Brown brick homes have a classic, timeless appeal that never seems to go out of style.
The rich, earthy hue gives a sense of strength, stability and permanence to a home’s exterior.
While brown brick exteriors look gorgeous on their own, sometimes a makeover is in order to give a new look to an old home.
With some creativity, strategic landscaping choices and the right accents, you can transform the exterior of a brown brick house into something stunning.
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Soften it Up with White Trim
One easy way to warm up the look of a brown brick exterior is by adding crisp, clean white trim accents.
White window boxes, shutters and door trims create a striking contrast against the brick backdrop.
Painting the front door a glossy white provides another pop of brightness.
White trim also lends a cottage feel to brown brick homes.
Boxwood shrubs and flower planters overflowing with colorful blooms enhance the storybook charm.
For a polished look, opt for black window boxes and a black front door rather than white.
Crisp black against the brick has a stately, sophisticated effect.
Wreaths on the windows and door give a final welcoming touch.
Keep them seasonal by changing them out for spring, summer, fall and winter motifs.
The possibilities are endless when you decorate a brown brick exterior with vivid white trims.
A simple coat of bright paint is such an easy way to give new life to a home’s façade.
Climbing Greenery for Organic Appeal
Want to give your brown brick house a living facade?
Strategically placed greenery is the perfect solution.
Plants instantly lend color, softness and organic appeal to an exterior.
Turn any blank brown brick wall or fence into a vertical garden.
English ivy is one of the most popular choices for cladding brick in green.
It’s low maintenance, hardy and attaches itself to surfaces with ease via holdfasts.
The pointed leaves and trailing stems create a romantic, Old World look.
Other climbing plant options include jasmine, clematis, trumpet vine and climbing roses.
You can also install wooden trellises, wires or other structures and train climbing plants up them.
Position trellises over arbors, doors, gates, patios and anywhere you want to invite green growth.
This adds height and dimension while screening less attractive features.
Focus the greenery around entryways to create an inviting first impression.
Your brown brick home will feel alive and lush when cloaked in natural growing things.
Stunning Wood Accents
Another way to personalize a brown brick exterior is by adding visual interest with wood accents.
This material pairs perfectly with brick for a warm, earthy, natural aesthetic.
One simple idea is to install board and batten shutters in a rich wood tone like walnut or ebony.
Wooden window box planters also pop against the brick backdrop.
For a dramatic look, consider cladding the front of your home in vertical wood siding or shingles.
Complementary colors like tan, brown and terra cotta amplify the brick even more.
Extend wood beams from the roofline to the ground for stylish columns flanking the front entry.
A large wooden pergola over the front walkway makes a stunning statement.
Paint your front door a vibrant shade like red, yellow or turquoise so it really stands out against the wood and brick.
Sculptural wood elements like corbels, brackets and trim add ornate architectural details.
With endless options for infusing wood accents onto your brown brick exterior, you can give your home a modern, rustic or farmhouse twist.
Dramatic Black Accents
Black is the new black when it comes to exterior accents!
This deep, saturated shade is the perfect pairing for brown brick.
Black creates crisp contrast and gives off modern, slightly edgy vibes.
Front doors, windows, trim, railings and metal accents all pop dramatically against the brick when painted or stained black.
Install chunky timber columns at your entryway and stain them an ebony hue for an eye-catching effect.
Black window boxes overflowing with bright pink flowers make the rich shade feel playful instead of somber.
For contemporary flair, paint your garage door black and fit it with bold black hardware.
Black landscaping elements also add impact.
Pea gravel walkways, edging stones and boulders punctuate plantings with dark texture.
Wrought iron or steel fencing and gates in black lend an architectural elegance.
If your home has a backyard patio, extend the drama with black pavers, furniture and finishes.
With the right black accents, you can transform a plain brown brick exterior into something straight out of a modern design magazine.
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Fabulous Focal Points
Every home exterior needs a focal point – that special feature that immediately draws the eye.
Focal points are the perfect way to spice up a brown brick facade.
Prime locations include above the front door, centrally above the garage and at the end of the walkway.
Popular choices include round, oval or rectangular decorative window pediments.
Surround them with extra trim details and crown molding for added flair.
For a more organtic look, an artfully designed patio trellis makes another gorgeous focal point, especially when paired with a vine-covered pergola.
Masonry arches over doors and windows also direct attention while adding dimension.
Decorative dormer windows pop against the roofline.
Finish your focal point with a fresh coat of lively paint, glossy tiles or ornate ironwork accents.
The options for eye-catching focal points are limitless.
Choose features that reflect your personal style so your brown brick exterior can’t be missed.
They are architectural jewelry!
Chic and Modern Metal
For a contemporary edge, metal accents lend cool contrast to warm, earthy brown brick.
Sleek stainless steel, chrome and anodized aluminum are especially striking finishes.
Start by upgrading your exterior lighting fixtures.
Sconces by the front door, pathway lanterns and spotlights give a modern glow after dark.
Edge the roofline with a metal flashing band that doubles as decoration.
Iron railings along staircases and balconies make a chic style statement.
For an industrial vibe, try corrugated metal siding on certain accent walls or above the garage.
Metal planters, screens, gates, address numbers and hardware infuse more metallic touches.
Don’t be afraid to mix metals either.
For example, pair brushed nickel door handles with oil-rubbed bronze planters.
The sheen and luster of metal against the matte brick exterior adds gorgeous visual texture.
Go bold with metal and your home will mesmerize.
Neutral Tones for Subtle Sophistication
You don’t need jarring colors and textures to upgrade a brown brick exterior.
Simple neutral tones can also create magic.
Soft greys, warm taupes, sandy beiges, creamy whites and other muted hues lend a subtle yet sophisticated flair.
Crisp white trim remained a popular accent against brown brick for good reason – it just looks so fresh and clean.
Pair white accents with light grey or beige siding or paint for a harmonious monochromatic color scheme.
Contrast the brick with lighter mortar for a blended look.
Natural stone and wood finishes also complement brown brick’s organic nature.
Accent walls with stacked ledgestone or timbers for an earthy style statement.
Paint the front door and shutters a warm sage green that plays up the brick’s reddish tones.
Like a quiet storm, the power of neutral colors comes from their understated elegance.
Rustic Farmhouse Charm
Give your brown brick house a rustic farmhouse makeover with the right exterior accents.
Start by wrapping exposed posts, pillars and trim in cedar or redwood.
The unstained, natural wood has a rural, country vibe.
Paint the front door red for an extra punch of color.
Add shutters made from reclaimed barn wood.
Galvanized steel planters and a wheelbarrow overflowing with flowers look like they came straight from the garden.
Cast iron lanterns and a paddock fence evoke pastoral charm.
Sections of white-painted clapboard siding contrast nicely with the brick and wooded areas.
And a front porch swing is the perfect place to enjoy your newly transformed rustic-chic exterior.
Let your brown brick home channel the welcoming spirit of a country farmhouse.
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Stucco for Spanish Style
Stucco is another excellent pairing with brown brick that smooths and softens the exterior facade.
This plaster siding has an Old World, Mediterranean feel that transforms the style completely.
Whitewash the brick first using a watered-down white paint mixture.
This gives the surface an aged, sun-bleached look.
Next, apply neutral toned stucco over other siding materials or directly onto the brick.
The chalky texture blends seamlessly.
Accent the home’s angles and edges with hand-carved stone or tile for an authentic Spanish flair.
Wrought iron railings and sculptural wood door surrounds boost the curb appeal.
For the finishing touch, edge the yard with a classic Mission-style archway leading to the front door.
The combination of stucco, wrought iron, brick and stone makes any home radiate European elegance.
Your neighbors may think you just moved in straight from the Tuscan countryside!
Smart Landscaping Strategies
Even without changing anything on the actual structure, strategic landscaping goes a long way towards transforming a brown brick exterior.
Lush greenery, flowers and other nature elements enhance brick’s organic qualities.
Plant climbing vines directly into the ground near any blank walls or fences so they scale upwards naturally.
Bougainvillea, jasmine and passionflower bloom in a riot of hot pinks, reds and purples contrasting with the brick beautifully.
Espalier fruit trees against walls add living art.
Trees, shrubs and garden beds soften harsh lines and create a seamless indoor-outdoor transition.
Carefully placed landscaping minimizes any dull spots and brings out the best in your brown brick exterior.
Awesome Awnings
Awnings are back in style and better than ever thanks to modern materials like weather-resistant acrylic fabrics.
They add great shade while making a serious style statement.
Vibrant solid colors or fun patterns instantly catch the eye against a brick wall.
They help define entryways and highlight special architectural elements like windows, patios and garage doors.
Retractable awnings allow you to control when you want shade.
Curved awning styles lend a graceful, elegant shape.
Rounded aluminum awnings have a sleek, retro flair.
For a romantic look, try cafe-style awnings that create cozy, covered outdoor dining spaces.
With so many colors, patterns and styles available, awnings give your brown brick home a fun twist.
Gorgeous Stonework Accents
Natural stone makes an incredible accent material for enhancing brown brick exteriors.
The organic textures and earthy hues complement brick’s inherent properties beautifully.
Stone conveys a sense of permanence, luxury and timeless elegance.
One simple way to incorporate stone is by adding a stone veneer facade over your existing brown brick walls.
Manufactured faux stone sheets provide an affordable and easy installation.
Dry stack ledgestone veneers create a rustic charm while sandstone and limestone veneers exude refined sophistication.
For special impact, construct structural outdoor living spaces like patios, columns and fireplaces using natural stone.
Bluestone, flagstone and travertine all withstand the elements while adding rich color and texture.
Extend your home’s interior style outside by coordinating your stone selections indoors and out.
Hand-laid stone walkways lined with pebbles or gravel make a striking entry path to your front door.
Inviting front porches and stoops paved in stonebeckon visitors inside.
Stone planters overflowing with flowers add artistic flair.
Enhance the angles of your home with quoins made from cut wedge-shaped blocks.
Subtle hues like tan, grey and brown stone types blend seamlessly with the brick facade.
Bolder choices like emerald greens, rich golds and inky black minerals pop dramatically.
The stunning veins, swirls and natural variations of stone give your home lasting visual appeal.
Incorporate stone accents anywhere you want to punctuate the brown brick walls with texture and color.
Fireplaces and chimneys clad in stone make an especially powerful statement.
For neat contrast, add bright white trim around the stones.
If your aim is to elevate your home’s exterior to new heights of beauty, get creative with stonework accents.
When installing stone, be sure to work with qualified masons and reference structural engineering plans.
While natural stone does require more upfront investment, it will last indefinitely while increasing your home’s value.
The timeless, opulent quality stone adds to any brick house makes the extra effort well worthwhile.
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Window Upgrades for Curb Appeal
One of the easiest ways to update your brown brick exterior is to swap out tired old windows for new, upgraded ones.
They’ll improve energy efficiency while making your home shine.
Choose frame colors and finishes that pop against the brick rather than blend in.
White frames lend a crisp, clean look and never go out of style.
Black frame windows add modern drama and sophistication.
For a natural vibe, select wood-finished frames that match exterior accents.
Mix and match colors for an eclectic twist.
Change up the style too – casement windows provide character while picture windows drench interiors with light.
Grids add extra visual interest.
Surround special windows with architectural moldings or trim to highlight them as focal points.
New windows have an instantly transformative effect on brown brick facades.
Brown brick homes boast timeless character and charm.
But even classics need an update now and then.
With strategic color accents, landscaping, finishes and focal points, you can give your brown brick exterior a whole new look.
Follow your personal style and get creative with these exterior makeover ideas.
Play with crisp white and black accents, infuse warm natural wood tones, try eye-catching stucco textures or make a scene with vibrant awnings.
Your brown brick house will reveal glorious new dimensions.
Soon you’ll have the most stunning home on the block!
