When choosing an exterior siding color to go with red brick, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. The main goal is to create an attractive, cohesive look that enhances the beauty of the brick. With the right color scheme, your red brick house can look warm, inviting and stylish.
Consider the Undertones of the Brick
Not all red bricks are created equal. Some have warm, earthy undertones, while others are cooler and more muted. Examine your brick in different lighting at various times of day to determine if it leans toward orange/terra cotta or purple/maroon. This will help guide you in choosing complementary tones.
Match or Contrast the Intensity
How saturated or vibrant is your red brick? A vivid, deep red may look best with an equally bold siding color. For a more mellow brick, softer siding hues will provide better balance. Don’t be afraid to use color to accentuate the intensity or subtleness of the brick.
Consider Natural Color Pairings
Certain colors just naturally go well together, like red and green or blue and orange. For red brick, earthy greens and browns are classic pairings that bring out the warmth and earthiness. Soft sage greens and warm beiges work well. If your brick has purple undertones, try a complementary blue or gray-blue.
Accessorize with Trim and Accents
Don’t forget about trim and accents like shutters and front doors. Contrasting shades on these elements can help the siding and brick colors pop. Black or white trim and accents keeps the focus on the brick and siding colors. Bright accent colors like navy blue or yellow create vibrant contrast.
Consider the Architectural Style
The overall architectural style of your home can offer direction for your color scheme. For traditional or craftsman designs, stick with classic earth tones. On midcentury or contemporary homes, go bold with brights or soften the brick with neutrals. Choose timeless, versatile hues for ranch style homes.
Use Nature as Inspiration
Look to nature and the changing seasons for color inspiration that complements red brick. Greens reminiscent of trees and foliage, sky blues, and earthy browns taken from the landscape tend to work well. Notice color pairings you see in flowers, stones, bark and other natural elements.
Make Sure the Colors Work Together
Choose colors that share undertones and intensities. For example, pair a terra cotta brick with olive green siding or a purple-red brick with slate gray. And don’t forget to view color samples on the actual house in different lighting before finalizing your choices. Colors look different on small swatches than they do on an entire building.
Popular Siding Color Options for Red Brick Homes
Here are some of the most popular, versatile siding colors that complement red brick:
| Siding Color | Undertone | Shade |
|---|---|---|
| Olive Green | Warm | Deep, saturated |
| Sage Green | Warm | Soft, muted |
| Tan | Warm | Neutral, light |
| Brown | Warm | Deep, rich earth tones |
| Gray | Cool | Charcoal to slate |
| Blue | Cool | Powder blue to navy |
| Yellow | Warm | Buttery to deep golden hues |
Bolder Accent Colors
Feeling adventurous? Bolder shades like the ones below can accent red brick beautifully when used strategically on siding or accents:
- Emerald Green
- Sapphire Blue
- Eggplant Purple
- Sunflower Yellow
- Turquoise
- Teal
- Lavender
Neutrals Offer Flexibility
If you want your siding color to recede and let the brick take center stage, neutral hues are the way to go. Timeless neutrals like white, gray, beige and tan gently blend with red brick instead of competing with it. This also gives you flexibility to change up colors on accents like the front door without clashing.
Use White or Black as a Bold Contrast
For dramatic visual impact, coat your home’s siding in a glossy black or bright white. The high-contrast look lets the gorgeous red brickwork take the spotlight. Black and white also give you freedom to accessorize with vibrant accent colors since they act as neutral backdrops.
Sample Siding Color Palettes for Red Brick Homes
Here are some inspiring siding and accent color combinations that complement red brick beautifully:
| Siding | Trim | Front Door | Shutters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Olive Green | White | Red | Black |
| Cream | Chocolate Brown | Red | Navy Blue |
| Gray | White | Yellow | Black |
| Tan | Dark Brown | Turquoise | Hunter Green |
| White | Matte Black | Glossy Teal | Glossy Teal |
Consider Hiring a Designer
Choosing exterior colors for a home is an important decision that can be tricky to get just right. If you need professional guidance, consider hiring a residential designer. They can analyze your brick, architecture, lighting and surroundings to come up with an ideal, cohesive palette you’ll love.
Test Colors Before Committing
Before settling on siding and trim colors, test them out. Paint large sample swatches directly on the brick and siding areas to see how the colors look together in real life. Look at the samples at different times of day and in various weather conditions. Make sure you love the combo before committing to painting the entire house.
Don’t Forget the Roof
When planning your exterior color scheme, factor in the roof as well. The shade and material play a role in the overall look. A light gray asphalt roof, for example, will give a very different effect than a dark gray slate roof. Make sure the roof color complements both the siding and brick.
Think Long Term
While trendy colors are fun, focus on choosing classic hues that will retain their appeal for years to come. The last thing you want is to grow tired of your exterior color palette after just a couple seasons. Select versatile, timeless colors you can enjoy living with for the long haul.
Conclusion
Choosing siding and accent colors to complement the beauty of red brick requires careful thought and planning. Follow the tips above to craft a tailored color scheme that looks cohesive, balanced and welcoming. With the right harmonious hues that play to the strengths of your home’s red brick, you’ll love the curb appeal and style you’ve created.
