How to Remodel Brick Homes Inside & Out

Go over remodeling books and magazines to obtain ideas you like. Find porch styles, landscaping, kitchens and furnishings you find appealing. Look for a front facade, especially, that you can replicate in some form. Don't begin remodeling the exterior until you can visualize the exact brickwork, window placement, porch design and landscaping details.

Combine brick with various materials. Use stacked stone, stucco or siding to make the home's exterior more interesting. Install formal white columns for the porch space, if this is appropriate. Plan to add new window shutters and trim color for overhangs and wood molding. Paint all trim work pale yellow versus white with red bricks, for example, for a brand-new look.

Clean the brick to remove mold and mildew before applying new materials. Pressure-wash the surfaces carefully, especially if the brick is old. Repair any roof issues or damaged areas of overhangs. Change the asphalt shingles to a dark gray, for example. Add cedar shakes to all porch roof areas only for contrast. Install new guttering, downspouts and splash blocks to manage rain runoff, which can damage a home's foundation.

Add energy-efficient windows and home appliances. Freshen the kitchen with paint and reface old cabinets, using light neutral colors on walls to complement the home's exterior facade. Buy a stainless-steel gas range to give the kitchen an upscale look. Refinish kitchen wood flooring or install sheet vinyl flooring before adding a stove or refrigerator. Move appliances into place with care, to avoid scratching flooring material.

Paint bedrooms and bathrooms. Use a pale gold wall color, for example, with dark brown contrasting trim. Add crown molding in the bedrooms for architectural definition. Paint the crown molding dark brown and buy dark brown furniture to complement the formal look. Remodel the interior in every way to exude elegance and an upscale feeling.