Brick Tinting Ideas for 1970s Houses: Exterior Upgrade Guide 🏡
The 1970s brought a distinctive style of housebuilding across the UK. From detached family homes and suburban semis to bungalows and split-level properties, many houses built during this decade featured bold brick colours, strong geometric lines, and practical designs. While structurally sound, some of these properties can now appear dated when compared to contemporary homes.
One of the most effective ways to modernise a 1970s property without extensive building work is through brick tinting. Rather than replacing bricks or covering them with paint, brick tinting allows homeowners to subtly adjust the colour of existing masonry while maintaining the natural appearance and character of the brickwork.
For homeowners considering a transformation, professional brick tinting from Brick Makeover can create a significant visual improvement while preserving the integrity of the original exterior.
Why 1970s Houses Often Benefit from Brick Tinting
Many houses constructed during the 1970s used brick colours that reflected design trends of the time. Popular choices included:
- Orange-red facing bricks
- Deep brown bricks
- Yellow-toned bricks
- Mixed red and buff blends
- Dark engineering brick features
While these colours were fashionable decades ago, modern buyers often prefer softer, more neutral tones.
Brick tinting provides an opportunity to:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Modernise appearance | Creates a more contemporary look |
| Improve kerb appeal | Makes the property stand out positively |
| Enhance resale value | Attractive exteriors can increase buyer interest |
| Correct mismatched repairs | Blends replacement bricks seamlessly |
| Preserve original brickwork | No need for rendering or painting |
| Reduce visual harshness | Softens strong 1970s colour palettes |
Unlike paint, professional brick tinting penetrates the masonry surface and maintains the brick’s natural texture.
Understanding Brick Tinting
Brick tinting is a specialist process that adjusts the visible colour of masonry using breathable mineral-based pigments.
The goal is not to completely disguise the brickwork but to alter its tone so it appears more consistent, balanced, or contemporary.
Professional brick tinting can achieve:
- Colour lightening
- Colour darkening
- Neutralisation of strong hues
- Blending of repaired areas
- Full elevation colour adjustments
- Architectural feature enhancement
The finished appearance remains natural because the texture and variation of the original bricks are still visible.
Popular Brick Tinting Ideas for 1970s Houses
1. Soften Orange-Red Bricks with Earthy Neutral Tones
One of the most common characteristics of 1970s properties is bright orange-red brickwork.
While durable, these bricks can dominate the appearance of the home and make it look dated.
A popular tinting approach involves introducing:
- Soft terracotta tones
- Muted red-browns
- Warm taupes
- Subtle clay shades
This reduces the visual intensity while retaining warmth and character.
| Original Brick Colour | Suggested Tint Direction |
|---|---|
| Bright orange-red | Warm terracotta |
| Vivid red | Soft brick red |
| Orange-brown | Earthy clay |
| Harsh red blend | Neutral red-brown |
This approach works particularly well on detached homes and larger semi-detached properties.
2. Create a Contemporary Grey-Brown Appearance
Modern architecture often favours cooler colour palettes.
Certain 1970s brick types can be tinted to introduce subtle grey-brown undertones without making the property appear cold.
This style pairs well with:
- Anthracite windows
- Black front doors
- Grey roof tiles
- Aluminium cladding accents
The result is a cleaner, more refined exterior.
Design Pairing Table
| Exterior Feature | Recommended Tint Style |
|---|---|
| Anthracite windows | Grey-brown brick tint |
| Black garage door | Neutral charcoal undertones |
| Slate roof | Soft grey enhancement |
| Modern lighting | Muted contemporary finish |
3. Blend Patch Repairs and Extensions
Many 1970s houses have undergone alterations over the years.
Examples include:
- Rear extensions
- Porch additions
- Garage conversions
- Replacement windows
- Structural repairs
New bricks rarely match originals perfectly.
Differences often appear in:
- Colour
- Texture
- Ageing
- Mortar staining
Brick tinting is widely used to blend new and old masonry together.
| Common Issue | Brick Tinting Solution |
|---|---|
| Extension brick mismatch | Colour harmonisation |
| Repair patch visibility | Seamless blending |
| Replacement lintel areas | Tone adjustment |
| Structural repair sections | Colour balancing |
When completed professionally, the repair becomes far less noticeable.
Enhancing Architectural Features
Many 1970s homes include attractive architectural details that are often overlooked.
These may include:
- Feature brick panels
- Chimneys
- Decorative soldier courses
- Recessed brick sections
- Porch walls
Tinting can help these features become focal points.
Highlighting Chimneys
A chimney can provide vertical interest and character.
Options include:
- Slight darkening for contrast
- Warm tone enhancement
- Subtle blending with roof colours
This can create a more balanced appearance from the street.
Accentuating Entrance Areas
Front entrances are often central design features.
Brick tinting around doorways can:
- Create visual focus
- Improve symmetry
- Enhance kerb appeal
Combined with modern doors and lighting, the entrance becomes much more inviting.
Brick Tinting Ideas for Brown 1970s Brickwork
Dark brown bricks were extremely popular during the 1970s.
While distinctive, they can sometimes make a property feel heavy or dated.
Several tinting strategies can help.
Lightening Brown Brickwork
Rather than dramatically changing colour, professional tinting can introduce:
- Softer brown shades
- Taupe influences
- Stone-inspired tones
- Warm grey elements
This helps the property appear brighter.
Brown Brick Transformation Options
| Existing Brick | Possible Result |
|---|---|
| Dark chocolate brown | Soft mocha |
| Red-brown | Neutral clay |
| Deep brown blend | Warm taupe |
| Heavy brown façade | Contemporary earth tone |
The transformation remains subtle while producing a noticeable upgrade.
Complementing Modern Windows and Doors
One challenge faced by many homeowners is that replacement windows and doors often clash with original brick colours.
Common upgrades include:
- Anthracite grey frames
- Black aluminium systems
- Composite front doors
- Modern garage doors
Brick tinting can help unify these elements.
Recommended Colour Combinations
| Window Colour | Suitable Brick Tint |
|---|---|
| Anthracite grey | Grey-brown |
| Black | Neutral red-brown |
| White | Soft warm brick |
| Cream | Earthy clay tones |
| Sage green | Muted terracotta |
The objective is to create a cohesive exterior palette rather than a collection of unrelated colours.
Creating a Premium Appearance
Many homeowners wish to give their property a higher-end appearance without major structural alterations.
Brick tinting can contribute significantly to this goal.
Premium-looking exteriors often feature:
- Consistent masonry colour
- Balanced contrast
- Refined architectural details
- High-quality finishes
Premium Upgrade Checklist
| Improvement | Visual Impact |
|---|---|
| Brick tinting | High |
| Modern front door | High |
| New lighting | Medium |
| Landscaping | High |
| Updated gutters | Medium |
| Driveway improvements | High |
When combined thoughtfully, these upgrades can dramatically improve first impressions.
Is Brick Tinting Better Than Painting?
Many homeowners compare brick tinting with masonry paint.
The two methods are very different.
Brick Tinting vs Painting
| Feature | Brick Tinting | Painting |
|---|---|---|
| Natural appearance | Yes | No |
| Brick texture visible | Yes | No |
| Breathable finish | Yes | Often reduced |
| Colour flexibility | High | High |
| Long-term aesthetics | Excellent | Variable |
| Authentic appearance | Excellent | Limited |
For period and traditional homes, tinting is generally preferred because it retains the character of the original masonry.
Typical Brick Tinting Costs for 1970s Houses
Pricing depends on several factors:
- Property size
- Access requirements
- Existing brick colour
- Desired finish
- Number of elevations
- Complexity of matching work
Professional brick tinting is a specialist service requiring expertise and colour-matching skills.
Typical Investment Guide
| Project Type | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Localised repair blending | £300 – £900 |
| Small elevation adjustments | £900 – £2,000 |
| Large elevation tinting | £2,000 – £5,000+ |
| Full property transformation | £5,000 – £12,000+ |
Homeowners seeking a premium, long-lasting finish often view brick tinting as an investment in kerb appeal and property presentation rather than simply a maintenance expense.
For accurate pricing, a professional assessment from Brick Makeover can determine the most suitable solution for your property.
Choosing the Right Tint for Your House Style
Not every 1970s house should be treated the same way.
The best colour strategy depends on:
- Brick type
- Roof colour
- Window style
- Surrounding properties
- Architectural features
Detached Houses
Detached homes often suit:
- Neutral red-brown tones
- Earth-inspired shades
- Subtle contemporary blends
Semi-Detached Properties
Popular options include:
- Soft terracotta adjustments
- Warm clay colours
- Balanced red-brown finishes
Bungalows
Bungalows frequently benefit from:
- Lighter visual palettes
- Warm taupe influences
- Softer brown tones
House Style Comparison
| Property Type | Popular Tint Direction |
|---|---|
| Detached | Neutral red-brown |
| Semi-detached | Warm clay |
| Bungalow | Soft taupe |
| Chalet bungalow | Earthy contemporary |
| Split-level | Grey-brown blend |
Signs Your 1970s House Could Benefit from Brick Tinting
Several indicators suggest tinting may be worthwhile.
Visual Clues
- Brick colour appears dated
- Extension bricks do not match
- Repairs are highly visible
- Exterior lacks kerb appeal
- New windows clash with masonry
- Brickwork appears patchy
Market Considerations
If you’re preparing a property for sale, presentation matters.
Buyers often form opinions within seconds of viewing a home.
An upgraded exterior can help create a stronger first impression before prospective buyers even step inside.
Combining Brick Tinting with Other Exterior Improvements
Brick tinting works particularly well alongside:
- New front doors
- Updated driveways
- Exterior lighting
- Landscaping projects
- Roof cleaning
- New guttering
The goal is to create a balanced appearance where every element complements the overall design.
Exterior Upgrade Priority Table
| Upgrade | Typical Visual Impact |
|---|---|
| Brick tinting | Very High |
| Front door replacement | High |
| Driveway improvement | High |
| Landscaping | High |
| Lighting upgrades | Medium |
| Guttering replacement | Medium |
When carefully planned, brick tinting can act as the foundation for a complete exterior transformation, helping a 1970s property feel more contemporary while retaining its original character and charm.
Common Brick Colour Challenges Found on 1970s Homes
The construction methods and materials used throughout the 1970s often created unique colour challenges that become more noticeable as properties age.
Many homeowners discover that what once looked uniform has gradually become inconsistent due to weathering, repairs, and alterations completed over several decades.
Sun Fading and Weather Exposure
Different elevations of a property can age at different rates.
For example:
- South-facing walls often receive more UV exposure.
- North-facing walls may retain more moisture.
- Sheltered areas can age differently from exposed sections.
This can result in noticeable colour variation around the property.
Brick tinting can be used to rebalance these differences and create a more consistent appearance across all elevations.
| Issue | Typical Appearance | Tinting Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| UV fading | Washed-out brick colour | Restores visual balance |
| Weather staining | Uneven colouring | Creates consistency |
| Age-related variation | Patchy appearance | Harmonises elevations |
| Historic repairs | Visible colour differences | Seamless integration |
Matching Brick Tinting to Roof Colours
One of the most overlooked aspects of exterior design is the relationship between the roof and the brickwork.
A well-chosen brick tint can dramatically improve how these elements work together.
Brown Concrete Roof Tiles
Many original 1970s homes still feature brown concrete roof tiles.
These often pair well with:
- Warm clay brick tints
- Soft brown-red tones
- Neutral earth colours
Grey Roof Tiles
Where roofs have been replaced with modern grey tiles, homeowners often benefit from:
- Grey-brown brick enhancements
- Cooler neutral shades
- Muted contemporary tones
Roof and Brick Pairing Guide
| Roof Colour | Recommended Brick Tint Direction |
|---|---|
| Brown | Warm earth tones |
| Dark grey | Neutral grey-brown |
| Black | Soft contemporary red-brown |
| Red | Muted terracotta |
| Slate | Cool neutral tones |
Achieving the right balance between roof and brickwork can make a property appear significantly more expensive and professionally designed.
Brick Tinting for 1970s Extensions
Many houses built during the 1970s have been extended at least once.
Unfortunately, finding bricks that perfectly match materials manufactured decades ago is often impossible.
Even when builders source similar bricks, differences can occur in:
- Manufacturing methods
- Clay composition
- Firing temperatures
- Ageing characteristics
This frequently results in extensions standing out from the original property.
Seamless Extension Integration
Professional brick tinting can blend:
- Side extensions
- Rear extensions
- Conservatory walls
- Garage conversions
- Porch additions
The objective is to make the extension appear as though it was always part of the original structure.
| Extension Type | Common Problem | Tinting Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Single-storey extension | New bricks too bright | Colour adjustment |
| Double-storey extension | Mismatched tones | Full blending |
| Garage conversion | Repair patches visible | Localised tinting |
| Porch addition | Different brick batch | Colour harmonisation |
Modernising Without Losing Character
One concern homeowners often have is whether brick tinting will make their property lose its original charm.
The opposite is usually true.
Good brick tinting does not attempt to disguise the building’s age or character. Instead, it refines the overall appearance by reducing visual distractions.
This means:
- Original brick texture remains visible.
- Architectural details stay intact.
- Traditional character is preserved.
- The property looks refreshed rather than altered.
For many homeowners, this balance between modernisation and authenticity is one of the biggest advantages of professional brick tinting.
Why Specialist Application Matters
Brick tinting requires considerably more expertise than many people realise.
Every property presents unique challenges involving:
- Existing brick colour
- Weathering patterns
- Mortar colour
- Surface condition
- Desired final appearance
A successful result depends heavily on colour matching knowledge and practical experience.
Factors Assessed Before Tinting
| Assessment Area | Importance |
|---|---|
| Brick composition | High |
| Existing colour variation | High |
| Weather exposure | High |
| Repair history | Medium |
| Surrounding materials | High |
| Desired aesthetic | High |
Because brick tinting is a specialist craft rather than a general decorating service, homeowners seeking a premium finish often choose experienced specialists such as Brick Makeover to ensure the final appearance looks natural, consistent, and sympathetic to the original architecture of the property.
Popular Design Trends for 1970s Brick Homes
Current exterior design trends increasingly favour subtle, understated finishes rather than dramatic colour changes.
Many homeowners are choosing brick tinting schemes that create:
- Softer visual contrast
- More balanced colour palettes
- Improved compatibility with modern windows
- Enhanced kerb appeal without appearing overly contemporary
The most requested approaches often involve moving strong orange or dark brown brickwork towards warmer neutral shades that complement today’s popular exterior features.
This allows a 1970s property to feel more current while still retaining the solid construction and distinctive character that make homes from this era so appealing.