Glenn Close’s Red Brick and White Trim Approach Redefines Americana Curb Appeal – It Stands as the Ultimate Anti-Trend Choice
The actress’s sophisticated use of traditional colors offers a masterclass in achieving a crisp, defined look that brightens any summer porch
Megan Slack
Few styles are more quintessentially American than red brick paired with white trim, and Glenn Close demonstrates that this classic aesthetic remains as fresh and stylish in 2026 as the day it was first conceived. With the May sun beginning to warm the late-spring air, the actress shared a charming photo on Instagram with her dog, Pip. Standing on a gray porch adorned with intricate, traditional white trim, the duo is framed by the deep, rusty red of the home's painted brick walls – a winning combination that feels particularly vibrant alongside the season's new blooms.
Though the pairing of red brick and white trim is centuries old, it never appears dated. Instead, Glenn's porch serves as a timeless nod to classic American design, and experts remain enthusiastic about the enduring appeal of these front porch design choices.
Designers and architects specifically admire the longevity of these porch paint colors. Mohammad Ahmed, interior designer at The Home Guidance, says, 'Throughout architectural history, the combination of brick with white trim has been prevalent. It's a look that has a proven track record of aesthetic appeal.'
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Shop The Red and White Outdoor Edit
From blue and white stripes to red and white stripes. This beach umbrella isn't all form and no function though, it has a tilt setting so you can move it to create shade where you need to. It packs into a very handy carry bag so you can take it from the patio to the beach.
This elegantly woven chair evokes a vintage coastal charm that blends seamlessly with red brick walls for a classic Americana feel. Its curved form, slanted arms, and softly angled backrest combine comfort and style in a naturally effortless way.
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Arpit Jain, interior designer at McLine Studios, adds: 'This look has been around for ages, and it's still as charming as ever. It's timeless and elegant, so it appeals to a wide range of tastes and preferences. Red brick and white trim go together like peanut butter and jelly. They work with various architectural styles, from old-school colonial to modern designs. This versatility ensures that this style isn't going anywhere.'
Furthermore, experts highlight the paint color for the exterior of a house with white trim because of the striking, clean contrast it provides. Mohammad states: 'White trim against the backdrop of red brick creates a distinct and visually pleasing contrast. This makes architectural details pop and gives the house a crisp, defined appearance.' He further notes: 'White trim can brighten up the facade of a home. Especially in porches which may be shadowed or darker due to the overhead roof or surrounding elements, white trim can add a sense of light and openness.'
Arpit agrees, noting: 'White trim against red brick creates a striking contrast that makes your house's architectural features, like columns and window frames, really pop. It's like putting the house in the spotlight, and it just looks fantastic.' This effect is beautifully captured on Glenn Close’s porch, where the red brick allows the intricate details of her columns to stand out, effectively helping to decorate her front porch.
Glenn Close proves that the traditional combination of a red brick house and a white porch is a permanent fixture of style. To keep your own outdoor space feeling current as we head toward summer, consider incorporating a 2026 garden trend or two to add a contemporary twist to this beloved aesthetic.
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Sophie is a writer and News Editor on the Celebrity Style team at Homes & Gardens. She is fascinated by the intersection of design and popular culture and is particularly passionate about researching trends and interior history. She is an avid pop culture fan and has interviewed Martha Stewart and Hillary Duff.
In her free time, Sophie freelances on design news for Westport Magazine and Livingetc. She also has a newsletter, My Friend's Art, in which she covers music, culture, and fine art through a personal lens. Her fiction has appeared in Love & Squalor and The Isis Magazine.
Before joining Future, Sophie worked in editorial at Fig Linens and Home, a boutique luxury linens brand. She has an MSc from Oxford University and a BA in Creative Writing and Sociology from Sarah Lawrence College.
- Megan SlackHead of Celebrity Style News