After a year and a half in our house, the exterior finally looks the way we’ve always wanted. Starting from a new yard and settling into a new home came with a steep learning curve, but we’re thrilled with the results.
And yes — despite what some might expect, we didn’t paint the red brick. I’ve grown to love the natural red brick look. While painted white brick can be stunning, we decided to keep ours as-is and focus on updating the trim, shutters, and landscaping instead.
When we moved in nearly 18 months ago, our cape cod–style brick home had yellow trim and hunter green shutters — a very 1990s combination. I love green, but not on the shutters, and yellow has never been my favorite. The house itself had great bones: the grand front steps, real shutters, two dormers, and a classic profile. The grass was healthy at first, though the landscape had become a bit overgrown.
Last summer, we hired a lawn company to manage the weeds, and they accidentally killed a large portion of the front yard grass instead of removing only the weeds. The front lawn looked patchy and brown — not just dormant, but truly dead — which was heartbreaking. I couldn’t wait to fix it the following spring.
In January I set home goals for 2021 and included getting the trim and shutters repainted. My original plan was to have a quote by the end of April, but the painting actually finished by the end of April — faster than expected. We hired painters in February and waited for a weather window; the crew began in mid to late April and completed the job in about three and a half days. They were efficient and did a great job.
What Type of Paint to Use
My painter asked me to supply the paint, which I like because it ensures I get exactly the finishes and colors I want. It also avoids disputes about product quality. The painters warned me that cheap paint can require many coats and still not look good, so I chose quality products.
For the white trim I used Valspar Duramax Exterior Paint in a satin finish from Lowe’s, and it applied beautifully. For the shutters and front door, I chose Benjamin Moore Regal Select Exterior Paint in a soft gloss finish, purchasing it locally to ensure accurate color matching. The soft gloss finish sits between satin and high gloss, giving durability and a subtle sheen that works well on doors and shutters.
I paid attention to finish and quality because exterior paint must withstand weather and hold up over time. Good paint can save time and money in the long run by resisting fading and minimizing the need for frequent repainting.
Is There Any Prep Before Painting the Exterior Trim and Shutters?
I asked the painters about pressure washing the exterior before painting. They said they would remove dirt and cobwebs with brushes as they worked, but I felt more comfortable doing a thorough cleaning myself. I pressure washed what I could before they started, which made a noticeable difference — especially on brick steps and porch surfaces.
Proper prep improves adhesion and the final appearance, so even if a professional crew cleans as they go, taking time to remove built-up dirt and grime beforehand is worthwhile.
The After
Are you ready for the reveal? I’m in love with the transformation. We now have crisp white trim and dark shutters and a front door that anchors the facade.
Around the same time the painting finished, my husband installed new sod in the front yard, and we hired a landscaper to trim back overgrown shrubs and shape the beds. The improvements — fresh sod, tidy landscaping, and new paint — made an enormous difference. The lawn is still establishing and will continue to look better as it roots in and is mowed regularly.
We significantly cut back a large loropetalum that was encroaching on the sidewalk. It was overdue for a trim and will fill back in over time. The brick steps and black iron railing are now a favorite feature again after a good pressure-washing session, and the black door provides a striking contrast against the red brick and white trim. I may consider a wood door in the future, but the black is perfect for now.
I’ve begun a few small porch updates and have placed an American flag for Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. These finishing touches make the entry feel welcoming and complete.
A few of the small items I used on the porch include a New Orleans–style lantern, classic planters, faux boxwood topiaries, an American flag, and a monogrammed front door mat — little details that add charm without overwhelming the classic exterior.
The Paint Colors I Used
Choosing exterior paint colors can be more difficult than selecting interior shades because sunlight changes how colors read. For the trim, I went with my go-to white: Simply White by Benjamin Moore. It’s a creamy white that looks fresh without feeling stark, and it pairs beautifully with the natural red brick.
For the shutters and front door, I tested a few dark grays and blacks. I originally tried a Graphite match that felt too medium-gray, so I asked for samples of Black, Black Beauty, and Onyx from Benjamin Moore. Onyx was the winner — it reads almost black on the house, which is exactly the strong contrast I wanted.
The result is a classic combination: red brick, Simply White trim, and Onyx shutters and door. It’s a timeless look that makes me smile every time I pull into the driveway.
Would you have painted the brick white, or do you prefer the red brick look? I’m happy we kept the brick and refreshed the elements around it. If you have questions about paint selection, prep, or landscaping, feel free to ask in the comments — I’m glad to share what I learned.
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