Finding the Perfect Harmony: Gray Paint and Red Brick
"Selecting the right exterior paint colors for red brick is a frequent challenge for homeowners in the Pacific Northwest, where the natural light can make cool grays feel flat or blue. Because red brick is naturally warm, the key is finding 'bridge' colors like SW 7018 Dovetail or SW 7019 Gauntlet Gray—shades that contain subtle red and violet undertones to create a cohesive, sophisticated look. From the traditional estates in Woodinville to the modern-transitional homes on the Sammamish Plateau, we have seen how these deeper, heavy-bodied grays (often leaning toward taupe) ground the vibrant tones of the brick rather than fighting against them. At Elegant Painting®, our meticulous surface preparation ensures these complex colors apply flawlessly, providing a timeless curb appeal that complements the unique masonry found throughout the Eastside."
SW 7018 Dovetail
An all-time favorite! This gray has enough red pigments to pass as taupe, making it perfect for brick.
View full Dovetail gallery →SW 7019 Gauntlet Gray
A heavy-bodied gray that acts as a deep, dark taupe. Excellent contrast for warm masonry.
Gray Matters SW 7066
Summit Gray SW 7669
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Acier SW 9170
Tin Lizzie SW 9163
The Elegant Painting® "Color Accuracy" Guarantee
"Choosing a gray for a brick home is notoriously difficult because the color changes as the sun moves across the Sammamish Plateau. A gray that looks perfect in the showroom can often look 'baby blue' or 'muddy' once applied to a large exterior wall. To eliminate this risk, we don't just rely on small swatches."
As part of our detailed surface preparation, we apply large-scale test samples directly to your home’s siding, adjacent to the brickwork. This allows you to see the true undertones of shades like SW 7018 Dovetail or SW 7066 Gray Matters in real-world lighting—morning, noon, and evening. We verify that the 'temperature' of the gray complements the mortar and the brick’s natural variation before a single drop of the final coat is applied. This extra step is why homeowners in Woodinville and Redmond trust us with their most complex color transformations."