Top 12 Whitewash Brick House Ideas That Wow

A whitewash brick house brings together classic charm and a fresh, modern twist. Whether you’re giving an older home a facelift or starting from scratch, whitewashing brick is a beautiful way to update your space without losing the original character of the brick.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about whitewash brick houses—from why they’re so popular to how you can do it yourself, plus design ideas and maintenance tips you’ll actually use.

Why So Many People Love a Whitewash Brick House

There’s just something warm and welcoming about the look of a whitewash brick house. It has texture, personality, and a soft, lived-in vibe that regular painted brick just doesn’t offer. Here’s why this trend has so much staying power:

• It feels timeless. A whitewash brick house doesn’t go out of style. It fits in with everything from cozy cottages to sleek modern builds.
• It lightens up dark exteriors. Got red or brown brick that feels heavy? A whitewash finish brightens it up instantly without covering the texture.
• It’s budget-friendly. You don’t have to tear down or replace anything—just refresh what you’ve already got.
• You can make it your own. Some people go for a thicker whitewash, others like a more distressed, see-through look. It’s totally customizable.

Pros and Cons of Whitewashing Brick

Before you dive in, here’s a quick look at the ups and downs of choosing a whitewash brick house:

Pros

• Keeps the texture and character of the brick
• Easy to touch up later
• Natural, breathable materials like limewash are eco-friendly
• DIY-friendly with just a few supplies

Cons

• Needs some upkeep, especially outdoors
• Can turn out uneven if rushed
• Doesn’t protect brick from weather the way paint or sealant does

Don’t let that last part scare you off—we’ll give you tips to avoid the common mistakes later in the post.

How to Whitewash a Brick House (DIY Style)

If you’re up for a little project, whitewashing your brick is easier than you might think. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:

1. Grab Your Supplies

• White latex paint (or limewash)
• Water
• Bucket
• Rags, brush, or roller
• Painter’s tape and drop cloths
• Masonry cleaner
• Sealant (optional for outdoors)

2. Prep the Brick

Clean the brick really well. Dust, dirt, or mildew will mess with how the whitewash sticks. Use a masonry cleaner and scrub thoroughly. Protect nearby surfaces with tape and drop cloths.

3. Mix Your Whitewash

Start with a 1:1 mix of paint and water. Want more brick to show through? Add more water. Want a thicker coat? Use more paint. Test on a small section first to make sure you like the look.

4. Apply the Whitewash

Work in small sections and apply your mix with a brush, sponge, or rag. You can blot or wipe areas while it’s still wet to get a more natural, aged effect.

5. Seal It (if needed)

If you’re doing an exterior whitewash brick house, you’ll want to seal it to protect from rain and sun damage.

6. Step Back and Admire

That’s it! Your brick now has a beautiful, timeless new look.

12 Beautiful Whitewash Brick House Ideas

Need some inspiration? Here are some fresh ways people are rocking the whitewash brick house trend:

1. Classic Farmhouse Vibe – Whitewashed brick paired with black shutters and a rustic wooden door.

2. Modern Minimalist – A clean, solid white finish with sleek metal accents.

3. Coastal Cottage Style – Mix whitewashed brick with soft blues and sandy beige trim.

4. Urban Townhouse Glow-Up – Lightly whitewashed brick with dark trim and large windows.

5. Charming Bungalow – A subtle, uneven finish to highlight the texture of old brick.

6. Contemporary Craftsman – A fuller whitewash that softens bold brick colors.

7. Desert Modern – Pair your whitewash brick house with cactus landscaping and a flat roof.

8. European-Inspired Villa – Use limewash for that soft, chalky old-world charm.

9. Scandinavian Simplicity – Go for a super light, almost frosted look.

10. Cottagecore Aesthetic – Soft white brick with ivy growing up the side.

11. oft or Industrial Style – Whitewashed interior brick walls paired with raw wood and metal.

12. Two-Tone Accent – Mix whitewashed brick with natural wood siding for contrast.

Caring for Your Whitewash Brick House

A whitewash brick house looks amazing, but it does need a little care to keep it looking fresh.

• Clean gently – Use soft brushes and mild soap. No pressure washers or harsh chemicals.
• Keep leftover mix – For touch-ups, especially if you’re doing an exterior wall.
• Reapply sealant – If it’s outdoors, reseal every few years depending on your climate.

Whitewash vs. Limewash vs. German Smear – What’s the Difference?

Still deciding how to update your brick? Here are a few alternatives to consider:

• Limewash – Made with lime and water. Natural, breathable, and great for older brick homes.
• German Smear – A thicker application that uses mortar to give a rustic, old-European look.
• Paint – Solid and bold, but less forgiving and more permanent than whitewashing.
• Brick Stain – Enhances the brick color while keeping the texture visible.

Frequently Asked Questions About Whitewash Brick Houses

1. What is a whitewash brick house?

A whitewash brick house is a home with brick walls that have been coated with a thin mixture of paint or lime and water. This technique allows the texture of the brick to show through while giving it a lighter, more modern look.

2. Is whitewashing brick a good idea?

Yes! Whitewashing brick is a great way to refresh the look of your home while keeping the natural beauty and texture of the brick. It’s also more breathable than paint, making it a smart option for both interior and exterior brick.

3. How long does whitewash last on brick?

When done properly, a whitewash brick house exterior can last 20–30 years with minimal maintenance. For interiors, it often lasts even longer. Outdoor applications may need sealing and occasional touch-ups depending on climate and exposure.

4. What’s the difference between whitewash and paint for brick?

Paint covers the brick entirely and creates a more solid, opaque finish. Whitewash allows the texture and some of the brick’s natural color to show through, giving it a more aged, rustic appearance.

5. Can I whitewash my brick house myself?

Absolutely! Many homeowners DIY their whitewash brick house using a simple mix of white latex paint and water. With the right prep and a few supplies, you can transform your brick in a weekend.

6. What kind of paint should I use to whitewash brick?

Use a high-quality white latex paint mixed with water for a classic whitewash effect. Alternatively, you can use limewash, which is more traditional and eco-friendly for masonry.

7. Does whitewashing brick damage it?

No, when applied correctly, whitewashing does not damage the brick. In fact, limewash (a traditional method) can even help preserve older bricks by allowing moisture to escape.

8. How do I maintain a whitewash brick house?

To maintain a whitewash brick house, clean it gently with soft brushes and mild soap. Avoid pressure washing, and reseal the exterior every few years if needed to protect against weather.

9. Can I remove whitewash from brick if I change my mind?

Whitewash is more forgiving than paint, but it’s still semi-permanent. You can try removing it with a masonry cleaner and scrubbing, but it may not fully restore the original brick color.

10. Is a whitewash brick house good for resale value?

Yes, many buyers love the look of a whitewash brick house. It can boost curb appeal and help your home feel updated, especially if paired with other modern touches like new windows or landscaping.

Final Thoughts: Should You Try the Whitewash Brick House Look?

If you’re looking for a way to update your home’s style without losing its character, a whitewash brick house might be the perfect solution. It’s budget-friendly, beautiful, and surprisingly easy to DIY.

Whether you go all-in or just try it on a small section, whitewashing your brick can bring new life to your space. And the best part? It works with so many styles, so your home will stay on trend for years to come.

Thinking about taking the plunge? Let us know how it turns out—or tag us with your whitewash brick house project on social using #WhitewashBrickHouse!