Does your home’s exterior need a makeover? These photos of German Schmear makeovers (also called German smear) will inspire you to update your brick home!
Does your brick exterior need an update? These 6 home exteriors were freshened up with a timeless look. Each of these German schmear before and after photos are a great example of how a centuries-old technique can breathe new life into a tired exterior.
Why German Schmear?
We love our brick exterior. In fact, the strength and durability of brick are one of the features that sold us on our cottage-style home. However, as much as I love brick construction, I’m not a huge fan of its color palette.
In decor, I prefer cooler tones over warm colors (such as brick reds and browns). Therefore, a German Schmear (or ‘smear’) provides the best of both worlds (for me!) — classic brick with a cooler color palette.
Last year, we used a German Schmear technique on our brick fireplace. We couldn’t be more pleased with how it turned out — and it was quite an easy DIY project (which is hardly how DIY ever works out… haha).
Next up? The exterior of our cottage-style home. We’ve already replaced the basic vinyl siding with board and batten siding and updated the front entry. Once we replace our deck (it’s falling apart), applying a German Schmear to our brick exterior will be the next big outdoor project. In the meantime, I’m inspired by these lovely before and after photos!
German Schmear Before and After Photos
Note: To see both the before and after photo, click “continue reading”. I only included either the before or after in this post. Please click through to the homeowner’s post in order to see the before and after of each home side by side.
White Siding + Brick Exterior
Hannah, from We Lived Happily Ever After, spread mortar on a brick exterior to create the "little farmhouse of [her] dreams." The transformation is incredible! From a basic white siding suburban home to a romantic farmhouse... you must go see the before photo and after photos.
Stone + Brick Exterior
Janene, of Hello Ivory Rose, updated a brick and stone exterior with a true mortar German Schmear. Picking the exterior color was tricky (and they ended up with a bad initial mix... it had to be redone!), so make sure you head over to see what she learned, and how to avoid the same problem.
Mid-Century Ranch with Brick Exterior
Think you have to own a farmhouse, cottage, or historic home to embrace German Schmear? Nope! Julie, of Less than Perfect Life of Bliss, shares the before and after photos (+ full tutorial) of a classic mid-century ranch, updated with mortar wash... for less than $25!
Vinyl Siding + Brick Exterior
Tilley, of Tilley's Threads, updated her red brick home with German Schmear. It complements the light vinyl siding while still highlighting the beauty of brick - and makes their home's exterior unique amongst a neighborhood of traditional brick and siding homes.
Brick Limewash
Holly, of Our Faux Farmhouse, transformed her brick home with a limewash (similar to a German Schmear). They - smartly - trialed the technique on their brick fireplace, first, to make sure they liked the look. Then, even when they finished the exterior, they tried 3 colors before committing to the final choice.
Colonial-Style Home with Brick Exterior
Lauren, of Bless'er House, updated her brick colonial-style home with limewash (similar to a German Schmear). She explains how to use a pressure washer to achieve a natural time-worn look.
If you liked this exterior renovation post, you might also like:
- How to German Schmear Brick
- The Best Outdoor Furniture Covers
- How to Make a DIY House Number Sign
- 10 Stunning Home Exteriors with Board and Batten Siding
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