Our Designer-Approved Color Pairings for Red Brick Homes

The quintessential beauty of red brick homes evokes feelings of comfort, stability and charm. With their rustic texture and enduring color, red bricks embody timeless aesthetic appeal. But while the brick itself makes a dramatic statement, the hues you choose for exterior details like trim, accents and doors are equally impactful. Complementing the brick just right conveys a polished, pulled-together look that instantly amplifies curb appeal.

Yet deciding on paint colors that work harmoniously with red brick exteriors often leaves homeowners second-guessing their choices. How do you pick shades that align with the brick's rich personality without competing with it? We'll decode the most fail-proof designer-vetted color combinations that allow your home's handsome red brick to take center stage while trim and accents play the perfect supporting role.

Explain Appeal of Red Brick

From stately historical buildings to charming bungalows, red brick facades boast an iconic, alluring aesthetic. The clearly defined edges and depths created by red brick's unique patterning add delightful visual texture and definition. This makes an ideal canvas to layer colors that draw the eye to special details or important architectural features.

Crisp white trims make moldings, window frames and decorative elements pop against russet red hues. Few colors achieve the level of contrast and sophistication that this classic pairing accomplishes. Meanwhile, strategic black accents - whether on window sash, railings or doors - grounds the red brick while allowing other colors to shine. Simply put, red brick sings when coupled with both timeless black and bright white.

Visual Interest and Personality

While the red brick itself makes a strong first impression, accent colors determine how contemporary, traditional, formal or casual the entire aesthetic comes across. A cool-toned gray lends the home a more modern edge, for example, while a warm ivory trim imparts quintessential cottage vibes. Whether playing up the architecture's era with fitting accent hues or giving a traditional home a stylish reboot, paint choices influence overall personality.

Complement vs Contrast

Some designers prefer accent colors in the same color family that blend with red brick's inherent warmth. Creamy buff, brown, terracotta and brick reds are proven go-tos. Others opt for hues that contrast the intensity of the red brick while aligning with its color temperature. Gray-beiges, warm grays and taupes offer sophistication. There's no singular right answer - both approaches skillfully executed make red brick the focal point.

Most Popular Designer Color Combinations

Ready to reveal the designer-curated color pairings that never disappoint? Below we outline painting ideas that manage to be simultaneously timeless yet fresh. You'll find inspiration whether your end goal is showcasing architectural elements or modernizing traditional red brick charm.

Creamy White Trim, Black Accents

It doesn't get more classic than white trim against ruddy red bricks. The crisp, bright white allows dimensional details like crown moldings, window panes and column edges to shine. Black accents (think window sash, decorative railings or front doors) grounds the look with just enough contrast without competing against the starring red brick.

This elegantly straightforward combo maintains its staying power for good reason. The red brick warmth remains the focus while white trim and black accents never feel overpowering. Eye-catching yet retaining the brick beauty, it's easy to see why this scheme withstands trend turnover.

Warm Gray and Greige Trim and Accents

For homeowners seeking a scheme that celebrates red brick's richness without stark contrast, warm-hued grays and greiges (mix of gray and beige) get the job done gorgeously. Handpicked by designers for red brick homes, these sophisticated neutrals include pewter gray, charcoal, oyster gray, fawn and almond.

Greiges and warm grays seamlessly bridge the red brick tones with a lighter yet harmonious effect. Trims, window treatments, front doors and shutters share the stage with red brick instead of competing against it. The finishing touch? Black or dark bronze metal accents to truly make all the elements shine.

Crisp White, Navy Blue and Red Doors

Crisp clean white set against rich red is a color scheme etched into schoolhouse history. Yet swapping classic black accents for navy blue proves an unexpected yet fashionable twist. Accented by a cherry red front door, this fresh take on a vintage pairing never ceases to impress.

White window boxes overflowing with colorful blooms, navy shutters and a poppy red door color make old-fashioned red brick snap with personality. Modern yet flexible enough for traditional homes, this scheme wins hearts and home style points.

Black Trim and Shutters, Bright Front Doors

Nothing grounds enduring red bricks with quite as much worldly sophistication as matte black trims and accents. Yet while black establishes itself as the ultimate neutral, a bright front door steals the spotlight. Vibrant tones like coral, yellow, teal or navy splash a dramatic welcome mat.

Dark black window trim, gutters, railings and shutters balance the red brick's rich color excellently. Then comes the joyful front door hue that adds modern flair with a single stroke. This go-to combo excels at keeping red brick stately yet fresh at once.

Considerations Before Choosing Scheme

With so many pleasing designer schemes to pick from, deciding on the one still requires thoughtfulness. Before grabbing those paint color swatches, factor in the following considerations first.

Architectural Style and Features

A red brick Tudor overflowing with CHARACTER deserves accent colors conveying its storied past. So traditional cream trim and not modern gray makes sense. By contrast, a sleek contemporary home highlights clean lines best with hues emphasizing that simplicity. Ensure accent colors align with architectural details before moving forward.

Also assess specific elements - like striking angles, bay windows or entryway arches - and choose accents showing them off. If window treatments frame an arched doorway, ensure the color catches the eye. Let accent shades spotlight great features.

Personal Style and Preference

Incorporating existing interior colors into exterior accents conveys cohesion with minimal effort. Navy blue exterior touches align nicely if it's also inside. Or bring exterior gray hues indoors by painting select walls the chosen shade. Harmonious colors inside and out blur the line between rooms and architecture.

Most importantly, choose a color combination resonating most with your aesthetic vision for the home. Adore cheerful brightness? Yellow door it is. Dreaming of English countryside vibes? Rose red shutters may seal the deal. Allow personal sensibilities about the home to guide this impactful decision.

The enduring good looks of quintessential red brick homes position them as ideal backdrops. With so many exquisite designer-preferred color combinations, homeowners are spoiled for choice. Yet no matter which palette you ultimately select, choose hues conveying intention. Let colors purposefully showcase architectural strengths while complementing - not competing with - handsome red brick's starring role. With a thoughtful approach, your home's curb appeal promises to stop traffic and turn heads instantly.