Outdoor Lighting Perspectives, part of the Outdoor Living Brands product offerings provides exceptional and dramatic outdoor lighting for any project, including the front entry and porch of this traditional southern style residence in Charlotte, North Carolina.
1. Brick Looks That Never Fade
Classic Red Brick with Crisp Trim
I still remember the first time I spotted a Colonial-style house in my hometown—its deep-red bricks offset by snowy-white trim and fluttering black shutters. It felt both cozy and stately. Red brick is unbeatable for that “hearth and home” vibe, and it partners beautifully with darker accents.
Airy White-Washed Brick
Want instant curb appeal that reads like a seaside retreat? A light whitewash preserves the brick’s texture while brightening the whole look. You get that farmhouse-by-the-sea charm—no ocean view required.
Mixed-Material Facades
Bricks teamed with cedar siding or sleek metal panels? Yes, please. Use brick at the base or around entryways as your home’s “anchor,” then add contrasting materials above for a modern, layered effect.
Patterned Brick Accents
A herringbone pattern in the porch floor, a soldier course framing your front door—these little details catch the eye and feel lovingly artisanal. They cost almost nothing extra but deliver that “wow” moment.
Two-Tone Brick Walls
Here’s a trick I picked up: use darker bricks along the foundation (the water-table area) and switch to lighter hues above. It grounds the house visually and breaks up what could otherwise be one endless expanse.
Bold Glazed & Colored Bricks
Ready to stand out? Charcoal, deep green, or even glossy glazed bricks turn your home into a contemporary showstopper. Pro tip: talk to your builder about insulation—darker bricks soak up more heat.
Reclaimed Brick for Storytelling
Salvaged bricks bring history—maybe from an old mill or a farmhouse—and lend your home an authentic, weathered charm. They’re eco-friendly and perfect if you love character over cookie-cutter perfection.
Brick Hardscaping & Planter Walls
Don’t stop at the walls. Extend the look into your yard with brick patios, pathways, or raised planters. It ties your landscaping and architecture together, making the whole property sing in harmony.
2. Brick Styles at a Glance
| Style | Vibe | Rough Cost* | Upkeep | Perfect For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Red Brick | Warm, traditional | $8–$12/sq ft | Very low | Historic streets, comfy cottages |
| White-Washed Brick | Bright, airy | $9–$13/sq ft | Low–medium | Beach houses, modern farms |
| Mixed-Material Facade | Textural, contemporary | $12–$18/sq ft | Low | Urban infill, minimalist homes |
| Patterned Brickwork | Artisanal detail | $10–$15/sq ft | Low | Accent areas, custom builds |
| Glazed/Colored Brick | Dramatic, high-end | $14–$20/sq ft | Low | Statement façades, boutiques |
| Reclaimed Brick | Rustic, eco-friendly | $6–$10/sq ft | Medium | Renovations, barn conversions |
*Actual prices vary by region, brick type, and installer.
3. What I’ve Learned the Hard Way
- Mind the Moisture: Brick looks happy soaking up water, but trapped moisture leads to efflorescence (those white streaks) or worse, damp walls. Always insist on a top-notch damp-proof course and slope your soil away from the foundation.
- Insulate That Mass: Brick’s thermal mass is brilliant—absorbing heat by day, releasing it by night—but without proper insulation, your energy bills will spike. A little extra foam goes a long way.
- Test Your Mortar: A flush joint gives a modern, seamless look; a raked joint casts deeper shadows. Ask your mason for a small mock-up and watch it at sunrise and sunset before committing.
- Sample, Sample, Sample: Brick colors shift in different light—rosy pink at dawn, burnt orange at dusk. Lay out a handful of bricks in your actual light conditions for a weekend to see what you really get.
4. Pro Tips for a Polished Finish
- Dark Base, Light Top: Contrast at the water table level “grounds” your house.
- Nighttime Drama: Uplights or recessed porch fixtures make brick textures pop after dark.
- Greenery Play: Train jasmine or clematis up focal walls—they soften the look and scent the air come spring.
- Blend Old & New: Sneak in a few reclaimed bricks among new ones for a seamless, story-rich finish.
- Small Details, Big Impact: A simple soldier course above windows or a brick keystone at your entrance elevates the whole façade.
5. Quick FAQs
How long will brick last?
With quality installation and an occasional tuck-pointing (replacing mortar), brick exteriors can easily outlast 100 years.
Is brick energy-efficient?
Yes—its thermal mass smooths out temperature swings, keeping interiors cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
Can I paint or whitewash brick?
Absolutely. Use breathable masonry paint or limewash. Just be ready for touch-ups every 5–10 years, as paint can peel and limewash will slowly weather.
Structural vs. veneer brick—what’s the difference?
Structural brick supports the building itself; veneer brick is a thin, decorative layer over a wood or steel frame. Veneer is lighter and more common today.
Will brick blow my budget?
Upfront costs are higher than vinyl or wood siding, but factor in decades of low maintenance, weather resistance, and increased resale value—and brick often earns back its investment.
