Software
Houzz Logo Print
kate_tan87

Improve curb appeal and exterior color for 1895 half brick house?

6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago

I am planning to repaint the front of my house that was built in 1895, with additions made in the 1930s. House is not landmarked; my style is modern, and I am gravitating towards grays, whites, and plums. Here are my constraints: (1) I don't like the multicolor brick, so I plan to have this painted. I'm aware that painted brick is irreversible and requires upkeep, and I am up for this. (2) I plan to remove the fake shutters. It looks like a travesty, and the former owner did it. (3) I live in a high-traffic urban neighborhood, such that solid dark color on the lower level is a must.

Anyone have painting suggestions and color schemes?

I also welcome ideas for improving curb appeal!







Comments (12)

  • 6 years ago

    Although I love "painted lady" houses, the choice of colors with the brick from the previous paint job were wrong for the brick. IF you should decide to not paint the brick, a calm grayish blue would work nicely I think. I also think that gray would be too drab and dull unless it was a gray that suggests blue or green, with white trim -- but not bright white. I love plum as a rule but not sure about it here -- maybe a more eggplant or damson shade instead of a bright plum.

    Any way to get matching doors on the front?

    katerade thanked raee_gw zone 5b-6a Ohio
  • 6 years ago

    Thank you @cat_ky, we're definitely planning to put in green plants after it gets repainted -- possibly a wisteria if it can work with the north-facing light!


    Damson sounds like a great idea. We are definitely looking to get the doors to match in color.

  • 6 years ago


    Darker plum gray on outside and lighter neutral gray on the inside. You don't want the porch to be like a dark cave.

    katerade thanked emmarene9
  • 6 years ago

    Thank you Emmarene for the photoshopping! I am actually considering Perle Noir by Sherwin Williams for the outside, and then origami white for the inside and the top of the house as well. Trying to find a third midtone gray that will work with those!

  • 6 years ago

    check out this blog about how the home owners painted their brick house and some of the new paint colors available from the paint manufacturer they used (specifically made for painting brick):

    https://www.younghouselove.com/romabio-brick-paint-color-collection/

  • 6 years ago

    Right now the upper and lower parts of the house seem completely disconnected, and the door looks like an afterthought. I would keep the beautiful brick and paint the upper part a charcoal color from the brick, with cream trim for the details. Paint the door cream or a glossy black. I would suggest you at least try different colors on a visualizer to see the overall effect before you decide to paint the brick. Your home can be stunning!

  • 6 years ago

    Also consider staining your brick rather than painting -- helps with the long-term upkeep while getting the color change you want.

  • 6 years ago

    Are you able to remove or trim that large tree out front? You have a unique house but it's hard to see all of it to get the full effect.

  • 6 years ago
    I agree, I would remove or trim that tree if you are able. Oh and if you use a masonry friendly paint like Romabio it greatly reduces maintainence and upkeep.
  • 6 years ago

    As a few others have indicated, you may be able to get the look you want without painting the brick. Here's a few options that look nice with brick.

    I know you are planning to paint the doors the same color, but I think raee above was asking about making the actual doors match. I think the one of the right is more in keeping with the age and style of the house. Obviously it won't have the transom but the same kind of door with the 3/4 window would give it some cohesiveness.



  • 6 years ago

    Another option if you feel it is all just too much brick is to paint just the front facade or the porch interior but not both. I like the black interior as it really makes the doors stand out, but the lighter gray could work if you choose black or dark trim.

Sponsored
SK Interiors
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars52 Reviews
Loudoun County's Top Kitchen & Bath Designer I Best of Houzz 2014-2025