Amp Up Your Red Brick Home With Striking, Complementary Paint Colors
Is your red brick home looking a little dull? Bring new life to your exterior with the magic of color theory and complementary paint colors. Vibrant hues paired cleverly with red brick create curb appeal that captivates.
Using principles of color and a keen eye for style, you can craft a red brick home exterior that excites and delights.
How Color Theory Helps Select Complementary Paint Colors
Understanding color theory is key when choosing paint colors for a red brick home. According to the traditional color wheel, complementary colors are those opposite each other. For example, red and green or blue and orange.
When complementary hues are paired, they create maximum contrast and vibrancy. The eye is drawn to the interplay between the bold colors. This high-impact effect looks striking against a red brick background.
Classic complementary color combinations like navy blue with red brick or a green door on a red brick house use this principle to dramatic effect.
Factors to Consider With Red Brick and Paint
While color theory lays the foundation, there are other factors at play when selecting paint colors for a red brick exterior.
Warm vs Cool Undertones
The undertone of your home's red bricks--whether they skew warm, neutral or cool--impacts what colors complement them best. Warm, orangey brick pops against cooler paint shades, while purple-red brick pairs well with dusty tones.
Surrounding Environment
Look at neighboring homes and landscaping to choose exterior paint colors that coordinate. Aim for a unified, cohesive look in your area versus clashing with the aesthetics around you.
Architectural Style
Traditional homes often suit softer, muted paint hues that blend with classic brickwork. Meanwhile, modern brick homes can handle bold, dramatic color choices like neon green that play up a sleek style.
Test Paint Colors
Test out sample swatches of your top paint color contenders before fully committing. Look at the colors at different times of day to see how lighting affects them against your brickwork.
Best Paint Color Options for Red Brick
Now that we've covered the basics, let's explore specific shades that look stunning on red brick homes.
Neutral Tones
For a subtle, seamless look, stick with neutral paint colors echoing tones found in the red brick itself.
- Beige like Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige blends in beautifully.
- Go for grays like Benjamin Moore Gray Owl that pop next to red.
- Clean brights like white provide contrast without overpowering the brick facade.
Neutrals provide a unified, natural color scheme that allows the gorgeous texture and shape of brickwork to shine.
Vibrant Hues
Feeling bold? Deeply saturated paint colors make a dramatic statement alongside red brick. For maximum vibrancy, use them sparingly on front doors, window shutters or other accents.
- Navy blue evokes classic Americana scheme.
- Forest greens speak to natural elegance against brick.
- Burgundy ties in red tones for a monochromatic look.
Complementary Pairs
Complementary paint colors are guaranteed stunners with red brick. The high-contrast pairings attract the eye through their dynamic interplay.
- Green and red are a traditional combo.
- For contemporary pop, orange is a funky blue's ideal partner.
Just don't overdo it! Use even amounts of complements sparingly so things don't get visually jarring.
Painting Tips and Tricks
Proper prep and application ensures your paint not only looks gorgeous, but lasts.
- Clean brickwork thoroughly before priming.
- Use high-quality primer suited for masonry.
- Opt for satin or semi-gloss finishes to showcase brick texture.
- Apply with brush for crisp edges; use small roller for large sections.
- Allow paint to cure fully (30 days) before judging final color.
- Mask off roof, plants and other areas to protect from drips.
You can change the look of your red brick home with some color theory basics and smart color choices. Carefully chosen complementary paint colors bring vibrancy to your exterior in a sophisticated way. Get ready to fell in love with your home all over again each time you pull in the driveway!