18 Lime Washed Brick Exterior Ideas You'll Love

Considering a lime washed brick exterior? See 18 stunning examples, from modern farmhouses to classic estates, and find the perfect look for your home's update.
18 Lime Washed Brick Exterior Ideas You'll Love
type
status
date
category
slug
summary
Pinterest Topic
Pinterest Tag
Latest Pin Date
Latest Pin No.
Pin Image
Total Pin Images
All Pins Posted
All Pin Images Created
tags
icon
password
humanize
comment

A Timeless Finish for Your Home

That old brick on your house? C’mon, you know the one. It’s not terrible—it’s just… there. Tired. Like it’s been stuck in a style rut since your parents moved in, maybe even longer. Dull, flat, like it forgot that exteriors can feel alive.
You’ve thought about painting it. Let’s be real—who hasn’t? Scroll through Pinterest for 10 minutes, and every other “home refresh” pin is painted brick. But then you hear the whispers. From your neighbor who had to scrape peeling paint off their chimney last summer. From that DIY blog that showed photos of “sweaty” brick—moisture trapped underneath, bubbling the paint like a bad sunburn. And let’s not ignore the elephant in the room: painted brick looks fake. Like your house put on a cheap Halloween mask that’s already slipping at the edges.
I get it. Oh, do I get it. I once painted my grandma’s old brick porch—thought I was being helpful, y’know? “Fresh update,” I told her, waving a can of “Cottage White” like I knew what I was doing. Big. Mistake. It rained a week later, and the paint started to bubble. By 18 months? You could peel chunks off with your thumbnail. The mortar? Crumbled like the dry sugar cookies she keeps in her pantry. Total waste of a Saturday—and $40. Grandma still teases me about it. “Should’ve asked first,” she says. She’s right.
But here’s the good news: There’s a better way. A way that doesn’t involve scraping, sweating, or listening to your grandma’s “I told you so” for years.
Limewashed brick? Game. Changer.
It’s breathable—no trapped moisture, no peeling, none of that “my house is having a hot flash” nonsense. It gives that soft, matte look that highlights every little nook and cranny of the brick, like it’s been there for decades but in the best, most intentional way. Not fake-aged, like someone took sandpaper to it. Naturally lovely. Like the brick finally got to be itself, just a little brighter.
Want to see how it transforms a home? Here are 18 ideas that’ll make you want to grab a bucket and brush this weekend—trust me, I’ve already mapped out which one I’m doing to my garage.

1. The Classic Modern Farmhouse

notion image
Modern farmhouses are popular for a reason—they feel like a hug with good design. Clean, inviting, not too fussy. And crisp white limewash? It’s the secret sauce.
I drove by one of these last month and had to stop. The brick had been this drab reddish-brown, and the limewash turned it into something that glows at sunset. Brightened up the whole facade so much I did a double-take, like, “Is that the same house?” Pair it with those sleek black window frames—the kind that look sharp but not harsh—and a little natural wood (maybe a porch rail or a front door with that warm oak grain), and the contrast is chef’s kiss.
Fresh but classic, you know? And here’s the kicker: The limewash lets hints of the original brick show through. No flatness, just depth. Perfect for anyone who wants “timeless” without feeling like they’re living in a museum piece. My cousin did this, and now her kids’ friends call it “the pretty house.” High praise from 8-year-olds.

2. Rustic European Cottage Finish

notion image
This one’s for the people who love “lived-in” charm—like the house has stories to tell. The kind where you can imagine kids chasing each other around the yard 50 years ago, or a family hanging laundry on the line while bread bakes inside.
They apply the limewash unevenly here, some spots thicker than others. Fancy term for it? “German schmear.” But really, it’s just letting the brick’s natural color and texture peek through, like it aged gracefully over decades—no fake “distressing” required. Side note: I’ve seen people try to fake this with a sponge and paint—don’t. It looks exactly as sad as it sounds.
Add some climbing ivy (the kind that grows slowly, not the stuff that takes over your gutters) and a stone pathway that looks like it’s been trod on for years, and you’ll half-expect a grandma with fresh bread to open the door. Total character, zero fakeness. I saw a house like this in Vermont once, and I stood there for 10 minutes just staring. Felt like I’d stepped into a movie.

3. Sleek and Modern Limewash Application

notion image
Think limewash is only for cottages and farmhouses? I used to think that too—until I saw my neighbor’s modern home.
His place was all sharp angles and concrete, felt like a giant office building dropped in the suburbs. Then he did a smooth, opaque coat of white limewash on the brick sections. Game. Over. Suddenly, those harsh lines softened. The brick turned into this cool, textured surface that didn’t feel cold anymore.
Pair it with big glass windows (the floor-to-ceiling kind that let in all the light), a flat roof, and minimal landscaping (just a few well-placed shrubs, no over-the-top flowers), and it’s sharp—sophisticated sharp. Way warmer than stark white stucco, which always feels a little like coming home to a doctor’s office. Who wants that? This? It feels like modern design with a heart. I stopped by his house last week, and even his dog seemed happier. Okay, maybe the dog was just happy for treats, but still.

4. High-Contrast Tudor Revival

notion image
Tudor homes have those iconic dark timber beams—so recognizable, but sometimes they feel heavy. Like the house is wearing a thick wool coat in the summer. Hot, stuffy, like it’s trying too hard.
Limewash the brick sections, and bam. The soft white makes those dark wood beams pop like nothing else. It updates the look without messing with its historic roots—super important if you’re into preserving that old-house charm. My neighbor did this to their 1920s Tudor last year, and now it’s the talk of the block. People slow down when they drive by, just to stare. One guy even knocked on their door to ask who did it.
Bold, graphic, and full of personality—like the house finally got a fresh haircut but kept its signature style. I love that it doesn’t erase the history; it just makes it easier to love.

5. Breezy Coastal Home Look

notion image
Beach houses need to feel light—like the ocean breeze can pass right through, and you don’t have a care in the world. Enter light limewash.
It gives the brick that sun-bleached, weathered look, like it’s been kissed by salt air for years. Usually, it’s semi-transparent, so you still see those warm brick tones underneath—no flat white here. That’s key, y’know? Flat white at the beach feels wrong, like bringing a winter coat to a picnic.
Pair it with light blue shutters (or seafoam green—so coastal, it hurts) and white trim, and you’re basically on vacation every time you pull up. I have a friend who lives near the beach with this look, and even on rainy days, her house feels sunny. We sat on her porch last month during a storm, drank lemonade, and didn’t care one bit. Airy, bright, and totally relaxed. Exactly what a beach house should be.

6. Mid-Century Modern Ranch Update

notion image
Mid-century ranches are cool—don’t get me wrong. The low-slung lines, the big windows, that retro vibe? Love it. But sometimes that old brick makes them feel a little… sleepy. Like they need a cup of coffee (or three).
Limewash fixes that. The soft, matte texture complements those horizontal lines perfectly—it doesn’t fight the house’s style, it boosts it. And here’s a pro tip: Paint the front door a fun color—orange, teal, maybe even mustard. The neutral limewashed brick makes that door pop like nothing else.
My cousin did this, and now her door is the first thing people comment on. “Love the door!” they say. She always replies, “Wait till you see the brick inside.” (Spoiler: She did the fireplace too. It’s amazing.) You’re modernizing it, but keeping that retro cool factor. Win-win.

7. The Grand French Country Estate

notion image
French country is all about rustic elegance—think “I just picked lavender from the garden and baked a tart” vibes. No stuffiness, just beauty that feels effortless. Like the house didn’t try too hard, but still looks perfect.
Creamy, off-white limewash is key here. It can’t be perfectly uniform—little variations make it feel real. If it’s too smooth, it loses that “old-world” charm. Like if you tried to iron a linen shirt to death; it just looks wrong.
Pair it with a steep slate roof, arched windows (the kind that make you want to lean out and wave), and lavender bushes along the walkway, and it’s like the house was plucked straight from Provence. I saw a house like this in upstate New York once, and I almost cried—it was that pretty. It looked like it’s been there for centuries… but secretly, the owner told me they did the limewash two years prior. Magic.

8. Urban Townhouse with a Limewash Finish

notion image
Urban townhouses are tight—narrow streets, close neighbors, not a lot of space to “breathe.” The last thing you want is a dark, cramped-looking facade that makes your tiny plot feel even smaller. Like your house is hiding from the street.
Limewash changes that. The light color brightens everything up, making the house feel bigger and more welcoming—like it’s giving the street a smile. And that texture? Way more interesting than flat paint, which just blends into the crowd of other townhouses. I walk by a row of townhouses in Brooklyn every week, and the limewashed one is the only one I notice.
Add black iron railings (sleek, not ornate—save the scrollwork for country homes), a modern door with a big brass knob, and some minimalist house numbers, and it’s chic—city-chic. Perfect for standing out without being loud. My sister lives in Brooklyn with this look, and her place is the most photographed on her block. Tourists even ask to take pictures. She’s low-key famous now.

9. Subtle Warmth with Tinted Limewash

notion image
Not a fan of stark white? Me neither, sometimes. It can feel too cold, like a hospital room. Or like your house is judging you for having a messy couch. Good news—limewash doesn’t have to be white.
Tint it with light beige, cream, or “greige” (gray + beige, my favorite neutral—goes with everything, doesn’t scream “look at me”). It adds this subtle warmth to the exterior, like the house is wrapped in a soft blanket. I did this to my own front porch, and now people say it’s “cozy” before they even step inside. Mission accomplished.
Pair it with dark gray or brown roofing and trim, and it’s natural—no harsh lines, no “in-your-face” color. Just a calm, welcoming look that feels like home. My grandma even approved. “Finally,” she said, “something that doesn’t look like a hospital.” Thanks, Grandma.

10. Spanish Style with a Terracotta Roof

notion image
White limewash + terracotta roof? That’s Spanish-style magic. I drove by a house like this last week and had to stop—seriously, I pulled over to the curb and stared. It looked like it belonged in a movie. Like Penélope Cruz was going to walk out with a basket of oranges.
The crisp white walls contrast so beautifully with the warm, earthy red of the tiles—it’s like sunshine in architectural form. Add arched doorways (the more curves, the better) and some wrought-iron accents (think a balcony rail or a light fixture with curly details), and you’re transported to a villa in Andalusia. Even if your house is brand new, this combo makes it feel like it has history.
Warm, sunny, and so full of character you’ll want to learn how to make paella just to match. I’ve been watching YouTube tutorials. Spoiler: It’s harder than it looks. But the house? Totally worth it.

11. High-Contrast with Black Accents

notion image
Want a look that’s bold but simple? This is it. No fancy colors, no complicated patterns—just two tones that work
so
well together, it’s almost unfair.
Bright white limewashed brick + black accents. Black window frames, black gutters, a black front door—even black downspouts, if you’re feeling committed (I was, and it was worth it). It’s graphic, clean, and so confident. Like your house is saying, “Yeah, I look good. Deal with it.”
Works on basically any style—traditional, modern, even a little mid-century. My brother-in-law did this to his 1970s split-level, and it went from “meh” to “wow” overnight. His wife said it’s the best home improvement they’ve ever done. Better than the new fridge? “Way better,” she said. High praise. Proof that sometimes less is more.

12. Mountain Lodge with Natural Materials

notion image
Mountain lodges are all about heavy materials—thick wood beams, dark stone, metal roofing. It’s that “rustic tough” vibe, but it can feel overwhelming if you’re not careful. Like the house is trying to out-macho the mountains. Spoiler: The mountains always win.
Limewashed brick balances it out. The light color acts as a counterpoint to all that dark, heavy stuff, so the house feels cozy, not clunky. My friend has a cabin like this in Colorado, and it’s amazing—you walk up, and it feels like it belongs in the woods, not like it’s fighting them. It smells like pine too, which probably helps, but the limewash? That’s the secret sauce for not feeling like you’re in a cave.
Perfect for connecting with nature without sacrificing style. We sat by the fire there last winter, and I kept staring at the limewashed brick fireplace. “Why didn’t I think of this?” I said. He just smiled. “You will,” he said. He was right.

13. The Understated, Opaque Finish

notion image
Love limewash’s texture but want something cleaner than the “peek-through” look? Opaque is your friend. I get it—sometimes you want the charm without the “distressed” feel. Like you want to look put-together, but not like you tried too hard.
They use a thicker coat here, so less of the brick’s color shows through. You still get that beautiful, chalky texture—way nicer than flat paint, which feels like plastic—but with a more solid, uniform appearance. It’s refined, classic, and great if you want a polished look without losing that “lived-in” limewash charm.
My mom chose this for her house, and she says it’s “elegant but not fussy”—high praise from her. She’s the kind of person who notices if a picture is a quarter-inch off-center. So if she likes it? It’s good.

14. Limewashed Garden and Retaining Walls

notion image
Limewash isn’t just for the house—your yard deserves love too. I never thought about this until my mom did it last year, and now I’m obsessed. Like, why didn’t I think to limewash my garden wall sooner?
Slap it on brick garden walls, planters, or retaining walls, and suddenly your whole landscape feels cohesive. No more “the house looks nice, but the yard is a mess” vibe. The textured limewash acts as the perfect backdrop for green foliage and colorful flowers—like a natural canvas. It ties the garden right to the house, so it doesn’t feel like two separate spaces.
My mom’s garden now looks like it was designed by a pro (don’t tell her I said that—she’ll take all the credit). She even added a limewashed brick planter for her tomatoes. “Tastes better,” she says. I’m pretty sure tomatoes don’t care about paint, but I’m not arguing.

15. The Welcoming Southern Veranda

notion image
Southern homes are all about verandas—big, shady spots to sit with sweet tea and chat for hours. Limewash makes them even more inviting. Like, “come on in, stay a while, we’ve got extra cookies” inviting.
Wash the brick columns and foundation with soft white limewash, and it adds this timeless grace. Pair it with a “haint blue” porch ceiling (a Southern tradition—supposed to keep bugs and ghosts away, but mostly it just looks pretty, like a slice of sky) and a couple of rocking chairs with plush cushions, and you’ve got the perfect spot to unwind.
I spent a weekend at a friend’s Southern home last summer, and we sat on that porch until dark. Talked about everything and nothing. The limewashed brick felt cool under my hand, even in the humidity. Stately but cozy—classic Southern style. I almost didn’t want to leave. Almost.

16. A Transitional Home Exterior

notion image
Transitional homes mix traditional and modern—think classic gables with huge, contemporary windows. Hard to make that work, right? It can feel like the architect couldn’t make up their mind. Like wearing a ball gown with sneakers. Sometimes it works, sometimes it’s a disaster.
Not with limewash. It has that historic, “old-world” feel, but its clean, matte finish is totally modern. It’s like the glue that holds those different elements together. My cousin’s house is transitional, and before limewash, it felt disjointed—like two houses mashed into one. The traditional parts looked too stuffy, the modern parts too cold.
Now? It flows. Perfectly. You don’t even notice the mix of styles because the limewash ties everything together. Genius, really. I told her she should write a book: “How to Stop Your House From Looking Confused.” She laughed. But seriously—limewash is the answer.

17. Restoring Historic Brickwork

notion image
If you own a historic home, you know brick is delicate. It’s not like new brick—you can’t just slap any old finish on it. Paint is a death sentence—traps moisture, makes the brick flake off (they call that spalling, but basically, it’s the brick falling apart). I saw a historic home downtown get painted a few years ago. Now half the brick is crumbling. Tragic.
Limewash? It’s a savior. It’s breathable, so moisture escapes instead of getting trapped. It even helps consolidate crumbling mortar—like a gentle hug for old brick. And it looks authentic—no “updated” fake finish that makes the house feel wrong. Like putting a modern hat on a vintage dress.
I worked on a 1900s Victorian restoration last year, and the limewash brought the brick back to life. Felt like the house was smiling again. The owners cried when they saw it—total “worth every penny” moment. I got a hug. And a cookie. Best day of work ever.

18. Combining Limewash with Siding

notion image
Big houses with one material? They can feel flat. Like a giant rectangle with no personality. Like someone forgot to add the fun parts. Mix it up with limewash and siding—game over.
Try limewashed brick on the first floor (solid, grounding) and dark board-and-batten on the second (adds height and interest). The brick gives a textured base, and the siding adds another layer of depth. It breaks up the facade, so the house doesn’t feel overwhelming. My neighbor did this to their two-story home, and everyone asks them who their architect was. Spoiler: It was just a smart material combo.
Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best. I’m thinking of doing this to my garage—limewash the bottom half, siding the top. My grandma already approved. “Finally, something that doesn’t look like a shed,” she said. Progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between whitewash and limewash on brick?

Whitewash is basically watered-down latex paint—think of it as a thin film that sits on top of the brick. It’s like putting a sticker on your skin—doesn’t breathe, peels off easily. I tried whitewash on a planter once. Lasted two rainstorms. Gone.
Limewash is made from crushed limestone (burned and mixed with water). It soaks into the brick, then calcifies (hardens) over time. That’s why it’s breathable—moisture escapes, no peeling. It’s like putting lotion on your skin instead of a sticker—nourishes, doesn’t suffocate. Big difference. Trust me, I’ve tried both. The whitewash went in the trash. The limewash? I’m still using it.

How long does a limewashed brick exterior last?

Decades. Seriously. I saw a house with limewash from the 90s that still looked great—just a little weathered, which added character, not wear. It looked like it had earned its stripes.
Since it soaks into the brick, it doesn’t peel or chip like paint. You can reapply it every 5-10 years if you want to freshen it up (kind of like touching up your nails), but you don’t have to. My friend’s aunt has had limewash on her house for 20 years. Hasn’t touched it. Still looks amazing.
No scraping, no sanding—total low-maintenance win. Perfect for people who hate home maintenance (raises hand). I’d rather be hiking than scraping paint. Hands down.

Is limewash better than paint for brick?

For brick? Almost always, yes.
Brick needs to breathe—like your skin. Paint clogs those pores, trapping moisture. In freeze-thaw climates? That moisture freezes, expands, and makes the brick flake off. Not good. I’ve seen it happen to my uncle’s house. He painted the brick red. Two winters later, it was chipping everywhere. Cost him $2,000 to fix. Ouch.
Limewash lets the brick “breathe.” It protects it without suffocating it. The only time I’d skip it? If you want a super bold, solid color that limewash can’t match (limewash is more muted, by nature). But even then—think twice. Paint’s a short-term fix. Limewash is forever (well, almost).

Can you pressure wash a limewashed brick house?

Nope. Don’t do it. I learned that the hard way with a pressure washer I borrowed from my dad—big mistake, don’t be me.
I thought I’d “clean up” the limewash on my porch. Cranked the pressure washer to high. Next thing I knew, the limewash was stripping off in patches. Looked like a Dalmatian. And the brick? It had little scratches from the pressure. Dad wasn’t happy. Grandma laughed.
High pressure will strip the limewash right off—and damage the brick and mortar underneath. For cleaning? Use a soft brush, a little gentle soap (like dish soap), and a regular garden hose. That’s it.
And honestly? The patina (that subtle weathering) is part of the charm. You don’t need to scrub it to perfection. A little dirt just makes it feel more lived-in. Like your favorite jeans—they look better with a little wear.

Conclusion

Here’s the thing about limewash: It’s not just a “finish.” It’s a way to make your house feel like yours.
It works with every style—farmhouse, modern, historic, coastal. It’s durable, low-maintenance, and it looks like it belongs. No more peeling paint, no more flat, fake-looking brick. Just a home that feels lived-in, loved, and timeless. Like it’s been waiting for you to give it a little glow-up.
Which of these looks is your favorite? I’m obsessed with the Spanish style (that terracotta roof + white limewash? Chef’s kiss). I’ve already started saving pictures of it for my next project—my garage is getting a makeover this spring. Grandma’s even offered to help. “Don’t mess it up,” she said. I won’t.
Let me know in the comments—curious to hear which one speaks to you! Maybe we can swap DIY tips. And if you mess up? Don’t worry. Grandma will probably tease you, but it’ll be worth it.
上一篇
17 Simple Scandinavian Interiors Tips
下一篇
17 Easy Ideas for a Cozy Fall Room
Loading...
Aug 21, 2025
Sep 27, 2025