Trim Color Inspiration for Red Brick Homes

Choosing the perfect trim colors to pair with a classic red brick exterior can seem daunting at first. With so many options, it's hard to know where to begin. But armed with the right inspiration and expert tips, you can confidently select trim hues that enhance your home's curb appeal.

Red brick's striking visual presence and inherent warmth lend well to a variety of color combinations. Whether you prefer a more sophisticated or casual look, the right trim colors can make all the difference.

Understanding Red Brick House Exteriors

Red brick facades have an undeniable charm and character. The rich, earthy red hue and tactile texture create instant visual interest. Red brick homes often evoke traditional architecture styles, giving off a classic and timeless vibe.

Compared to other exterior materials like siding or stucco, red brick has significant visual weight. It tends to dominate the exterior. This means trim colors will play a supporting role, rather than compete for attention.

With such a bold facade, curb appeal is greatly impacted by accent colors. Trim, doors, shutters, and other accents influence the home's overall style. Choosing complementary colors is key to achieving a cohesive and appealing look.

The Classic Look and Feel of Red Brick

Red brick exterior walls make a statement with their saturated hue and tactile appearance. Unlike flat siding or stucco, the varied texture and shadows created by brickwork add pronounced visual interest.

Red brick homes often give off a traditional, classic vibe. The material has been used for centuries, lending an old-world, established feel. Warm red tones also evoke feelings of comfort and nostalgia for many.

Visual Weight and Dominance of Red Brick Walls

Unlike more neutral exterior materials, red brick demands attention. The eye is naturally drawn to the deep, vivid red tones. Red brick siding has significant visual weight and color intensity.

This means the red brick itself will dominate the home's exterior styling. Trim and accent colors won't overpower the strong brickwork. Instead, they play a supporting role, balancing out the brick's bold presence.

Importance of Choosing Complementary Colors

With such a statement-making exterior finish, surrounding accents take on heightened importance. Trim, shutters, doors, and other exterior elements must work alongside the prominent brick.

Choosing accent colors that complement the red brick is key to creating curb appeal. Mismatched or jarring accent colors will be even more noticeable against the bold brick backdrop.

Trim Color Considerations for Red Brick

Selecting the right trim color for a red brick home requires careful thought. There are several important factors to consider when making your color choice.

Factors Like Roof Color and Mortar Joints

Look at all the existing exterior colors and finishes when selecting trim paint. For example, a brown roof and red mortar joints will limit your color palette. Cool-toned greens won't work as well next to warm roofing.

Also, consider natural light. Some colors will appear lighter or more saturated depending on sun exposure. View color samples at different times of day.

Warm, Cool, and Neutral Trim Colors

Red brick naturally has warm undertones. Certain cool-toned colors like bright blues and greens can clash. Stick with warm or neutral hues like tans, browns, white, or gray for a cohesive look.

That said, some rich cooler tones like navy can complement red brick nicely when used sparingly. Deep green shutters also pair well.

Contrast vs. Blending Trim with the Red Brick

Do you want the trim to stand out from the brick or blend in subtly? Light neutrals like white, ivory, or soft gray will contrast. Darker browns and reds will unify with the brickwork.

For a bold but coordinated look, choose a deeper, more saturated shade in a complementary color family. For example, pair light red brick with deep burgundy trim.

Best Trim Colors for Red Brick Houses

Some classic paint colors work especially well with red brick. Here are some of the top trim color options to consider for your home.

White or Off-White Trim Colors

A fail-safe choice, white or off-white trim is a timeless combination with red brick siding. Crisp, bright white provides bold contrast, highlighting architectural details. Softer off-whites like alabaster or Swiss coffee blend in a bit more.

White also illuminates shady areas around eaves and porches. It reflects light, brightening up the facade. Just take mortar color into account so whites don't clash.

Neutral Shades Like Gray, Tan, and Brown

For a more subtle, blended look, stick with neutral hues that mirror the brick's warm undertones. Soft grays, tans, taupes, and brown shades complement red brick without overpowering it.

Go for muted shades with brick. Avoid stark bright whites and true grays, which may look washed out. Deep chocolate browns can unify nicely with dark brick.

Accent Colors Like Navy, Forest Green, and Charcoal

While neutrals play it safe, small pops of color can really make a red brick house stand out. Use bold shades in moderation on accent areas like doors, shutters, or windows.

Deep greens, navies, burgundies, and charcoals work well. Avoid overpowering neon brights. Muted, earthy jewel tones allow the brick itself to shine.

Avoiding Clashes with Red Brick Trim

Just as there are ideal color pairings for red brick, some hues should be avoided. Certain tones and shades can make trim feel disconnected from brickwork.

Colors Too Similar to the Red Brick

Aim for enough contrast between brick and trim. Colors that are too close to the brick shade, like light pinks, oranges, peaches, or beiges, can look mismatched.

Different enough saturation and tones are important. For example, salmon pink will clash next to rich red brick, while maroon or scarlet would complement it.

Bold Primary Colors Like Bright Yellow

Vivid, saturated primary colors often don't pair well with red brick. Bright blues, reds, and yellows tend to fight for attention instead of working together.

Soft pastel versions of primaries can work if muted and grayed down. But avoid neon brights that overwhelm the brick facade.

Fluorescent and Neon Accent Colors

Similarly, fluorescent colors like lime greens, hot pinks, and electric oranges don't complement red brick. These loud, artificial-looking shades draw the eye but not in a cohesive way.

Reserve fluorescents for small patio furniture accents, not exterior paint. Opt for muted natural hues that enhance the brick instead.

Achieving Curb Appeal with Trim

Beyond just color, creatively using trim and accents can make a red brick home truly stand out. Use trim to define and highlight architectural details.

Creating Visual Interest with Trim Boards

Wide trim around windows or doors, contrasting bands along floors, and corner boards can frame a home in a distinctive way. White or colored trim becomes an accent itself, adding flair.

Use extra trim to create caches around entries or embellish gables. Contrasting colors and patterns boost dimensionality against flat brick.

Strategically place trim to showcase architectural elements. Bold window and door trim draw the eye to these focal points. Crisp corner boards can elegantly accentuate lines and angles.

Black or navy window trim provides striking contrast against red brick. Soften the look with neutral caulking and mortar.