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Paint the brick and color combo? Please help

last year

Has anyone painted brick? If so what colors are good to use? I am so over browns? Or are we stuck?

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Jilly

last year

last modified: last year

I think if posting pictures of painted brick (or limewashed), maybe houses more like the OP’s can be found …. rather than big, grand, stately two-story homes that were most likely done under the guidance of a professional(s). Or worse, and I know they’re coming, Brick and Batten Frankenhouses — digital renderings complete with the 2020’s mixed version of MCM and Modern Farmhouse elements.

A one story with no gables in a dusty pasture setting with no shade trees is certainly going to look different painted white than the above houses, as well as age differently.

I’m guessing the OP is in west Texas, Oklahoma, or other similar geographical area. The harsh conditions, red dirt, and (possible) well water are not always a great combo with white/whitewashed brick … as well as might look very stark in the intense, blinding sun. It’s not organic and natural with color variations like say, white Austin stone.

It’s a change that cannot be undone, I’m just advising to think very hard on it before making such a decision, and if possible, seek out people in your area who have done it. Your house is nice, and the brick and stone very practical for your setting, with zero upkeep. At least try other changes first.

ETA: You have the stone to think about, too. It would look awful and cheap to paint both the brick and stone another color. So if not white/off-white, you’ll have to find a color to coordinate with the very brown stone.

Can you post a closer picture of the brick? It’ll help regarding trim color suggestions.

(Source: https://melissagrieveinteriors.com/blog/2021/5/25/3-ways-classic-exterior-paint-colour-combinations)

Do a search of trim colors for brown brick for lots of other ideas. When looking, just keep in mind your white windows.

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Comments (9)

Jilly
last year
last modified: last year
You have a team roper in the family? :)

I’m very anti-painting brick except in extremely ugly brick cases, I don’t think yours is. It’s got nice color variations.

I’d remove shutters, paint trim and garage door, paint the front door a nice color, get larger lights on garage, stain the wood patio columns, and most of all, landscape. This house just needs some love. Plant some trees, welcoming flower beds, shrubs, paths, benches, etc to soften things up and create a more inviting entry.

The back patio could be rearranged for more seating by relocating the barbecue grill. Add colorful potted plants and other decor, and doing some other landscaping.
HU-975381225 thanked Jilly
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
last year
IMO painting brick is the fastest way to devalue your home . Take apic of the brick close up I am pretty sure there are grays in there .Then see aht comes here. BTW take the shutters off they do not belong there . Yes I agree a different colr than brown but what will really bring beauty to that home will be lanscaping for sure .
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Brick and stone combinations in the way your proposing to use them are not favored in this forum. Brick and stone can and have been successfully used together for centuries. The main structure is brick. The stone is used as accents for keystones, window ledges, and other trim work around windows and doors. That is a classic, in my opinion, look for houses. Often those classic structures use a red or dark brick. If you did the bump outs alone on this house, you would end up with what I call the zebra stripe look. It's never pretty. If you feel you must use some stone, use it on the two end wings of the house. (This is probably the garage and the opposite end) or just the center porch section of the house.
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Susan Tiritilli
last year
I personally like painted brick. I would go with a creamy white.
PRO
Susan Tiritilli
last year
Here are some examples.
PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
last year
I don't think I'd paint the brick in this case. Your lot could really use some significant landscaping.
PRO
Sabrina Alfin Interiors
last year
Leave the brick alone and paint the trim and doors a different color with more contrast. Sage green always looks great with red brick and will also work with your roof.. I agree with Beverly re: the landscaping. That will do a lot for your curb appeal.

Siding · More Info
nickel_kg
last year
I can understand simply wanting a change, especially if you see a mass of color you're already tired of each time you come home. It looks like the stone/brick cladding is only on the front? I'd paint the garage door and siding (on sides and back of house) first, before touching the brick. It might be enough of a change. I'd use a medium to light sage green. Or a pale yellow if you are feeling extroverted :-) Trim could be creamy white.

Plus some casual xeriscaping, and solar panels if they fit.
Susie .
last year
I think your brick is too nice to paint. I have painted brown brick before but it was a really ugly brown. Change up your trim - the taupe garage door isn't doing you any favors. This is SW Iron Ore (more of a black brown, so seems a little neutral). I would take off the shutters also - they aren't helping the house and you can fill in space around the windows with some plants.

Landscaping would help more than all over paint. You don't have to have a lawn to have a nice yard - put in some mulch beds with native plants that don't require a lot of water.

This is SW Rosemary - the green tends to bring out some of the pink in the bricks. You may like it better, though.

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