As one of the most timeless and durable materials you can adorn your home’s exterior with, brick can give your façade a much-needed facelift while boosting curb appeal. Whether you’re building a new house or adding an extension, the color and style of brick you choose can make or break the project.
Not sure where to start? Check out these tips and partner with a trusted masonry contractor in Michigan to ensure a harmonious balance between your home’s architecture and your surroundings.
Architectural Style
First, consider the architectural style of your home, as certain brick styles work better with specific designs:
- Colonial and Traditional homes: Go withred or earthy-toned bricks and symmetrical patterns.
- Modern and Contemporary homes: Try sleek, linear bricks in neutral or monochrome colors.
- Craftsman homes: Choose from warm, natural brick tones such as brown, mossy green, or burnt orange.
- Farmhouse or rustic designs: Stick with weathered or tumbled bricks for texture and character.
Color Coordination
Your brick color needs to complement the rest of your home’s exterior elements, including:
- Roofing
- Windows and shutters
- Siding or trim
- Garage doors
- Landscaping features
Let’s say you have a dark charcoal roof; it’s best to go with a lighter-colored brick for contrast. Got a crisp white trim? Stick with classic deep red bricks, or for a modern twist, try cool-toned grays.
Texture and Finish
The texture also makes a big impact on the overall look. Smooth bricks are sleek and modern, while rough or tumbled bricks give you a rustic, aged effect. There are a few textures you can choose from:
- Wire-cut bricks: Best for contemporary designs; uniform and clean.
- Hand-molded or tumbled bricks: Irregular and textured for charm and character.
- Glazed bricks: High-shine finishes; great for bold accents or modern features.
Mortar Color
Mortar color and brick color go hand in hand. Lighter mortar brightens a dark brick and highlights its shape, while dark mortar offers a monolithic, uniform appearance.
- White or light gray mortar: Contrast, definition, traditional design.
- Dark gray or brown mortar: Modern or industrial look.
- Colored mortar: Custom-tinted to match or accent brick tone.
Still not sure which color to go with? Your Michigan masonry contractor can provide samples or mockups for you to visualize each look.
Real-World Examples
In addition to samples, mockups, and photos, it’s good to get a real-world comparison out in the wild. Visit homes, subdivisions, or commercial buildings in your town or neighborhood to see what styles are out there and which one appeals to you the most. Go at different times of day, too, as different lighting conditions affect appearance.
Timelessness Over Trends
It can be tempting to embrace the latest trends, but always remember that brick is a permanent material that can’t be easily painted or replaced when you get sick of the color or texture later on. With this in mind, choose a timeless brick style and color that will still look great 20 years from now.
Brick: A Unified, Lasting Aesthetic
When settling on the right brick combo for your home, remember it’s not just an aesthetic choice. It’s all about crafting a unified, lasting element that complements your architecture, personal style, surrounding landscaping, and neighborhood.
Contact It’s The Brick Guys
We know better than anyone how important the right brick and mortar combo is, and can offer our expert advice, inspiration, and guidance based on years of experience. Contact us today for a free quote and consultation on brick work in Macomb County and beyond.
