Brick homes have a classic, timeless look, but if yours feels a little outdated, there are plenty of ways to give it a sleek, contemporary upgrade. Whether you want a subtle refresh or a dramatic transformation, these updates will help modernize your home's exterior while maintaining its charm.
Address Brick Issues Before Making Aesthetic Upgrades
Before focusing on cosmetic changes, check the condition of your brickwork. Over time, exposure to moisture, harsh winters, and aging materials can lead to spalling brick - when bricks flake, crack, or crumble.
Signs of Spalling Brick:
Chipping or peeling bricks
Crumbling mortar joints
White powdery residue (efflorescence)
Loose or shifting bricks
Fixing these issues before making aesthetic upgrades is crucial to ensure long-lasting improvements. Repointing brickwork, replacing damaged bricks, and sealing vulnerable areas can preserve the structural integrity of your home while preparing it for a modern facelift.
If you’re noticing signs of wear and tear, contact us today to repair any damage before moving forward with aesthetic updates.
Update the Exterior Paint Colors
A fresh coat of paint on trim, shutters, and doors can instantly modernize your brick home. Some of the best modern color schemes include:
Crisp Whites & Light Grays: Clean and timeless.
Dark Charcoal & Black: High-contrast and sophisticated.
Earthy Tones: Sage green, deep navy, or warm taupe for a contemporary feel.
Pro Tip: Choosing matte or satin finishes instead of high-gloss keeps the look modern and understated.
Consider Painting or Limewashing the Brick
For a more significant transformation, you can change the color of the brick itself.
Painted Brick: White, charcoal, or warm neutral colors can give the home a fresh, updated appearance.
Limewash: A softer, aged look that allows some of the original brick to show through, creating a more organic, European-inspired feel.
If you’re considering painting your brick, remember that it’s a long-term commitment and requires proper preparation to prevent future maintenance issues, and proper paint removal when you’re done with it.
Upgrade the Front Door & Garage Door
Modern front doors and garage doors can significantly impact your home’s curb appeal.
Front Door: Opt for a bold contrast, like black, deep green, or even wood tones. Consider doors with glass inserts for a sleek, contemporary touch.
Garage Door: Horizontal paneling, matte finishes, and frosted glass details can instantly make your home feel more modern.
Modernize Lighting & House Numbers
Lighting plays a big role in defining a home's style. Swap out outdated fixtures for:
Minimalist sconces in matte black or brushed nickel.
Statement pendant lighting if you have a covered entryway.
LED pathway lights for a sleek, modern touch.
Upgrading your house numbers to a bold, sans-serif font in black or brushed metal can also help modernize the exterior.
Improve Landscaping & Hardscaping
A modern home exterior isn’t just about the house itself - landscaping and hardscaping also play a major role.
Clean lines and symmetry in plant beds create a polished, contemporary look.
Low-maintenance greenery, like ornamental grasses and boxwood hedges, keeps things modern.
Concrete pavers or gravel walkways feel sleek and updated.
Consider adding raised garden beds or modern planters near the entryway to tie the look together.
Replace or Refresh the Roof & Gutters
An outdated roof or bulky gutters can make a home look older than it is. If a replacement is in the budget, consider:
Black or dark gray shingles for a modern contrast.
Standing seam metal roofing for a sleek, contemporary touch.
Hidden or modern gutter systems to create a cleaner aesthetic.
Upgrade Windows & Trim
Larger, more streamlined windows can give a brick home a modern feel. If full replacements aren’t in the budget, try:
Painting existing window trim in a bold contrast color like black.
Installing new shutters with a clean, simple design.
Removing outdated decorative trim to simplify the look.
Final Thoughts
Modernizing a brick home doesn’t mean losing its charm - it’s about updating it with thoughtful color choices, clean lines, and contemporary materials. Whether you're making subtle changes like swapping out hardware and lighting or going big with limewash and new windows, these updates will help give your home a fresh, modern look while maintaining its character.
Looking for expert guidance on restoring and updating your home’s exterior?
Taking care of aging brick while modernizing the overall design can be tricky, but preserving the integrity of older homes in Massachusetts while giving them a fresh look is our team’s speciality!