2025 Exterior Brick Color Trends: What’s In, What’s Out, and How to Choose

If you’ve been eyeing your brick exterior and wondering whether to keep it classic, warm it up, or go full-on limewash, you’re not alone. Across Western Kentucky and beyond, homeowners are leaning into richer, earthier palettes, softer whites, and smarter ways to refresh brick without creating a maintenance headache. Here’s your friendly, local-expert guide to what’s trending now and how to make it look intentional on your home.

The Big Picture: Warmer Neutrals + Nature-Inspired Color

Design is swinging warm. Think earthy neutrals (greiges, taupes, sand) and organic hues (olive, sage, muted red-clay) that play nicely with Kentucky’s greenery and our mix of traditional + farmhouse styles. Even where white exteriors remain popular, they’re trending creamier—think less stark, more welcoming.

If you do paint, designers recommend colors that photograph well for listings and don’t spook future buyers: warm whites (e.g., BM White Dove), soft taupes/greiges, sun-baked stone shades, and (used thoughtfully) deep, warm blacks for drama. Save the bold pops for the front door.

Our painted brick home in Charlotte, NC (The door was a light blue/teal color!)

House before. This brick was screaming for an update.

Paint, Limewash, Slurry, or Stain? (And Which Ages Best)

Painted brick can look great on day one, but it can trap moisture and add long-term upkeep. If you must paint, use breathable mineral formulations and hire a pro; better yet, choose a brick designed for painting.

Limewash is having a moment for good reason: it’s breathable, mineral-based, and creates that soft, Old-World patina. It can be lightly distressed, and early on it’s even adjustable/removable—huge if you want control over the final look.

Mortar wash/German smear adds texture and tone without fully hiding the brick—perfect if you want character and color shift with less maintenance than traditional paint. However, you need to make sure you find a professional with references and pictures you can see. When this is done bad, its bad. You’ll wish you never did it.

Last, but not least, stains can nudge color while keeping the natural brick texture visible.

2025 Trends You’ll Actually See Curbside

Warm, earthy exteriors
Soft browns, olive greens, and muted clay tones are edging out cool grays—still neutral, just cozier and more site-specific.
Creamier whites (not stark)
Think White Dove/Simply White vibes—timeless on brick, flattering in listing photos.
Sophisticated darks
Warmer blacks and charcoal trims/accents add modern edge without going industrial-cold.
Smarter surface treatments
Limewash, mortar wash, and mineral paints that let brick breathe are beating basic latex.
Monochrome mortar
Matching brick + mortar is trending for a calm, contemporary read; contrast mortar stays popular for traditional depth. (Sample both.)

How to Choose the Right Route for Your House

Start with your brick. Keep it natural if the color + texture already sing. If it’s busy or dated, a mortar wash or limewash can unify without hiding character.
Sample, sample, sample. Build a field panel and check morning/noon/dusk. The right mortar or wash can be the difference between “just ok” and magazine cover.
Plan for resale. If selling in the next few years, prioritize warm neutrals and timeless contrast; keep bold moves to doors and planters.
Visualize before you commit. Many brick makers offer online visualizers to test brick + mortar + trim combos. You can also try an AI photo visualizer app. There are so many to choose from.

Ready to Refresh?

If you’re in Paducah (or nearby), I’m happy to help you sample on-site, choose a mortar strategy, and pick a palette that flatters your architecture and photographs beautifully for resale.

Exterior Brick Color Trends