11 Modern Brick Home Design Ideas That Perfectly Mix Old and New

Bricks have been used in construction since around 5000 B.C. so it is no wonder they give any structure they adorn such a classic look. Brick remains one of the strongest and longest-lasting building materials around and architects are continuing to find creative ways to use them. It is tried, tested, and true; but above all, it lends a timeless appeal to both modern and traditional homes. 

The brick house aesthetic has proven to be impervious to the passing trends. Whether it is French country, English cottage, colonial architecture, or any other style that uses this hard-wearing, industrial material, there are so many ways to interpret modern brick homes. And not only do they stand the test of time, but brick homes are also known to age gracefully. A number of exterior design ideas will allow you to accentuate the charming character of brick houses. 

1. Incorporate Tiny Details

Minor details can go a long way in adding aesthetic appeal to a brick house.

Whether you’re sticking to traditional aesthetics or a more modern brick home design, there’s always room to incorporate certain accents that complement the exterior. A mid-century modern-style house number, for example, can be the final touch to any brick house. For a more vintage look, you can have the number engraved on a plaque. Try pairing the latter with wrought-iron sconces to channel an old-world charm. What’s best about this idea is that it also works beautifully in a contemporary setting. 

2. Opt for a White Exterior

Give your modern brick home a complete makeover by painting it white.

One design idea that’s all over the trends involves painting a brick house white. Although the process itself may take some time, it can effectively transform an old home into a contemporary brick house. Bear in mind that contemporary design mainly revolves around taking traditional materials and applying them in an innovative approach. The white color of the exterior essentially revitalizes the structure, giving it a more airy and fresh aesthetic. 

3. Adorn With Greenery

A biophilic design goes hand in hand with a brick home — whether it’s traditional or modern.

The biophilic appeal of a brick house adorned with vines and shade trees never seem to go out of style. Consider emulating the historically charming look by adding a splash of greenery to your traditional or modern brick home. It’s hard to go wrong with this design idea. For instance, you can brim the exterior of your brick house with climbing ivy and team it with seasonal botanicals. For visual depth, try a combination of plants with different shades or colors. We’re talking plants with red foliage or maybe even climbing roses for a charming cottage aesthetic. 

4. Pick a Timeless Color for the Door

Choosing a timeless color for the front door ensures that it never falls out of style.

A front door color that draws attention can truly stand out — especially with an equally appealing backdrop of brick. To maintain a timeless aesthetic that caters to both traditional and modern sensibilities, it can be a good idea to stay away from bold tones. Instead, try aiming for light shades of green or blue. Not only are these colors visually attractive in an understated way, but they also complement the brick perfectly. A light pistachio door with a backdrop of red brick, for instance, lends an English house aesthetic. A light blue door with a background of white brick, on the other hand, creates a coastal look — think of a whitewashed Greek home design.

5. Limewash the Exterior

The process of limewashing involves giving the brick exterior a weathered look.

A type of paint that corresponds perfectly with brick exteriors is limewash. It lends your house a one-of-a-kind, endearing, and rustic appeal that makes it appear as though it was built ages ago. This painting technique can also emulate the look and feel of modern brick ranch homes. And if you’re considering a coastal aesthetic for your brick house, limewashing can be an ideal way to achieve it.

The effect is somewhat similar to whitewashing, but the process is not the same. While whitewashing involves coating the brick wall with a watered-down paint, limewashing is to apply a combination of lime, minerals, and water to the brick. 

6. Add Visual Interest With Patterns

A shift in patterning can be enough to break the monotony of a brick wall while adding depth and dimension.

Incorporating subtle patterns is not uncommon with classic or modern stone and brick homes. It adds just enough visual interest without drawing too much attention so as to overwhelm the look. It essentially helps in breaking the monotony of the standard brick pattern. Alternate patterning can also add definition to features in the facade such as windows and doors — especially with protruding bricks. Consider opting for patterns such as chevron and herringbone to create visual depth and dimension. 

7. Consider Stained Glass Windows

The use of stained glass windows in architecture dates all the way back to the first century.

Stained glass windows offer an antique charm unlike no other, and can make for a unique touch in modern brick homes as well. If your house doesn’t already have this feature, you can still achieve the look by scouring flea markets, antique shops, as well as architectural salvage yards for a vintage piece. Alternatively, you can even have one custom-made to reflect your own personal taste. In any case, the pop of color will certainly add to the character of the facade. 

8. Personalize the Design

There’s always room to add your own touch without compromising the original design of a brick home.

If you happen to be lucky enough to own a brick house, remember to embrace its original features in all their glory while adding your own touch. Bear in mind that it’s all in the little details. As long as it doesn’t take away from the authenticity of the architecture, there are so many ways you can make the design reflect your personal taste. These can include an assortment of flowering plants, a painted section or two, and maybe a wrought-iron fence.

9. Create a Contrast

Contrasting elements can lend a modern appeal to a brick house.

Incorporating a sharp contrast in the exterior design is a great way to make your home stand out. It can also be ideal for boosting the curb appeal of your property while giving it a modern brick home aesthetic. For instance, consider going for red brick on the bottom section of the exterior and black bricks on the top section. A dark window grill design can also serve as a contrasting feature when it comes to brick homes. 

10. Paint it Black

Create a moody aesthetic by painting your brick home black.

Contemporary homes with black exteriors tend to appeal as an extension of Gothic sensibilities. After all, it evokes similar vibes to that of Gothic designs. A predominantly black color palette isn’t something you always see in typical homes, be it the exterior or the interior. Nevertheless, black carries a unique and daring aesthetic and serves as a bold and dramatic choice for a modern brick house — especially when paired with large windows. 

11. Pair it With Large Windows

A common feature in contemporary homes is the use of large windows.

A contemporary brick home can take advantage of the natural light throughout the day with a series of large windows. Large expanses of glass beautifully complement the surrounding brick, creating a gorgeous marriage of the sleek and the textured, the modern and the traditional. Moreover, the transparency that comes with the large windows helps in blending the outdoors with the indoors — especially if your house is surrounded by a beautiful natural landscape.