Combine Brick and Stone Exteriors with Complementary Colors
When designing a home's exterior, one of the most impactful decisions is choosing the materials for the facade. Brick and stone are classic siding options that pair beautifully when done thoughtfully. By selecting brick and stone in complementary colors, you can create stunning visual interest, depth, and texture.
But color coordinating brick and stone requires careful consideration to get it just right. You want colors that work together without blending into one indistinguishable material. The key is finding the ideal balance of contrast without clashing. With some tips and techniques, you can confidently mix and match brick and stone exteriors for a cohesive yet dynamic look.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Brick and Stone
Before delving into color selection, there are several factors that influence the suitability and appearance of different brick and stone types. Keep these things in mind when making material decisions for your home.
Climate and Orientation
The climate and sun exposure in your location impacts the durability of building materials. In hot, dry regions, bricks with lower porosity hold up better. More moisture-prone climates require bricks and stones that resist efflorescence and mildew. A southern facade deals with more intense UV rays, so lighter finishes avoid heat retention.
Architectural Style
Your home's architectural style should guide your materials selection. For example, traditional designs look best with classic bricks and fieldstones while contemporary architectures call for sleeker stacked stones or limestone cuts. Choose materials that enhance the intended aesthetic.
Scale and Texture
Mixing the size and texture of brick and stone adds visual interest. Combing smooth bricks with rough, irregular stones creates appealing contrast. But be mindful of overall scale - smaller bricks pair better with slimmer ledgestone cuts rather than bulky fieldstone.
Durability and Maintenance
Consider the wear and tear certain materials will endure in your setting. Softer limestones show more signs of weathering over time than hardy granites. Porous bricks require more sealing to prevent water damage. Opt for durable choices that won't involve frequent repairs or replacements.
Surrounding Environment
The palette of the landscape around your home can help guide color selection. Complementary tones blend better with natural hues while high-contrast pops draw more attention. Also look at neighborhood homes - choosing similar shades helps your design fit in.
Lighting Conditions
Notice how brick and stone samples appear in different lighting. Warm morning sun can bring out different undertones compared to the cool shade of a covered entryway. Shadows also impact color perception. This helps prevent surprises after installation.
Selecting Complementary Brick and Stone Colors
With all the factors weighed, now the fun begins - finding the perfect color combination! Here are some tips for choosing brick and stone hues that complement each other beautifully.
Avoid Matching Colors
It may seem counterintuitive, but matching brick and stone colors often looks monotonous. When the materials blend too seamlessly, the texture differences become less defined. Instead, aim for colors that are complementary but still contrast enough to see each material's unique characteristics.
Look to the Brick for Guidance
Let the prevalent brick color be your guide for choosing a complementary stone. Brick is often the larger of the two surfaces, so select a stone hue that accents it. Lighter stones make the brick pop. Try to pick out a color within multitoned bricks to match.
Consider Color Harmony Principles
Borrow from color theory for combinations that inherently work:
- Complementary colors like red brick and greenstone provide striking contrast
- Analogous hues like brick in similar shades of orange and rust
- Monochromatic using all warm, neutral tones
Look at Color Ranges
Many bricks flaunt more than one shade, so choose a stone that incorporates that color range. Variegated stones blend nicely with bricks in natural, blended hues. If your brick has hints of gray, bring in a gray-tinged stone.
Factor in Mortar Color
Don't overlook the impact of mortar on the palette. Natural gray mortar allows the brick and stone colors to shine. Bright white mortar competes with the materials. Match mortar color to the overall design.
Stylistic Considerations for Combinations
In addition to color, the style and finish of the brick and stone impact the overall aesthetic. Tailor material choices to the architectural details.
Material Style for Traditional Homes
Traditional homes look best with classic, textured materials like chopped fieldstone, river rock, or tumbled brick. Avoid contemporary thin veneers or stacked stone that fights the style.
Modern and Contemporary Designs
Clean lines call for precision-cut, sleek materials. Stacked ledger panels, sliced limestone, and smooth bricks reinforce modern simplicity. Rustic choices look out of place.
Creating Stylistic Interest
Complementary styles can build interest. Pairing contemporary materials with old Chicago brick adds contrast. Or use a sleek stone wainscoting on a cozy cottage facade. Get creative mixing styles.
Techniques for Combining Brick and Stone
Now that you've settled on coordinating materials, how do you seamlessly interplay them? Use these design strategies for a cohesive look.
Transition Areas
Guide the eye from brick to stone by framing transition areas with the secondary material. Stone columns, window boxes, and arches integrated into brick facades create an elegant shift between the two.
Focal Points
Strategically highlight the accent stone to make it "pop" against the brick backdrop. Use stone on chimneys, signage walls, and wrap-around porch bases as eye-catching focal points.
Mixing Stone Types
Don't be afraid to incorporate different stone types and sizes together for textural intrigue. Pair minimalist ledger panels with chunky fieldstone, for example. Just keep colors cohesive.
Creative Layouts and Patterns
Alternating horizontal bands, checkerboard designs, or diagonal penny tile patterns add modern flair. Vertical stack stone contrasts contemporary veneer bricks. Get creative with shape and placement.
Designing a complementary brick and stone exterior requires careful selection of materials and colors. But with the right balance of texture, style, and color contrast, you can achieve a truly stunning, cohesive look.Your home deserves an exterior as unique as you are. Thoughtfully combined brick and stone allows you to create a custom facade that seamlessly flows while adding artistic flair. Let the creative possibilities inspire your own beautiful home.