23 Red Brick House Exterior Ideas

There’s something timeless about a red brick house. Like a worn leather journal filled with stories, it carries charm, character, and quiet resilience. Whether you’re working with a stately colonial or a snug cottage, red brick is a material that wears its history well—and gives your home a warm, grounded look that never goes out of style.

But how do you breathe fresh life into a classic? That’s where these 23 red brick house exterior ideas come in—smart, creative ways to accentuate, complement, or completely transform your brick home’s facade while still honoring its legacy.

1. Black Trim for a Bold Frame

Pairing black trim with red brick is like putting a fine frame around a masterpiece. It sharpens the edges and adds definition. Think window casings, doors, and even gutters in jet black. This combo works especially well on modernized brick homes where you want to highlight geometric lines without losing warmth.

2. White Accents for a Crisp Contrast

If black is dramatic, white trim and accents are its clean-cut sibling. There’s something refreshing about red brick framed with crisp white. It’s a look that says classic, but never boring. Bonus tip? Use a white portico or white window shutters to complete the look—like lace on a well-tailored suit.

3. Deep Green Doors and Shutters

A deep forest green is the unsung hero of red brick exteriors. It’s like the earthy, mossy whisper of an old English manor. Adding green shutters or a green front door invites a touch of nature into the equation. It’s subtle but stunning, especially with lots of surrounding trees or hedges.

4. Natural Wood Accents

Wood and brick are a match made in rustic heaven. Incorporate wooden beams, cedar shutters, or even a timber porch post to soften the look. It creates a farmhouse vibe that feels intentional and welcoming—like your home just offered you sweet tea on the porch swing.

5. Modern Glass and Steel Touches

If you’re aiming for an urban edge, go modern. Add steel-framed windows, glass balcony railings, or even a sleek black metal awning. It’s the architectural equivalent of pairing boots with a classic dress: a little unexpected, and totally chic.

6. Painted Brick—But Not Too Much

Yes, some folks are brave enough to paint red brick, and it can look incredible—especially in soft white or taupe. But you don’t have to commit to full coverage. Try limewashing or whitewashing instead. This technique lets the natural texture peek through, like freckles under sunscreen. You get a lighter look without erasing the soul of the brick.

7. Landscaping that Loves Red

What’s around your house is just as important as what’s on it. Red brick pairs beautifully with lush green shrubs, boxwood borders, and pops of lavender or hydrangea. It’s like dressing your home in a well-tailored garden suit—classic and quietly opulent.

8. Add a Copper Roof Accent

Copper starts out bright but ages with grace—just like a red brick house. Install a copper awning above the front door or go all-in with a copper bay window roof. It adds sparkle in youth and a soft, green patina in maturity.

9. Front Porch Magic

A red brick home with a spacious front porch feels like the start of a great Southern novel. Whether you add a swing, white columns, or a beadboard ceiling, a porch transforms the face of your home. It’s not just curb appeal—it’s character.

10. Black Garage Doors

Garage doors are often overlooked, but not here. A sleek black garage door against a red brick wall can make the entire home look more pulled together. Try carriage-style doors if you’re leaning traditional, or flush panels for a modern touch.

11. Tudor-Style Gables

Channel a little old-world charm by adding Tudor-style gables with half-timber detailing. The dark wooden trim set against red brick brings storybook vibes—without going full medieval. Great for homes with pitched roofs and dormers.

12. White Columns and Classic Elegance

Nothing screams “I’ve arrived” like a red brick house flanked by tall white columns. This setup works well with colonial-style homes and gives a stately, symmetrical facade that looks incredible with minimal landscaping.

13. Dramatic Lighting Fixtures

Red brick under soft yellow lighting? It’s like candlelight on warm skin. Add large wrought-iron sconces, lantern-style fixtures, or even hidden uplighting to show off the brick’s texture at night. Lighting is the silent hero of great exteriors.

14. Rustic Stone Pathways

Blend brick and stone by leading up to your front door with a flagstone or cobblestone path. The variation in texture keeps things from feeling too polished, and it enhances the home’s old-world appeal.

15. Whitewashed Brick for a Farmhouse Look

A light whitewash over red brick gives you the farmhouse aesthetic without the full commitment of paint. It lets the texture show while toning down the color, like a denim jacket faded just enough to tell it’s been loved.

16. Contrast Roofing Choices

Don’t forget to look up. Dark gray or slate roofing shingles offer a beautiful contrast with red brick. Meanwhile, terra cotta or reddish shingles blend with the brick for a more seamless, Mediterranean feel. Choose your vibe and match accordingly.

17. Statement Front Doors

Never underestimate the power of a great door. A mustard yellow, navy blue, or even burnt orange door on a red brick house can be the focal point of the whole facade. It’s like lipstick on a face—totally transformative and surprisingly mood-lifting.

18. Mixing Brick Patterns

Who says all brick has to be the same? Use herringbone or basket weave brick patterns on walkways, stoops, or insets on the facade. It adds visual interest and feels custom—like a secret handshake for architecture lovers.

19. Lush Vertical Gardens

Embrace a little overgrowth. Trellised ivy or climbing roses on a red brick wall create a romantic, garden-in-the-city effect. Just be cautious—some vines can damage mortar, so choose wisely. But the look? Utterly storybook.

20. Built-In Planters

Want your exterior to feel intentional and alive? Add brick or concrete built-in planters along the porch or front path. Plant seasonal flowers or evergreens for year-round interest. It’s like framing a painting with a living, blooming border.

21. Incorporate Iron Details

Wrought iron railings, balcony grilles, or even address numbers add sophistication without overpowering the natural beauty of brick. Think Parisian balcony meets American charm.

22. Go Gothic (Just a Bit)

Gothic doesn’t mean gloomy—it means arched windows, pointed details, and graceful symmetry. A few small touches, like arched entryways or iron lanterns, bring a mysterious elegance to a red brick exterior that’s often overlooked.

23. Keep It Clean and Sealed

Sometimes, the best idea is preservation. Power washing and sealing your red brick every few years keeps it looking fresh without major renovations. A clean brick wall has a vibrancy and depth that even paint can’t touch.

Conclusion

Red brick houses are like old friends—reliable, warm, and full of charm. But like any great relationship, it’s good to spice things up now and then. Whether you’re just swapping out shutters or giving the entire exterior a modern overhaul, the key is respecting the character of the brick while making it your own.

I grew up in a red brick bungalow with ivy crawling up one side and a green door that my mom painted herself every few years—like choosing a new pair of shoes for the same beloved outfit. What I remember most, though, was how everyone who walked by stopped to admire it. That’s the power of a well-loved brick house. It doesn’t scream for attention—but it always gets it.

So, pick the ideas that speak to you. Try one, try five. Mix and match until your red brick house feels like home and like a masterpiece.

If you’d like, I can help turn this into a printable checklist or even offer design mockups for some of the ideas. Want to go further with it?