How do I pick an exterior paint colour that complements the red brick common on older homes in Saint John and Fredericton?

Red brick is one of the most versatile exterior materials for paint colour pairing, and the historic red brick homes throughout Saint John's uptown and Fredericton's downtown offer excellent examples of timeless colour combinations that work beautifully in New Brunswick's Maritime setting.

The key to complementing red brick is understanding its undertones. Most red brick in older NB homes has warm undertones — ranging from orange-red to brown-red — which means warm, earthy paint colours will create the most harmonious look. Classic white trim remains the most popular and foolproof choice because it provides crisp contrast without competing with the brick's natural warmth.

For trim, fascia, and soffits, consider these proven combinations: Pure white or off-white (Benjamin Moore Cloud White, Sherwin-Williams Pure White) creates a clean, traditional look that never goes out of style. Warm cream or ivory (Benjamin Moore Windham Cream, Dulux Navajo White) offers a softer, more historic appearance that's particularly beautiful on Victorian and Edwardian homes common in both cities. Soft gray with warm undertones (Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter, Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige) provides a more contemporary feel while still respecting the brick's warmth.

For doors, shutters, or accent colours, you have more creative freedom. Deep forest green complements red brick beautifully and is historically appropriate for Maritime homes — it's the colour of choice for many heritage properties in Saint John's Trinity Royal area. Navy blue creates a sophisticated, nautical feel that's perfect for NB's coastal setting. Charcoal gray offers a modern touch while remaining neutral enough not to clash. Black provides dramatic contrast and works especially well on front doors and window trim.

Avoid cool colors like bright blues, purples, or stark grays with blue undertones — these will clash with the warm red brick and look jarring. Similarly, avoid colors that compete with the brick's intensity, like bright reds, oranges, or yellows.

Consider your home's architectural style when making your final choice. The Georgian and Victorian homes in Saint John's heritage areas look stunning with traditional white trim and deep green or navy accents. The more modest worker cottages throughout both cities can handle slightly bolder colour combinations while still respecting the brick's natural beauty.

Test your colour choices by purchasing sample sizes and painting large swatches directly on your trim in different lighting conditions. Red brick can look dramatically different in morning versus afternoon light, and NB's frequent overcast skies will affect how colours appear throughout the day.

Need help finding a professional painter to execute your vision? New Brunswick Painting can match you with experienced local painters who understand how to work with historic brick homes and achieve the classic, timeless look these beautiful Maritime properties deserve.