Your brick house is one of the most durable, low-maintenance home choices you can make. Brick exteriors last for generations, resist fire and weather damage, and increase property values instantly.

From classic red to trendy black brick styles, there are endless design possibilities to match your personal taste.

Brick offers timeless beauty for renovations and new construction. Find which brick designs are transforming modern neighborhoods right now.

Why Brick Houses Are Trending in Modern Home Design?

Brick houses are making a big comeback in home design. Homeowners love brick because it lasts over 100 years with very little maintenance.

This durable material saves money on energy bills and boosts home value by 5-10%. Brick works with many styles, from classic red exteriors to painted gray or white finishes for modern farmhouse looks.

Social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram show amazing brick transformations that inspire people to update their homes.

Brick is also eco-friendly since it’s made from natural clay and lasts for generations. Whether you’re building new or remodeling, brick offers beautiful, strong, and valuable design options.

Inspiring Brick House Design Ideas

Brick houses combine timeless beauty with lasting durability. From classic red brick to modern painted designs, these ideas will change your home’s exterior.

1. Classic Red Brick Exterior with White Trim

Traditional charm meets timeless grace. Pair red brick with crisp white trim around windows, doors, and gutters for a welcoming, all-American aesthetic.

• Cost: $15-25 per square foot for standard red brick construction
• Best for: Traditional neighborhoods, family homes, colonial-style architecture
• Decor tip: Add black shutters and a colorful front door to create classic curb appeal with personality

2. Painted Brick in Modern Neutrals

Update dated brick with modern paint colors like soft gray, warm beige, or matte black for a contemporary, fresh look that boosts curb appeal instantly.

• Cost: $3-7 per square foot for professional brick painting
• Best for: Home renovations, flipping properties, modernizing older homes
• Decor tip: Coordinate your paint color with natural wood accents and metal house numbers for a cohesive style

3. Whitewashed Brick for Farmhouse Style

Achieve rustic farmhouse vibes with whitewashed brick that softens the texture while maintaining character. Perfect for both exteriors and accent walls.

• Cost: $2-5 per square foot for DIY whitewashing; $4-8 professionally
• Best for: Farmhouse aesthetics, cottage-style homes, rustic interiors
• Decor tip: Pair with reclaimed wood beams, vintage light fixtures, and neutral linens for authentic farmhouse charm

4. Two-Tone Brick Combinations

Mix light and dark brick colors in horizontal bands or geometric patterns to create visual interest and structural depth on your home’s facade.

• Cost: $18-30 per square foot, depending on brick types selected
• Best for: Custom builds, contemporary designs, architectural statement homes
• Decor tip: Echo the two-tone concept indoors with coordinating paint colors that complement each brick shade

5. Exposed Brick Interior Accent Walls

Bring industrial charm indoors with exposed brick walls in living rooms, bedrooms, or kitchens. Seal and preserve the natural texture for lasting beauty.

• Cost: $5-15 per square foot to expose and seal existing brick
• Best for: Lofts, industrial-style homes, urban apartments, eclectic interiors
• Decor tip: Hang large-scale artwork or mirrors directly on exposed brick using masonry anchors for a gallery wall impact

6. Brick and Stone Mixed Materials

Combine brick with natural stone elements around the foundation, columns, or entryway for a luxurious, high-end architectural statement.

• Cost: $25-45 per square foot with premium stone selections
• Best for: Luxury homes, mountain properties, estates, Craftsman-style architecture
• Decor tip: Use outdoor landscape lighting to highlight the textural contrast between brick and stone at night

7. German Smear Technique

Apply a thin layer of mortar over brick for an Old World European appearance. This technique adds texture and softens harsh brick lines.

• Cost: $3-8 per square foot for professional application
• Best for: European-inspired homes, rustic estates, vintage charm seekers
• Decor tip: Complement German smear with wrought iron accents, arched doorways, and climbing vines for authentic European flair

8. Vertical Brick Patterns

Break from horizontal norms with vertical brick stacking or soldier courses that draw the eye upward and make homes appear taller.

• Cost: $20-32 per square foot due to specialized installation
• Best for: Modern architecture, narrow lots, adding height to ranch-style homes
• Decor tip: Install vertical exterior lighting fixtures that follow the brick lines to enhance the upward visual flow

9. Contrasting Brick Archways and Alcoves

Frame windows, doorways, or outdoor seating areas with brick arches in contrasting colors for dramatic architectural focal points.

• Cost: $30-50 per arch, depending on size and brick selection
• Best for: Mediterranean homes, Spanish Colonial style, courtyard designs
• Decor tip: Add climbing roses or jasmine around archways to soften hard lines and create romantic garden appeal

10. Earth-Tone Brick with Natural Warmth

Create inviting warmth with terracotta, tan, or chocolate brown brick that brings organic, sun-baked character to your home’s exterior without the maintenance of trendy paint colors.

• Cost: $16-28 per square foot for earth-tone brick varieties
• Best for: Mediterranean homes, desert architecture, warm-climate regions, organic modern styles
• Decor tip: Pair with terracotta roof tiles and desert plants like agave, grasses, and drought-resistant species for a cohesive natural look.

11. Brick Porch and Patio Extensions

Extend your home’s brick design to outdoor living spaces with matching brick patios, walkways, or wraparound porches for cohesive flow.

• Cost: $12-25 per square foot for brick hardscaping
• Best for: Outdoor entertainers, Southern-style homes, families seeking extra living space
• Decor tip: Layer outdoor rugs over brick patios to define seating zones and add comfort underfoot

12. Antique Brick Character

Incorporate salvaged vintage brick with unique patina and weathering for one-of-a-kind charm and sustainable design choices.

• Cost: $8-20 per square foot, depending on brick source and availability
• Best for: Historic restorations, eco-conscious builders, character-rich homes
• Decor tip: Highlight the brick’s age marks and variations with simple decor that doesn’t compete with the texture

13. Herringbone Brick Patterns

Install brick in herringbone or basketweave patterns for driveways, walkways, or accent walls that showcase craftsmanship and attention to detail.

• Cost: $15-28 per square foot due to labor-intensive installation
• Best for: Luxury driveways, courtyard focal walls, detail-oriented homeowners
• Decor tip: Edge herringbone brick walkways with low boxwood hedges or ground cover to frame the intricate pattern.

14. Brick Fireplace as Living Room Centerpiece

Design a floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace that anchors the room. Paint, whitewash, or leave natural, depending on your style preference.

• Cost: $3,000-8,000 for complete brick fireplace installation
• Best for: Family rooms, great rooms, cozy cabin aesthetics, traditional homes
• Decor tip: Mount a large wood mantel to break up vertical brick and create space for seasonal decor displays

15. Perforated Brick for Light and Privacy

Use decorative perforated brick walls or screens that allow natural light while maintaining privacy, ideal for courtyards and modern designs.

• Cost: $35-55 per square foot for specialized perforated brick
• Best for: Modern homes, urban privacy needs, courtyard designs, artistic architecture
• Decor tip: Install soft landscape lighting behind perforated walls to create stunning shadow patterns at night

16. Colorful Painted Brick Accents

Add personality with bold colors like navy blue, forest green, or terracotta on doors, shutters, or single wall sections against natural brick.

• Cost: $2-6 per square foot for accent painting
• Best for: Eclectic styles, creative homeowners, boosting curb appeal on a budget
• Decor tip: Repeat your chosen accent color in planters, outdoor cushions, or door mats for cohesive exterior styling

17. Brick and Glass Modern Hybrids

Pair traditional brick with expansive glass windows and doors for stunning modern architecture that honors heritage while embracing contemporary style.

• Cost: $25-40 per square foot, including premium windows
• Best for: Scenic properties, open-concept layouts, entertainers, architect-designed homes
• Decor tip: Use sheer white curtains to soften the bold contrast and maintain privacy without blocking natural light

Bold Black Brick Exterior Ideas to Upgrade Your Home’s Style

Black brick exteriors create striking, modern curb appeal that sets your home apart. These bold design ideas changes traditional brick houses into contemporary showstoppers.

18. Black Brick with Natural Wood Accents

Balance the boldness of black brick with warm cedar or teak wood trim, shutters, and garage doors for a striking yet inviting exterior contrast.

• Cost: $28-42 per square foot for black brick plus wood elements
• Best for: Modern mountain homes, contemporary designs, nature-inspired architecture
• Decor tip: Add potted evergreens flanking the entrance to soften the dramatic color palette

19. Matte Black Brick Farmhouse

Remodel traditional farmhouse style with matte black brick paired with white board-and-batten siding for a fresh, modern farmhouse style.

• Cost: $24-38 per square foot, combining black brick and siding
• Best for: Rural properties, modern farmhouse lovers, Instagram-worthy homes
• Decor tip: Install a classic white porch swing or rocking chairs to create a welcoming contrast

20. Black Brick with Floor-to-Ceiling Windows

Create stunning drama by pairing black brick walls with oversized windows that flood interiors with natural light and frame outdoor views.

• Cost: $30-50 per square foot, including premium window installations
• Best for: Modern architecture, homes with scenic views, open floor plans
• Decor tip: Use sheer white curtains to soften the bold contrast and maintain privacy without blocking natural light

21. Black Brick and White Mortar Contrast

Choose bright white mortar joints against black brick to create eye-catching grid patterns that add dimension and visual interest to your facade.

• Cost: $26-40 per square foot with specialty mortar application
• Best for: Contemporary homes, geometric design lovers, architectural statement pieces
• Decor tip: Echo the black-and-white theme with striped outdoor cushions and monochrome planters

22. Black Brick Accent Wall Entry

Make a bold first impression with a black brick accent wall at the entrance while keeping surrounding walls in lighter materials for balance.

• Cost: $20-32 per square foot for partial black brick installation
• Best for: Budget-conscious renovations, adding curb appeal, modern traditional blends
• Decor tip: Install warm brass or copper lighting fixtures to add warmth against the dark brick

23. Glossy Black Brick for Urban Edge

Opt for glazed or glossy black brick that reflects light beautifully, perfect for modern urban townhomes and city properties.

• Cost: $32-48 per square foot for specialty glazed brick
• Best for: Urban settings, contemporary townhomes, luxury city homes
• Decor tip: Add metallic house numbers and sleek modern mailboxes for cohesive urban chic

24. Black Brick with Copper or Brass Details

Pair black brick exteriors with copper gutters, downspouts, light fixtures, and hardware for luxurious warmth and aging patina character.

• Cost: $30-45 per square foot, including premium metal accents
• Best for: Luxury homes, design-forward properties, owners seeking unique character
• Decor tip: Plant copper-colored foliage like Japanese maples to complement the metallic accents

25. Black Brick with Green Roofing

Combine black brick with dark green or black metal roofing for a cohesive, refined look that blends with natural surroundings.

• Cost: $35-52 per square foot, including metal roof installation
• Best for: Wooded properties, modern cabin designs, eco-conscious builders
• Decor tip: Add native plants and evergreen landscaping to enhance the connection with nature

26. Black Brick Lower Level with Light Upper Story

Create visual balance by using black brick on the first floor with white, gray, or wood siding on upper levels for dimensional appeal.

• Cost: $22-36 per square foot for mixed materials
• Best for: Two-story homes, breaking up large facades, transitional design styles
• Decor tip: Use coordinating exterior lighting at both levels to unify the two-tone design

27. Black Brick with Minimalist Landscaping

Accepting modern minimalism with clean black brick and strategic landscaping featuring ornamental grasses, succulents, and geometric hardscaping.

• Cost: $28-40 per square foot plus $8-15 per square foot for landscaping
• Best for: Modern minimalists, low-maintenance yards, drought-conscious regions
• Decor tip: Install uplighting at the base of the black brick to create dramatic evening shadows

28. Black Brick Garage Door Wall

Make your garage a design feature by wrapping it in black brick, transforming a functional space into an architectural focal point.

• Cost: $18-30 per square foot for garage wall coverage
• Best for: Multi-car garages, homes where the garage dominates the facade, modern upgrades
• Decor tip: Choose a modern wood-panel or black aluminum garage door to complement the brick

29. Black Brick with Steel-Framed Windows

Pair industrial black brick with sleek black steel-framed windows for a cohesive, loft-inspired exterior with modern edge.

• Cost: $35-55 per square foot, including steel window systems
• Best for: Industrial modern homes, urban lofts, design-savvy homeowners
• Decor tip: Add simple black window boxes with white flowers for a striking contrast

30. Black Brick Chimney Statement

Create a striking vertical feature with a floor-to-roofline black brick chimney that becomes a alluring exterior focal point.

• Cost: $4,000-10,000 for a full-height exterior chimney
• Best for: Homes with fireplaces, adding architectural interest, traditional-modern blends
• Decor tip: String outdoor Edison bulbs nearby to highlight the chimney’s texture at night

31. Black Brick with Limestone or Concrete Trim

Combine black brick with light gray limestone or concrete window surrounds, doorways, and foundation for a refined contrast.

• Cost: $32-48 per square foot with stone or concrete elements
• Best for: Contemporary estates, luxury builds, architectural showcase homes
• Decor tip: Use large-scale concrete planters with sculptural plants to reinforce the material palette

32. Black Brick Courtyard Walls

Design privacy walls and courtyard enclosures in black brick to create intimate outdoor rooms with modern European flair.

• Cost: $25-40 per square foot for freestanding walls
• Best for: Urban properties, creating outdoor privacy, courtyard-style homes
• Decor tip: Hang outdoor artwork or install wall-mounted water features to activate the vertical space

33. Black Brick with Lively Front Door

Let a single pop of color shine by pairing black brick with a bold front door in red, yellow, teal, or emerald green for personality.

• Cost: $24-38 per square foot for black brick plus $500-1,500 for statement door
• Best for: Adding personality on a budget, eclectic styles, making a memorable entrance
• Decor tip: Repeat your door color in house numbers, a welcome mat, or seasonal wreath for cohesion

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Brick House Design

Brick houses are beautiful and durable, but design mistakes can harm their appeal. Avoid common pitfalls to keep your brick exterior cohesive and well-planned. Knowing these errors helps you make wise choices when building or renovating for curb appeal and value.

• Painting brick without proper preparation: Rushing into painting brick without cleaning, repairing mortar, or using breathable masonry paint can trap moisture and cause peeling or damage over time.

• Mismatching brick with architectural style: Choosing ultra-modern brick colors for traditional homes or rustic brick for sleek contemporary designs creates visual confusion; always match brick style to your home’s architecture.

• Ignoring mortar joint maintenance: Neglecting cracked or crumbling mortar leads to water damage and structural issues; repoint joints every 25-30 years to protect your investment.

• Overwhelming with too much bare brick: Using brick on every surface without breaks of siding, stone, or trim creates a monotonous, heavy appearance; mix materials for visual interest and balance.

• Selecting trendy colors without considering resale: While bold painted brick looks current now, extremely trendy colors may limit buyer appeal later; choose timeless neutrals or classic brick tones for better long-term value.

Wrapping It Up

Your brick house deserves to stand out in your neighborhood. With limtless design possibilities from bold colors to mixed materials, there’s no reason to settle for bland exteriors.

Brick offers durability, low maintenance, and timeless beauty that boosts home value for decades.

The right remodelling changes how you feel pulling into your driveway every day. Ready to create your dream brick house exterior? Contact local contractors for free quotes and start planning your project today.