Red brick has long been a beloved architectural feature, celebrated for its timeless charm and versatility in home design. Whether it’s a classic colonial exterior or a cozy interior fireplace, red brick adds warmth, character, and a touch of history to any space. However, the key to making red brick truly shine lies in pairing it with the right paint colors that complement red brick, creating a harmonious and visually appealing aesthetic.
Choosing the perfect paint colors for red brick whether for your home’s exterior or interior can feel daunting. The right hues can enhance its natural beauty, while the wrong ones might clash or overwhelm. That’s why we’ve curated a list of 10 stunning paint colors that complement red brick, divided into exterior and interior options, to help you transform your space with confidence.
Table of Contents
5 Exterior Paint Colors That Complement Red Brick
Choosing the right exterior paint colors for your red brick home can transform its curb appeal. Whether you prefer a timeless neutral or a bold statement hue, the key is to select shades that enhance the brick’s warmth while creating a balanced, cohesive look. Below, we’ve curated the top five exterior paint colors that go with red brick walls, along with expert tips to help you nail your home’s aesthetic.
1. Crisp White (Timeless Elegance)
For a classic red brick exterior, crisp white paint delivers a clean, bright contrast that never goes out of style. White trim or siding makes the brick’s rich tones pop, ideal for colonial, farmhouse, or traditional homes. Pair it with black shutters for a modern twist or natural wood accents for warmth.
Pro Tip: Opt for a semi-gloss finish on trim to resist weathering and add subtle shine.
2. Warm Beige (Subtle Harmony)
If you love natural exterior brick and paint color combinations, warm beige is a foolproof choice. It softens the boldness of red brick while complementing its earthy undertones perfect for Craftsman or Tudor-style homes. For depth, pair it with bronze light fixtures or a deep brown door.
Best For: Homeowners seeking a low-maintenance, welcoming look.
3. Sage Green (Organic Balance)
For a refreshing take on exterior paint with red brick, sage green strikes the perfect balance. This muted, earthy tone harmonizes with landscaping, making it ideal for ranch-style or cottage homes. Use it on siding with white trim for a crisp finish or on shutters for a subtle accent.
Why It Works: Green’s cool undertones offset red brick’s warmth without clashing.
4. Navy Blue (Bold Sophistication)
Want to make a statement? Navy blue exterior paint colors that go with red brick walls create a striking, high-contrast look. This combo works wonders on Victorian or Colonial homes, especially with white trim and brass hardware.
Design Tip: Use navy on the front door or shutters if full siding feels too dramatic.
5. Charcoal Gray (Modern Edge)
For a sleek, contemporary vibe, charcoal gray is a top pick among exterior brick paint color ideas. Dark gray trim or siding adds depth and pairs beautifully with red brick’s warmth. Bonus: It hides dirt better than lighter shades!
Ideal For: Urban homes or modern farmhouses.
Choosing the Right Finish
The finish of your exterior paint is just as important as the color itself. For siding, a satin or eggshell finish provides durability while resisting dirt and mildew. For trim and accents, a semi-gloss finish works best, as it adds a slight sheen and is easier to clean. Choosing the right finish ensures your paint colors that complement red brick stay vibrant and long-lasting, keeping your home looking beautiful for years.
The right sheen ensures your paint colors that complement red brick last longer:
- Satin/Eggshell: Best for siding (durable, hides imperfections).
- Semi-Gloss: Ideal for trim and doors (easy to clean, resists moisture).
By carefully selecting the right exterior paint color, you can enhance your home’s curb appeal while preserving the charm of red brick. If you need professional help choosing and applying the perfect shade, San Diego Home Remodeling is here to provide expert painting services in San Diego. Contact us today to bring your vision to life!
Five Interior Paint Colors That Complement Red Brick
Red brick walls and fireplaces add warmth, texture, and timeless charm to a home’s interior. Whether you want to create a cozy, rustic feel or a sleek, modern look, choosing the right paint colors that complement red brick is key. The right shades can soften the boldness of the brick, highlight its natural tones, and create a balanced, stylish space. From warm neutrals to rich, deep hues, these colors will enhance your home’s interior while making your red brick features stand out beautifully.
1. Soft Cream
For a warm and inviting atmosphere, soft cream is a perfect choice. This light, airy shade enhances the natural warmth of red brick without overpowering it. Whether used on walls surrounding a brick fireplace or throughout a room with exposed brick, soft cream keeps the space feeling bright and cozy. It pairs well with wood furniture, plush textiles, and neutral decor, creating a classic and welcoming look.
2. Dusty Blue
If you’re looking to introduce a touch of elegance, dusty blue is a stunning option. It provides a subtle contrast while complementing the deep tones in a red brick color palette. Dusty blue walls work particularly well in bedrooms, living rooms, or home offices, adding a serene and sophisticated vibe. To complete the look, incorporate natural wood furniture and soft beige or white accents for a balanced design.
3. Terracotta
Terracotta is an excellent choice for those who want to embrace the earthy tones of red brick. This warm, rich shade enhances the natural reds and oranges found in the brick, creating a harmonious and inviting space. It works beautifully in rustic or Mediterranean-style interiors and pairs well with natural materials like stone, wood, and woven textiles. To prevent the room from feeling too monochromatic, incorporate neutral furniture and pops of green from houseplants.
4. Deep Emerald Green
For a bold, luxurious feel, deep emerald green is a show-stopping choice. This jewel-toned shade contrasts beautifully with red brick while adding depth and sophistication. Whether used on an accent wall or throughout a room, emerald green creates a rich and elegant look. It pairs well with brass or gold decor, dark wood finishes, and warm-toned lighting, making it perfect for cozy living spaces and dramatic dining rooms.
5. Warm Gray
If you prefer a more modern and neutral aesthetic, warm gray is an excellent option. Unlike cooler grays, which can clash with red brick, warm gray has subtle beige or taupe undertones that blend seamlessly with the brick’s natural hues. This shade works well in contemporary and transitional interiors, creating a balanced and stylish look. A gray and brick house interior can be enhanced with sleek furniture, black metal accents, and soft, textured fabrics for added warmth.
Coordinating Furniture and Decor
Once you’ve chosen the perfect paint colors that go with red brick, it’s important to coordinate your furniture and decor for a cohesive design. Neutrals like beige, white, and soft grays keep the space balanced, while deep greens and blues add richness and contrast. Wooden furniture, natural fibers, and soft lighting enhance the warmth of red brick, creating a comfortable and stylish atmosphere. If you’re updating your home’s interior, don’t forget about front door colors for red brick houses choosing the right shade for your entryway can tie the entire look together.
A well-chosen interior paint color can transform your space while enhancing the character of red brick. If you’re ready for a fresh new look, San Diego Home Remodeling offers professional painting services in San Diego to bring your vision to life. Contact us today for expert advice and flawless results!
Expert Guide: Choosing the Perfect Paint Colors for Red Brick Homes
Selecting the ideal paint colors that complement red brick requires careful consideration of undertones, lighting, and design balance. As professional painters serving San Diego for over a decade, we’ve curated these foolproof strategies to help homeowners make confident color decisions.
1. Decode Your Brick’s Undertones (The Foundation of Color Matching)
Red bricks typically lean:
- Warm undertones (rusty orange/brown): Pair with warm grays, creamy whites, or sage green for harmony.
- Cool undertones (deep red/purple): Opt for navy blue, charcoal gray, or crisp white to enhance sophistication.
Pro Tip: Spray water on your brick if it turns reddish-brown when wet, it’s warm-toned; if it appears burgundy, it’s cool.
2. Lighting Matters: Test Before You Commit
San Diego’s bright sunlight can dramatically alter how outside paint colors with red brick appear. Follow our testing protocol:
- Paint 2’x2’ swatches on multiple sides of your home.
- Observe at sunrise (warm light), noon (harsh light), and sunset (golden hour).
- Avoid colors that turn muddy or clash in different lights (common with dark greens/grays).
Case Study: A Mission Hills client loved a gray sample (gray and brick house concept), but midday sun made it look washed out. We recommended a warmer greige instead.
3. The 60-30-10 Rule for Balanced Exteriors
For cohesive exterior brick and paint color combinations, use this designer-approved formula:
- 60% Dominant color: Brick (natural material)
- 30% Secondary color: Siding/trim (e.g., Sherwin-Williams Alabaster)
- 10% Accent color: Shutters/doors (e.g., Benjamin Moore Hale Navy)
Common Mistake: Using equal amounts of bold colors creates visual chaos.
4. When to Call Professionals (San Diego-Specific Advice)
While DIY testing helps, final color selection and application require expertise due to:
- Microclimates: Coastal vs. inland San Diego homes need different LRV (Light Reflectance Value) considerations.
- Material variations: Stucco vs. wood siding absorbs paint differently next to brick.
- Longevity: Cheap paints fade quickly under our UV exposure. We use premium elastomeric paints.
Why Trust Us?
- 150+ red brick homes transformed (see our La Jolla Heritage District project portfolio).
- 5-star Google reviews for color consultation accuracy.
- Free in-person samples (no virtual guesswork).
Local Tip: For historic North Park bungalows, we recommend “heritage palettes“ from the city’s design guidelines.
Conclusion
Choosing the right paint colors that complement red brick can completely transform the look and feel of your home. Whether you opt for crisp whites and rich blues for the exterior or warm creams and deep greens for the interior, the right color enhances your home’s character and charm. By carefully selecting shades that balance and highlight the natural tones of red brick, you can achieve a timeless, stylish, and cohesive design.
A well-planned color palette not only boosts curb appeal but also creates inviting and harmonious living spaces. Whether you’re updating your home’s siding, refreshing your trim, or enhancing an exposed brick wall, a professional paint job ensures flawless and long-lasting results. With expert guidance and high-quality craftsmanship, your home can achieve a stunning transformation that reflects your personal style.
Ready to refresh your home’s look? Trust the experts at San Diego Home Remodeling to bring your vision to life. Our professional painting services in San Diego guarantee precision, quality, and a perfect finish every time. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and give your home the fresh, beautiful update it deserves!
FAQs
What is the best white paint color to pair with red brick?
The best white paint colors for red brick are warm whites like Sherwin-Williams Alabaster or Benjamin Moore White Dove. These shades soften the contrast while maintaining a classic and timeless look. Avoid bright, stark whites, as they can create a harsh contrast with red brick.
Should trim and siding colors match when painting around red brick?
Not necessarily. A contrasting trim color (such as soft beige, charcoal gray, or muted green) can highlight the beauty of red brick, while a matching tone creates a more cohesive and seamless look. The choice depends on whether you prefer a bold or subtle aesthetic.
What front door colors look best with a red brick exterior?
A navy blue, deep green, or classic black front door pairs beautifully with red brick. For a more inviting look, warm tones like burnt orange or burgundy can enhance the brick’s natural warmth.
Can I paint over a red brick to change its color?
Yes, but it’s a permanent change! If you want to tone down the red brick without fully covering it, consider whitewashing or limewashing. These techniques soften the brick’s appearance while allowing some of its natural texture to show through.
How do I choose the best paint color based on my red brick’s undertones?
Red brick can have warm (orange/red) or cool (brown/purple) undertones. If your brick is warm, go for creamy whites, beige, or warm grays. If it has cool tones, cool grays, deep blues, or greens will complement it best. Always test paint swatches in natural light before making a final decision.
What colour goes with red brick?
Neutral tones like white, beige, gray, and taupe pair beautifully with red brick, creating a balanced and timeless look. For contrast, deep greens, navy blue, or charcoal add a bold, sophisticated touch. Always consider your brick’s undertones: warm bricks pair well with warm neutrals, while cool-toned bricks complement cooler shades.