Find Your Red Brick House's Perfect Exterior Color Scheme In 5 Simple Steps

Is your red brick house looking a little lackluster? Choosing the right exterior paint colors can breathe new life into your home's facade. But with so many options to consider, it can be tricky to settle on a color palette that enhances your existing red brick.

Don't worry - we're here to walk you through the process step-by-step. Follow our tips below to find your home's ideal exterior color scheme and give your red brick house the makeover it deserves!

Step 1: Evaluate Your Existing Red Brick Color and Tone

Before jumping into choosing new paint colors, take some time to really look at and assess the red brick you're working with. All red bricks have subtle variations in shade, intensity, and undertones. Carefully analyzing your brick will ensure you select colors that work in harmony with it.

Here are some things to look for:

Check the Exact Shade of Red

Is your brick more of a deep ox blood red? Or does it have orangey terra cotta tones? Identify where your brick falls on the red color spectrum. A vibrant, rich red brick will need different coordinating colors than a faded rusty red brick.

Test for Warm, Cool, or Neutral Undertones

Red brick can lean warm with yellow or orange undertones, cool with blue or purple undertones, or neutral. Hold a white piece of paper next to the brick. Does it make the paper look yellowish or bluish? This will reveal the undertones.

Determine Intensity - Rich or Muted?

Some red brick has a bold, saturated look while others are more subdued. Check if your brick skews muted and dusty or rich and vibrant. A muted red brick can handle bolder accent colors than a neon bright red brick.

Once you've assessed these factors, you'll have the info you need to select your color palette.

Step 2: Select a Color Palette That Complements Your Red Brick

With your red brick evaluation complete, it's time to explore paint color palette options. Here are some of the most popular schemes that tend to work well:

Monochromatic Palette

Sticking to different shades of red along with black or white accents is a timeless, classic choice. Try a deeper wine red on the siding with cherry red doors for a sophisticated look.

Neutral Color Palette

For a more subtle, elegant vibe, neutrals like warm greys, light blues and taupes pair beautifully with red brick. Go for a warm greige body color with crisp white trim.

Bold Brights Palette

Make a vibrant statement by complementing your red brick with saturated hues like emerald, gold or navy. Bright yellow doors could lend a cheery pop of color.

Soft Pastels Palette

Muted powder blue, lavender and sage green are soothing options that blend nicely with red brick. Try a dusty blue-grey exterior with robin's egg blue doors.

Choose a palette that fits your home's architectural style and your own personal taste. For a traditional look, neutrals are a safe bet, while contemporary homes can handle bold brights. The options are endless!

Step 3: Pick Your Main Siding or Body Color

After deciding on an overall color scheme, the next step is selecting the main siding or body color for your home's exterior. This will take up the most surface area, so it's important to choose a hue that flatters the existing red brick.

Warm Neutral Siding Colors

Earthy beige, greige, taupe and warm grey colors tend to complement red brick beautifully. They create a cohesive, integrated look. Greige offers a sophisticated neutral that isn't too yellow or grey.

Cool Neutral Siding Colors

Light grey and blue-grey shades also pair well with red brick, giving a more contrasting look. The cooler tones create a nice balance against the warmth of the brick. Going a few shades lighter or darker than your brick prevents clashing.

Neutrals are a safe first choice, but don't be afraid to get creative! Green, yellow, blue and even black sidings can work well if they share undertones with your red brick. Just be sure to test them first.

Step 4: Choose Accent Trim and Door Colors

Your main siding color will set the overall tone, but the accent trim and doors give you a chance to add personality. Here are some ideas:

Black or White Trim

For most red brick homes, classic black or white trims frame the exterior beautifully. The high contrast makes details pop.

Pick a Door Color That Packs a Punch

Paint your front door a bold complementary hue like navy, marigold yellow or bright red for an eye-catching contrast against the brick and siding.

Creative Accent Combos

Get creative with trim and accent colors that play off the tones in your brick. Try lighter yellow shutters with a tan exterior or emerald green accents with a charcoal grey siding.

Just be sure accent colors are balanced and coordinated. Limit yourself to 2-3 accent colors for a cohesive look.

Step 5: Use Sample Boards to Test Colors

Settling on colors for your red brick home exterior means taking some key steps to confirm you've made the right choice:

Create Color Sample Boards

Paint small swatches of your top color contenders onto boards. Move the boards around your home and view at different times of day. This gives you a preview before committing to a full paint job.

Paint Test Sections on Home Exterior

For the most accurate representation, paint a 3x3 section of each potential color directly on your home's exterior brick and siding. Live with the tester sections for a few days.

Observe Colors at Different Times and Lighting

Colors look different in morning sunlight vs evening twilight. Observe your paint samples throughout the day and night to ensure the color looks great at all times.

Taking this test drive ensures you select the right exterior color scheme for your red brick house.

Finding the ideal exterior color palette for your red brick home involves assessing your existing brick, choosing a coordinated scheme, selecting main and accent colors, and testing samples. While the process takes some time and consideration, the payoff is well worth it.

Following the steps above will help you transform your red brick house and boost its curb appeal. Breathe new life into your home's facade with an exterior makeover designed specifically for your red brick's unique shade, intensity and undertones.

The right color scheme will make your red brick house look better. So grab those paint swatches and get ready to find exterior colors that showcase your home's charming red brick to perfection.