Choosing the right color pavers to complement an orange brick house exterior can seem daunting, but with some key considerations it can be simplified. The main factors to think about are the exact shade of orange brick, the style of the home, and the overall look you want to achieve. With so many paver colors and textures available, there are plenty of attractive options to enhance an orange brick home.
Quick Answers
Here are some quick answers to common questions about picking pavers for an orange brick house:
- Popular paver colors that work well include earth tones like brown, tan, gray and terra cotta.
- Avoid bright colors that will clash with the orange brick.
- Natural stone pavers in colors like slate can complement an orange exterior.
- Brick pavers tonally similar to the house brick also look great.
- For a subtle, muted look, opt for neutral light-colored pavers.
- Go for a strong visual contrast with very dark pavers against the orange brick.
Complementing the Orange Brick Shade
The specific hue of your orange brick should inform the paver color selection. Here are recommendations for common orange brick shades:
Light Orange Brick
For very light, almost yellow-orange brick, stick with neutral and natural tones. Beiges, light grays, tans and sand colors will accent the brick without clashing. Slate stone pavers are also an elegant option.
Red-Orange Brick
The richer, redder orange bricks work best with classic brown shades. Medium to dark brown pavers have a timeless look. Rust-colored pavers also complement the red tones nicely. Terra cotta can look quite striking with a vibrant red-orange brick house.
Dark Orange Brick
Deeper, burnt orange brick provides great contrast against light to mid-tone gray pavers. For a bold statement, pair the dark orange brick with charcoal gray or black pavers. Keep the dark pavers looking crisp against the brick house with proper sealing.
Paver Colors to Avoid
Certain paver colors are best avoided when matching an orange brick exterior:
- Very light colors like white, cream, light yellow
- Bright colors like bright red, bright blue, bright green
- Bold patterns using many colors
These paver colors will look mismatched or create too much visual competition with the orange brick facade. Keep things simple by choosing single, solid paver colors in the brown, gray, tan and terra cotta color families.
Home Style Considerations
Beyond the orange brick color, the architectural style of your home should guide the paver choice:
Traditional Style Homes
Preserve the classic appeal of traditional homes with expected paver colors like brown, tan, slate gray and terra cotta. Natural stone pavers also complement traditional architecture beautifully.
Contemporary Style Homes
Make a contemporary orange brick house pop with pavers in sleek modern hues like dark charcoal, muted grays and textured concrete-look. Large format pavers create a seamless modern vibe.
Victorian Style Homes
For ornate Victorian orange brick facades, stick with traditional paver colors like rich browns and earthy terra cotta. Consider decorative patterns or borders for an extra touch of Victorian elegance.
Achieving Different Looks
Varying the paver color and pattern can entirely change the aesthetic with an orange brick house. Here are some popular visual effects:
Subtle Contrast
For a refined look, subtly contrast the brick with soft beige or light gray pavers. The touch of contrast elegantly accentuates the home without overwhelming.
Monochromatic
Matching orange brick with pavers in similar reddish-orange terra cotta tones creates a seamless monochromatic look. For a modern twist, use larger concrete pavers in the orangey tone.
Strong Contrast
Make the orange brick pop with very dark charcoal or black pavers. The bold contrast can feel modern and high-end.
Complementary Color Scheme
Complimentary blue hues paired with orange brick produce a lively color scheme. Blue-gray pavers work better than bright blues.
Material Considerations
The paver material impacts the overall look and maintenance needs:
Concrete Pavers
Cost-effective concrete pavers offer the most color options, including modern hues like bold blacks. They require regular sealing to prevent stains.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable | Prone to staining |
| Many colors available | Can fade over time |
| Easy installation | May need frequent sealing |
Brick Pavers
Brick pavers give a classic symmetrical look matching the house brick. They’re durable and naturally stain-resistant.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Matches brick house | Limited color selection |
| Naturally stain-resistant | Higher cost |
| Long-lasting durability | Prone to weeds between bricks |
Natural Stone Pavers
Natural stone offers an upscale, timeless look but requires more expertise to install properly. Granites and slates work well.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Elegant, upscale appearance | Expensive |
| Provides visual interest | Challenging installation |
| Extremely durable | Fewer color options |
Best Practices
Follow these best practices when selecting pavers for an orange brick house:
- Gather inspiration photos of orange brick homes with patio pavers you like
- Get brick and mortar samples to view paver colors against the exact brick
- Select just 1-2 paver colors for a cohesive look
- Incorporate neutrals like tan, grey and brown for flexibility
- Consider permeable pavers for patios to manage water runoff
- Use a comparable size paver to the house brick for visual harmony
- Add interest with borders, ornamental patterns, or a combination of paver shapes
- View the pavers at different times of day to see color variations
Conclusion
The key to choosing pavers for an orange brick house is sticking to neutral, earthy tones that complement the brick shade. Classic brown pavers are a safe bet for most orange brick styles. Light gray, tan and terra cotta also accent orange brick beautifully. Avoid bright colors that clash and focus on natural muted tones. With proper planning and color coordination with the unique brick facade, pavers can provide an attractive, cohesive look for an orange brick home.
