Renovating a brick house can often feel like a daunting challenge, especially when the first recommendation you hear is to render the exterior for a modern finish. While rendering can be a great option for achieving a smooth, contemporary look, it’s not always necessary to transform your home into the stunning showpiece you envision. In fact, preserving the unique charm of brick and incorporating some clever design elements can give your home a fresh, modern aesthetic—without losing its character or breaking the bank. Here’s how to take a dated brick facade and elevate it with style:
Embrace Brick’s Natural Texture – One of the primary reasons people lean towards rendering when renovating a brick house is to conceal the sheer quantity and ‘brown-ness’. But with a bit of creativity, these perceived imperfections can be turned to their advantage.
I love to incorporate cladding materials that complement the existing brickwork. It’s a great way to reduce a sea of brown texture and introduce more modern colours and patterns into the mix. Horizontal timber cladding, metal elements, or even contemporary panels like James Hardie’s Axon Board can add dimension and interest to the exterior. Strategically placing these materials—such as on part of an upper story, around the entrance, or as an accent wall—can create contrast and modernity without covering the entire house.
👇Designed by Hotspace👇
Update Windows & Entryways – Modernising the window frames, doors, and even the front entrance can dramatically change the look when renovating a brick house. Opt for slimline, black or charcoal window frames and a statement front door with a pop of colour or a unique design to draw attention. Consider installing larger windows or stacking doors to give the facade a more open and inviting feel. Adding a new portico or extending the roofline forward can also enhance the front entrance, giving it a grander presence.
Landscaping & Lighting – Don’t overlook the importance of landscaping and lighting in your facade’s transformation. Clean, minimal landscaping with modern planter boxes, feature trees, and structured garden beds complement the clean lines of a modern aesthetic. Layered exterior lighting, from ground lights to wall sconces, can highlight the textural differences between the brick and any new materials, showcasing the house’s best features.
Rendering a brick house isn’t the only path to achieving a modern transformation. With strategic paint choices, clever use of cladding, and thoughtful updates to windows, doors, and landscaping, your brick home can be completely re-imagined—maintaining its authenticity while stepping into the present.
Renovating a brick house, but need help to achieve a striking design? Send me some photos and tell me a bit about your project here… (https://hotspaceconsultants.com/preliminary-enquiry/).
Jane