A Painted Brick Exterior Makeover (Mid-Century)
A Brick Split Level Makeover
There are many brick homes with a lot of charm—homes I wouldn’t step near with a lick of paint. While this home could’ve been improved with a new siding and trim color, these homeowners were ready for a BIGGER change and wanted to paint the whole shebang.
THE FRONT – BRICK, SIDING, & TRIM
This home had some great bones with its neutral brick and large-scale siding. I like the exterior profile, including the sloped roof over the living area. However, the skin-toned siding color and brown accents didn’t do it any justice. It needed some KLC.
We went bold and contrasting with a cream and brown palette. Now, this beautiful home has a new lease on life!
THE FRONT DOOR: BEFORE & AFTER
Before, the front door was no screamin’ glory – it was a little ‘meh.’ There was no roof over the front steps or focal point to draw you in. The glass blocks also didn’t suit the era and intention of this home…
Afterward, the new, mid-century, modern-style front door and side light create a striking, welcoming invitation. With a new sloped roof to provide some cover, this home has a new layer that adds serious function!
I just love the subtle mid-century modern vibe, and that’s probably one of the most bad-ass exterior light fixtures ever.
THE BACK: BEFORE & AFTER
Before, the backside had a lot going on (this is often said about me as well). Along with the graphic window trims and siding, the brick portion felt jarring when it met the horizontal siding.
After painting the brick the same warm cream color as the siding, the contrast between these surfaces is lower, creating a more seamless, simple look.
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THE EXTERIOR COLOR PALETTE
My client and his family were looking for something light and bright, in the white or off-white range. However, if you are a good member of the Kylie Cult, you’ll have read my blog post on exterior colors. In doing so, you’d know that exterior colors tend to look lighter once applied due to LRV and all of that jazz. This means that while white was tempting, off-white was our best bet.
For the siding and painted brick, we chose Benjamin Moore Ballet White—this warm shade of off-white hints at creamy yellow without too much commitment to color.
Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Ballet White
The 10 Best Off-White Paint Colors
The trim and windows are painted the ever-lovely Benjamin Moore Willow. Black felt too jarring for this pretty home and its landscaping. Instead, this muted shade of dark brown adds contrast but with a soft warmth.
The front door is the bold and badass Sherwin Williams Determined Orange SW 6635.
READ MORE
The Best Shutter (& Front Door) Colors for Brick Exteriors
5 Steps to Choosing Your Best Exterior Paint Colors
The Best Paint Colors for Your Front Door
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They chose the right person for the job, for sure! Great transformation!!
Seriously good job. Love it, love it. love it.
Thank you Andrea, it is pretty cool, eh!
In regards to the window trim – were these windows painted? I’m wanting a similar look for my MCM, but we have white vinyl windows but I want them black. Can this be done?
Hi Kylie! I don’t believe they were painted. And there is vinyl paint out there, but personally it would make me nervous as to how it would hold up in the longterm…
We have a MCM home with windows that need replacing, but we want to stay away from the white vinyl and stay modern. I have some questions about fiberglass vs aluminum, trim , keeping it MCM and how everyone on pinterest gets that look! For your help and with your packages, I was wondering which one would be best to fill out a questionnaire. The single question? Exterior paint? We’re just overwhelmed with design, but we want to be sure before moving forward with thousands of dollars when replacing our windows!
Can you please share your light fixture source? Pretty please!
Oh Brynn, I have sent him a note and haven’t heard back – I’m going to try one more time and cross my fingers 😉
Oh thank you so much! We are doing a remodel project and that’s exactly what I’ve been looking for!
You totally inspired and convinced my husband to finally paint out outdated MCM dove white and it looks amazing. Your blog helped him see my vision.
I would also love to know the source of the light as I need something substantial like this for our front entry.
Thank you!
Wahooooo – THAT is what I love to hear! And I’ve sent the homeowner a note, but haven’t heard back…maybe I will try one…more…time… 😉
The light fitting appears to be one made by the amazing New Zealand designer, David Trubridge , or a replica of one of his designs. Probably the Coral design. You can see the full range on his website davidtrubridge.com .
Well done, thank you Kaye, you are right – those do look very similar, worth checking out!
What an amazing transformation! Mid-century with a classic twist. Love your choice of colors, especially the trim – dark without black; And, the door. Love it
Is it a David Trubridge “Coral”?
Hi Kylie! Ballet White OR White Duck for painted brick?! which would you choose?! 😉
Oooo, I am a White Duck fan, just because it’s that bit more muted 🙂
Light fixture is ‘Coral’ by David Trubridge, available from Lumens.
Hello – I’m looking to paint my house ballet white as well! I’m so glad I came across this post! Curious – did you paint the eaves/underside of the front porch roof ballet white or a different color? I’m trying to decide if matching is best or if i should go with a lighter white for contrast. Thanks!
Oh gosh, it was some time ago, so I don’t remember!