How To Refresh Outdated Exterior Brick Without Painting

How much does it cost to paint the exterior of your home? More than you'd like to spend. Painting brick, in particular, is pricey, averaging $1.90 to $4.80 per square foot. For a 2,000-square-foot house, that's $3,800 to $9,600. Sure, you could tackle the job yourself, but that's a weeks-long time investment — not to mention the fact that painted brick needs upkeep every five to 10 years. In other words, painting is an expensive, ongoing commitment. So, what can you do instead to refresh outdated exterior brick without paint? Quite a lot, actually. A deep pressure wash, spruced-up trim, a bold new front door, updated shutters, or even a garden makeover can all shift the focus away from tired-looking brick. And the best part? None of these options will cause your credit card to cower. With brick making a comeback in the U.S., you're already ahead of the game. It's durable, energy-efficient, sustainable, and timeless — everything you want in an exterior wall material. All it takes is keeping it in good shape and upgrading the elements around it. Let's start with the house itself, and then move on to landscaping.

Giving your walls a thorough scrubbing is a fairly effortless way to brighten up your outside brickwork and reveal grout lines hidden beneath years of grime. Whether you rent a power washer and DIY it or hire a company to do it for you, you'll be amazed by the difference it makes. If the brick still looks lackluster, consider applying a limestone finish (also called limewash). It's inexpensive, breathable, and low-maintenance. Painting the trim — around windows and doors — as well as gutters, fascia, or eaves, can instantly modernize your home. Pair that with a bold new color on the front and garage doors to reframe the whole façade.

Porch railings and window shutters are also worth attention. A fresh coat of paint or a full replacement if they're worn out will draw the eye away from dated brick while adding structural and visual value. Finally, don't overlook lighting. If your fixtures are as outdated as your brick, swapping them for modern designs can boost curb appeal day and night. You don't have to alter the brick itself; fresh, modern accents can completely transform the look of your home.

With the house taken care of, it's time to update the landscaping. Strategically planting flowers, shrubs, and trees creates an inviting atmosphere while hiding imperfections. Make sure you choose plants that tolerate heat, though, since brick retains heat and tends to dry the surrounding soil. Loropetalums, abelias, crape myrtles, hybrid hollies, maples, spiraeas, and yews make excellent foundation plants due to their ability to thrive in the challenging conditions commonly found near house foundations. Opting for drought-resistant shrubs in colors complementary to the brick can create visual interest and soften the facade. Pro tip: Mulching and irrigating help maintain plant health near bricks.

There are so many natural landscape edging ideas to elevate your yard. From classic and durable options like stone edging and rustic finishes like wood, gravel, pebble, and natural plant borders, garden edging is more than functional; it's a creative way to enhance and organize your outdoor space. Coupled with the addition of elements like pathways, retaining walls, and decorative borders, it's a great way to complement the brick while redirecting focus away from it. Taking a two-pronged approach — with a garden makeover and facade updates — can effectively soften and modernize the look of an old brick exterior without repainting or covering the brick completely.