Beautiful Australian Brick House Updates for a Stylish Street Presence

Your brick house probably looks exactly like it did in 1978—orange-brown bricks that scream dated, tired white trim, original windows that leak air like sieves, and that unmistakable dated Australian suburban aesthetic making your home disappear into a sea of identical brick boxes lining the street while property values around you climb with every tasteful renovation.

Australian brick houses built between 1960s-1990s share common challenges—dated color palettes dominated by terracotta and cream, builder-grade windows and doors lacking character, minimal architectural detail, and dated materials needing updates without destroying the solid brick construction that actually makes these homes incredibly durable and thermally efficient underneath the unfortunate aesthetic choices.

We’re covering 12 australian brick house exterior makeover ideas specifically addressing common brick home problems—updating color schemes, adding architectural interest, modernizing windows and doors, incorporating landscaping, and implementing cost-effective changes that transform dated exteriors into contemporary standouts without requiring complete demolition or unlimited budgets that most renovation guides assume.

Why Australian Brick Houses Need Special Approaches

• Brick Provides Solid Foundation Worth Keeping: Quality brick construction offers excellent thermal mass, durability, and structural integrity making complete removal wasteful and expensive versus strategic updates. It’s like good bones in fashion where foundation matters more than surface styling. The preservation approach respects existing quality while updating appearance.
• Era-Specific Details Date Homes: Arched porticos, decorative brick patterns, horizontal emphasis, and cream trim scream 1970s-80s requiring strategic modifications creating contemporary appearance. It’s like hairstyle updates where small changes dramatically affect perception. The targeted interventions address specific dating elements without full reconstruction.
• Color Choices Transform Dramatically: Paint, render, staining, or strategic material additions change entire character without touching actual bricks often requiring least invasive most cost-effective transformations. It’s like makeup where color changes features without surgery. The surface treatments deliver maximum impact with minimal structural intervention.
• Landscaping Integration Matters: Hard landscaping, garden design, and entry sequences dramatically affect curb appeal and home perception often equaling or exceeding building modifications’ impact. It’s like outfit completion where accessories determine polish. The comprehensive approach addresses entire property presentation not just building facade.

12 Australian Brick House Exterior Makeover Ideas

Transform dated brick homes with these australian brick house exterior makeover ideas featuring practical cost-effective renovations.

Render Over Existing Brick

Apply smooth or textured render coating over existing brick creating fresh contemporary surface in modern colors—whites, grays, charcoals, or warm neutrals. The overlay transforms dated orange brick into sleek modern facade without removing structural walls. Choose acrylic or cement-based renders providing weather protection and lasting 15-20 years minimum.

Render entire facade for complete transformation or strategic sections creating contrasting panels and architectural interest. Leave some original brick exposed creating modern mixed-material aesthetic popular in contemporary Australian architecture. The relatively affordable solution costs $100-150 per square meter professionally applied delivering dramatic results. Ensure proper preparation and quality application preventing future cracking or moisture issues requiring premature remediation.

Paint Brick in Modern Palette

Paint existing brick using masonry-specific exterior paint in contemporary colors transforming appearance while maintaining brick texture and character. Charcoal, deep navy, forest green, or warm grays create sophisticated modern aesthetics. Lighter colors—white, cream, soft gray—work better in hot climates reflecting rather than absorbing heat.

Proper surface preparation including cleaning, repairs, and quality primer ensures paint adhesion and longevity. The DIY-friendly approach costs significantly less than rendering while achieving similar color transformation. Expect repainting every 10-15 years maintaining appearance and protection. Consider professional application for consistent coverage and proper technique preventing issues like inadequate coverage or moisture trapping beneath paint causing future problems.

Replace Windows and Doors

Upgrade dated aluminum windows and hollow-core doors with contemporary black-framed windows and solid timber or steel doors creating immediate modernization. Slimline frames, larger glass panels, and floor-to-ceiling options increase natural light while updating aesthetic dramatically. Black frames suit most brick colors creating sophisticated contrast and contemporary edge.

The significant investment—$15,000-40,000 depending on home size—delivers substantial aesthetic and practical returns through improved energy efficiency, security, and comfort alongside visual transformation. Choose quality products with proper installation ensuring weatherproofing and longevity. The updated openings completely change home’s character making this high-impact modification worth prioritizing when budget allows substantial investment.

Add Vertical Timber Cladding

Install vertical timber or composite cladding on strategic facade sections creating modern mixed-material aesthetic breaking up brick monotony. Natural timber weathers beautifully developing silver-gray patina or choose pre-finished composite requiring minimal maintenance. Position cladding framing entry, covering upper stories, or creating accent panels adding vertical emphasis and contemporary texture.

The material contrast creates visual interest and architectural dimension while introducing warmth softening brick harshness. Ensure proper installation with adequate ventilation behind cladding preventing moisture issues and ensuring timber longevity. Costs range $150-300 per square meter installed depending on material selection and installation complexity. The contemporary approach demonstrates design sophistication and creates distinctive character separating home from dated brick neighbors.

Modern Portico or Entry Canopy

Replace dated arched portico or non-existent coverage with contemporary flat-roof canopy, floating concrete slab, or minimalist steel-and-timber structure. The modern entry shelter provides weather protection while establishing contemporary architectural character visible from street. Extend canopy beyond door creating generous covered area for packages, guests, or momentary rain protection.

Incorporate integrated lighting, house numbers, and planters creating complete modern entry sequence. The focused investment—$3,000-8,000—delivers disproportionate curb appeal impact since entries receive primary viewing attention from visitors and passersby. Choose materials and proportions complementing home scale avoiding tiny inadequate coverage or overwhelming oversized additions. The architectural statement establishes modern intent immediately communicating renovation thoughtfulness and quality.

Horizontal Slat Screening

Install horizontal timber or aluminum slat screens creating modern privacy, shading windows, and adding dimensional architectural interest. Position screens covering front facades, wrapping corners, or framing specific windows requiring solar control or privacy. Natural timber slats create warmth while powder-coated aluminum offers low-maintenance longevity and color options.

Space slats providing desired transparency balancing privacy with light penetration and views. The contemporary architectural element dramatically modernizes dated brick homes while serving practical functions. Costs range $200-400 per square meter depending on materials and installation complexity. The layered facade creates depth and sophistication elevating simple brick boxes into architecturally considered homes demonstrating design awareness and contemporary sensibility.

Black or Charcoal Roof Replacement

Replace existing terracotta or cream roof tiles with contemporary black or charcoal Colorbond steel creating sleek modern profile. The dark roof contrasts beautifully with rendered or painted brick facades while absorbing less heat than expected through modern coatings reflecting infrared radiation. Steel roofing costs less than tiles while offering 50+ year lifespan and minimal maintenance.

The comprehensive replacement—$15,000-30,000 depending on size and complexity—transforms entire home silhouette visible from street and surrounding properties. Consider solar panels during replacement maximizing roof investment and reducing ongoing energy costs. The modern roofline instantly updates dated profiles making homes appear newer and better maintained significantly improving street presence and property value.

Front Fence and Gate Upgrade

Replace dated brick or chain-link fencing with contemporary horizontal slat, vertical batten, or mixed material fencing incorporating steel, timber, and masonry. Modern fence designs prioritize privacy while maintaining airflow and creating sophisticated street presence. Integrate automated sliding or swing gates, integrated letterboxes, and house numbers creating complete cohesive entry experience.

Quality fencing costs $300-600 per linear meter depending on materials, height, and complexity representing significant investment delivering substantial curb appeal returns. The boundary definition frames property and home creating first impression before visitors reach actual building. Choose materials and finishes coordinating with house updates creating unified contemporary aesthetic throughout entire property presentation.

Strategic Landscape Overhaul

Redesign front landscape removing dated high-maintenance lawns replacing with contemporary low-water native gardens, textured groundcovers, and architectural plantings. Incorporate quality hardscaping—concrete paths, aggregate driveways, stone mulches—creating modern clean surfaces. Add feature trees, ornamental grasses, and mass plantings creating year-round structure and interest.

The comprehensive landscape transformation costs $10,000-30,000 depending on size and scope often delivering equal or greater curb appeal impact than building modifications. Include irrigation, drainage, and proper soil preparation ensuring plant health and longevity. The outdoor investment frames home beautifully while reducing ongoing maintenance through appropriate plant selection and quality installation establishing low-input sustainable landscapes.

Garage Door Replacement

Upgrade dated panel-lift or tilting garage doors with contemporary sectional or roller doors in solid colors or timber-look finishes. Slimline tracks maximize garage space while modern profiles create cleaner architectural lines. Choose colors coordinating with overall scheme—charcoal matching window frames, timber-look echoing cladding, or white matching render.

The focused investment—$1,500-4,000 per door—delivers substantial street-facing impact since garage doors often dominate front facades on Australian homes. Include automation, lighting, and integrated design creating seamless contemporary appearance. The updated door removes significant dating element while improving functionality and security making this excellent value-for-money modification addressing both aesthetics and practicality simultaneously.

Outdoor Living Integration

Extend living space outdoors adding contemporary deck, patio, or pergola visible from street or creating backyard entertainment hub. Use materials coordinating with house updates—timber decking matching cladding, concrete matching paths, steel posts echoing window frames. Include built-in seating, outdoor kitchens, or fire features creating genuine outdoor rooms rather than basic paving.

The lifestyle investment costs $15,000-50,000+ depending on size and inclusions while dramatically improving home functionality and appeal. Design outdoor spaces complementing interior flow and lifestyle needs ensuring genuine use rather than underutilized decoration. The expanded living area increases effective home size and livability while demonstrating contemporary Australian indoor-outdoor lifestyle integration highly valued by buyers.

House Number and Lighting Features

Install oversized modern house numbers using quality materials—brushed stainless steel, powder-coated aluminum, illuminated options—creating sophisticated wayfinding and design detail. Position prominently near entry, on fencing, or integrating with letterbox ensuring visibility day and night. Choose contemporary fonts and appropriate scale—150-300mm height—creating impact and clarity.

Add architectural feature lighting highlighting entry, illuminating pathways, uplighting feature trees, or washing facades creating evening drama and improving security. Quality LED fixtures cost $100-500 each installed while transforming nighttime presentation completely. The finishing details demonstrate attention and care completing renovation story. The relatively modest investment delivers substantial perceived value communicating quality and thoughtfulness throughout entire property presentation.

Planning Successful Brick House Makeovers

• Establish Clear Budget Priorities: Determine total budget allocating funds addressing highest-impact modifications first—typically render/paint, windows, and landscaping—before lower-priority cosmetic touches. It’s like financial planning where essential investments precede luxuries. The disciplined approach maximizes results within constraints.
• Maintain Design Consistency: Choose coordinating colors, materials, and styles throughout creating cohesive unified appearance rather than disconnected piecemeal updates appearing unplanned. It’s like outfit coordination where relationships matter. The holistic approach demonstrates intentional renovation.
• Consider Climate and Orientation: Address thermal performance through appropriate colors, shading, and materials improving comfort while updating aesthetics addressing both form and function simultaneously. It’s like dressing appropriately where conditions determine choices. The practical consideration ensures renovations improving livability.
• Research Local Examples: Study successful local renovations understanding what works in your climate, neighborhood context, and housing stock informing your decisions. It’s like market research where context matters. The informed approach prevents inappropriate choices unsuited to location.

Frequently Asked Questions About Australian Brick House Exterior Makeover

Should You Paint or Render Brick?

Painting costs less ($30-50/sqm) maintaining brick texture while render ($100-150/sqm) creates smooth modern finish covering imperfections. Paint requires recoating 10-15 years while render lasts 15-20+ years needing less maintenance.

Consider budget, desired aesthetic, and existing brick condition. Damaged uneven brick benefits from render coverage while quality brick accepts paint maintaining character. Both transform dated orange brick into contemporary facades successfully.

How Much Does Brick House Makeover Cost?

Basic updates including paint, landscaping, and minor modifications cost $15,000-30,000. Comprehensive renovations including render, new windows, roofing, and complete landscape redesign cost $50,000-100,000+ depending on home size and scope.

Prioritize high-impact modifications within budget achieving substantial transformation without necessarily completing every desired update initially. Phased approaches spread costs allowing strategic investment over time.

Do Painted Brick Houses Look Cheap?

No—when executed properly using quality paint, proper preparation, and appropriate colors, painted brick looks sophisticated and contemporary. Poor application, cheap paint, or unsuitable colors create cheap appearance.

Professional preparation and application ensure longevity and quality appearance. Choose sophisticated colors—charcoals, navys, warm grays—over harsh whites or trendy colors dating quickly maintaining timeless appeal.

What Colors Work Best for Brick Exteriors?

Contemporary palettes favor whites, soft grays, charcoals, deep navys, and warm neutrals creating sophisticated modern aesthetics. Lighter colors suit hot climates reflecting heat while darker tones work better in temperate regions.

Consider existing landscape, neighborhood context, and roof color ensuring coordination. Test samples on actual walls viewing different times and lighting conditions before committing to final color selection.

Can You DIY Brick House Makeover?

Confident DIYers can tackle painting, basic landscaping, and simple modifications while complex work—rendering, window replacement, structural changes—requires professional expertise ensuring quality, code compliance, and warranty protection.

Assess skills honestly, research thoroughly, and obtain proper permits when required. Consider professional consultation guiding DIY efforts ensuring appropriate decisions and avoiding costly mistakes requiring professional remediation.

Transform Your Brick House Into Modern Masterpiece

Australian brick house exterior makeover success comes from strategic modifications addressing era-specific dating elements while respecting solid construction underneath. The targeted interventions—render or paint, updated windows, contemporary materials, modern landscaping—transform dated homes into contemporary standouts without wasteful demolition or unlimited budgets most renovation advice assumes available.

Start by identifying highest-impact modifications within budget—typically facade treatment and entry updates delivering substantial returns. Develop cohesive design concept ensuring coordinated materials, colors, and styles throughout creating intentional unified appearance. Implement phased approach if needed achieving dramatic transformation over time through strategic sequential investments building comprehensive renovation.

Which brick house update would deliver biggest impact for your home? Share your renovation plans or transformation success stories below!