glow at night to make visitors feel at home.

Remember the golden rule: Use it sparingly! A little copper goes a long way.

Siding: Creating the Backdrop

Think of your siding as the canvas upon which your red brick masterpiece is displayed. The right siding color can amplify the brick’s warmth or cool it down, depending on the vibe you’re going for. Harmonious choices? Think creamy whites, soft greiges, or earthy tans – these colors play nice with red brick’s natural tones and create a sense of cozy cohesion.

Want something with a little more oomph? Consider a contrasting color like a deep charcoal gray or even a muted blue-gray. Just be mindful of the brick’s undertones! A cool-toned gray will sing with brick that has cooler undertones, while a warmer gray complements brick with yellow or orange hints.

And let’s not forget the siding material itself! Options range from classic wood (hello, charm!) to durable vinyl and modern fiber cement. Each material has a slightly different texture and sheen, which can influence how the color appears.

Trim: Framing the Beauty

Trim is like the picture frame for your brick’s beauty, and the color choice is critical. A crisp white trim is a timeless option that instantly brightens and defines the architectural details of your home. It offers a clean contrast against the red brick, making it pop.

But don’t feel limited to white! Consider pulling a color from the brick itself for a more subtle, integrated look. A soft beige or tan trim can create a seamless transition and emphasize the brick’s texture. Or, for a bolder statement, try a darker trim color like charcoal or black to add drama and sophistication.

The width and style of your trim also play a role. Wider trim can handle a bolder color, while narrower trim might look best in a more understated hue. And don’t forget the architectural style of your home! A Victorian-era home calls for different trim styles and colors than a modern ranch.

Doors: Making a Statement

Your front door is the focal point of your home’s exterior, so why not make it a statement? A brightly colored door can inject personality and curb appeal in an instant.

If you prefer a neutral palette, consider a classic black door for a touch of elegance or a warm wood stain to complement the brick’s natural tones. But if you’re feeling adventurous, go bold! A sunny yellow, vibrant teal, or rich burgundy door can create a memorable entrance.

Just remember to consider the overall style of your home and the color of your brick. A modern home can pull off a bold, geometric door, while a traditional home might look best with a more classic design.

Roof: The Overarching Influence

The roof is a major player in your home’s overall color scheme, so it’s important to choose a color that harmonizes with your red brick. Fortunately, many roof colors work well with red brick, including charcoal gray, dark brown, and even some shades of green.

If you’re replacing your roof, consider the undertones of your brick and choose a roof color that complements them. Cool-toned brick pairs well with gray or black roofs, while warm-toned brick looks great with brown or earth-toned roofs.

But what if you’re stuck with an existing roof color that doesn’t quite match? Don’t despair! You can still create a cohesive look by carefully selecting colors for your siding, trim, and doors that tie the roof and brick together.

Shutters: Adding Character and Color

Shutters are a fantastic way to add character and color to your home’s façade. They can be used to emphasize the windows, add a pop of color, or create a sense of symmetry.

When choosing shutter colors, consider the style of your home and the color of your brick. Classic black or white shutters are always a safe bet, but don’t be afraid to experiment with other colors! A deep navy blue or forest green can create a sophisticated look, while a rustic red or burnt orange can complement the brick’s warmth.

Just be sure to choose a shutter style that suits your home’s architecture. Raised panel shutters are a timeless choice for traditional homes, while louvered shutters offer a more relaxed, casual vibe.

Porch: Welcoming Ambiance

Your porch is the first thing guests see when they arrive, so make it welcoming and inviting. A well-decorated porch can add curb appeal and create a relaxing outdoor space.

When choosing porch colors, consider the overall style of your home and the color of your brick. A bright white porch can create a fresh, airy feel, while a stained wood porch can complement the brick’s natural tones.

And don’t forget the porch furniture! Choose colors that complement your home’s exterior and create a comfortable, inviting space. Wicker furniture with colorful cushions is a classic choice, while metal furniture can add a modern touch.

And do not be afraid to add some plants and pots to the porch to give it life and a welcoming ambiance!

The Unseen Influence: Environmental Factors and Color Perception

Okay, so you’ve picked out what you think is the perfect shade of greige to go with your red brick. You’ve got the paint chips, you’ve obsessed over Pinterest boards, you’re ready to roll… Hold up! Before you commit, let’s talk about the sneaky ways your surroundings can totally mess with your color perception. It’s like that dress all over again, remember that blue and black – or was it gold and white? – nightmare? Color is relative, my friends, and your red brick exterior is no exception.

• Light: A Transforming Force

  • Chasing the Light: Why Colors Shift

  Ever noticed how your living room looks totally different at 8 AM than it does at 8 PM? That’s the power of natural light, folks! Sunlight changes throughout the day, affecting how we perceive colors. Direct sunlight can wash out colors, making them appear lighter and more intense. Overcast days, on the other hand, can mute colors, making them seem duller and cooler. The angle of the sun changes too, casting shadows and highlighting different aspects of your brick. It’s like a free, daily light show, but one that demands you pay attention when choosing your exterior color palette.

  • Test Drive Your Colors: A Light-Condition Experiment

  So, what’s a homeowner to do? Simple! Become a color detective. Don’t just look at your paint chips indoors under artificial light. Grab those samples and head outside! This is important: observe those colors at different times of the day – morning, noon, and evening. See how the sunlight transforms them. Paint a large sample area – at least a couple of feet square – to get a true feel for the color.

  • House Orientation: Facing the Facts

  Also, consider the orientation of your house. A south-facing house gets more direct sunlight throughout the day than a north-facing one. This means colors on a south-facing house will appear brighter and warmer. You might need to choose a slightly muted shade to compensate. Conversely, a north-facing house might benefit from warmer, brighter colors to liven things up.

  • Don’t forget Artificial light

  While it can be tricky, try and mock up with a strong flashlight or even using a construction light or equivalent. Observe those colors under that kind of strong light for a different point of view of how they look.

Unleash Your Inner Designer: How to Visualize Your Red Brick Dream Home and When to Call in the Pros

So, you’re armed with undertone knowledge and a color palette bursting with possibilities, but staring at a wall of paint chips still feels…daunting? Fear not, friend! This is where the magic of technology and the wisdom of experts come to the rescue. Let’s dive into the world of online visualization tools and figure out when it’s time to enlist a pro.

Digital Dreams: Playing with Online Visualization Tools

Imagine being able to paint your house a dozen different colors without lifting a brush (or spending a fortune on sample pots!). That’s the power of online visualization tools! These handy platforms let you upload a photo of your home and experiment with different siding, trim, and door colors to see how they look with your red brick before committing to a single shade. It’s like a virtual makeover for your curb appeal! Here are some popular options, each with its own strengths:

• Paint Brand Visualizers (Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, Behr): Many major paint brands offer their own visualizers, which are great for exploring their specific color collections. Upload a photo, mask off areas like siding and trim, and then start clicking through color options.

  • Strength: Access to real paint colors, easy integration with the brand’s paint ordering system.
  • Weakness: Limited to their color range.

• General Home Design Visualizers (e.g., CertainTeed ColorView): Some tools aren’t tied to specific paint brands and offer broader design features, like choosing roofing materials and landscaping elements.

  • Strength: More flexibility in exploring different materials and styles.
  • Weakness: Color accuracy can vary, not always linked to real-world paint colors.

• Apps (ColorSnap by Sherwin-Williams, Color Portfolio by Benjamin Moore): Great for a quick snapshot and color ideas. Some even let you “scan” a color in the real world and find its closest match in the brand’s collection.

  • Strength: Portability, quick color matching.
  • Weakness: May not be as detailed or accurate as desktop versions.

Color Confidence Crisis? Knowing When to Call a Pro

While visualization tools are amazing, they aren’t a substitute for the trained eye of a professional. Here are some signs it’s time to bring in the cavalry:

• Overwhelmed by Options: If you’ve spent hours playing with visualizers and still feel lost in a sea of color swatches, an exterior designer can help narrow down your choices and create a cohesive palette that fits your home’s style and your personal taste.
• Architectural Challenges: Got intricate trim details, unusual brick patterns, or other architectural features that make color selection tricky? An architect or designer can offer expert advice on highlighting those features with the right colors.
• Unsure About Undertones: Still struggling to nail down those tricky brick undertones? A color consultant can provide an objective assessment and help you choose colors that complement your brick, rather than clash with it.
• Major Renovation: Planning a complete exterior overhaul? Engaging a general contractor or architect early in the process can ensure that your color choices integrate seamlessly with the overall design.

Types of Professionals Who Can Help:

• Exterior Designer: Specializes in choosing color palettes and materials for home exteriors.
• Color Consultant: Offers expert advice on color theory and matching.
• Architect: Can help with overall design and structural considerations.
• General Contractor: Manages the entire renovation process, including color implementation.

Using online visualization tools can be fun to get ideas, but when you feel lost, hiring a professional for help can save you time, money, and, most importantly, the stress of repainting if you don’t like the initial color.

It’s All About You, Baby!

Okay, we’ve talked undertones, we’ve dissected color wheels, and maybe even given you a mild case of analysis paralysis. But let’s get real for a sec. This isn’t a science experiment; it’s about your home, your haven, and your happy place! All the advice in the world is just noise if it doesn’t resonate with your soul. So, take a deep breath, exhale all those should’s and shouldn’ts, and let’s tap into what you truly love.

Unleash Your Inner Designer

Forget what the neighbors are doing! Are you drawn to the cozy warmth of earthy tones? Do you crave the modern drama of black accents? Or maybe you dream of a cheerful cottage with a sky-blue door? This is your chance to let your personality shine! Scroll through Pinterest, tear pages out of magazines, and create a mood board that screams “YOU!” Don’t be afraid to mix and match, experiment with unexpected pairings, and break a few “rules.”

Love The Skin You’re In: Creating An Exterior You’ll Adore!

At the end of the day, your home should be a reflection of your unique style and taste. It is your kingdom! So, if you’re obsessed with bright orange and think it would look fantastic against your red brick, who are we to stop you? Embrace your quirks, celebrate your individuality, and create an exterior that makes you smile every time you pull into the driveway. Remember, it’s your house, and you’re the only one who needs to love it…although, let’s be honest, you’ll probably end up inspiring everyone else anyway!

So, there you have it! Whether you’re vibing with a modern monochrome look or craving a pop of playful colour, red brick is way more versatile than you might’ve thought. Have fun experimenting and making your space a true reflection of you!