From Brick to Brilliance: 7 Family-Friendly Remodeling Tips That’ll Make Your Home the Neighborhood Showstopper
Remodeling a brick house might sound like a job for superheroes, but with the right strategy (and maybe a few coffee breaks), you can turn your classic red-brick abode into a family-friendly masterpiece. Whether you’re upgrading for your growing brood or preparing for weekend BBQs and neighborhood playdates, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about family-friendly brick house remodeling.
Table of Contents
- Why Brick House Remodels Are Perfect for Family Living
- 7 Practical & Playful Remodeling Ideas for Families
- The Ultimate Buying Guide: Must-Have Products for Your Remodel
- How to Keep Your Kids Engaged During the Remodel
- Budget Tips for a Smart, Stress-Free Remodel
- FAQs: All Your Brick House Remodel Questions Answered
- Conclusion: A Home That Grows With You

Why Brick House Remodels Are Perfect for Family Living
Brick houses have an old-school charm that screams 'sturdy family home,' and with good reason. They're naturally energy-efficient, fire-resistant, and stand up well to Mother Nature's mood swings. But let’s face it — many older brick homes are stuck in the ‘80s when it comes to style.
A modern, family-centric brick house remodel gives you the best of both worlds: timeless durability with today’s open-concept layouts, smart tech integration, and playful design elements perfect for kids, pets, and guests alike.

7 Practical & Playful Remodeling Ideas for Families
- Add Open Shelving: Say goodbye to boring cabinets. Floating shelves add visual space and give kids a chance to display their latest art projects (or Legos, depending on the day).
- Create a Mudroom Zone: No more tracking mud into the kitchen. Install durable flooring, bench seating, and labeled hooks for backpacks and coats.
- Choose Family-Safe Materials: Opt for non-toxic paints, rounded countertops, and scratch-resistant finishes in high-traffic areas.
- Design a Kid-Friendly Kitchen Island: Lower one side of the island so kids can help cook or do homework without feeling left out.
- Playroom Hidden in Plain Sight: Use sliding barn doors or pocket doors to conceal toys and games, keeping clutter under control while maintaining aesthetics.
- Install Smart Lighting Systems: Voice-controlled lights and dimmers make bedtime routines easier — and impress the grandparents every time they visit.
- Outdoor Oasis Upgrade: Add built-in seating around your patio, install weatherproof speakers, and create zones for grilling, lounging, and toddler play.
Feature | Family Benefit | Cool Factor |
---|---|---|
Smart Light Switches | Easier bedtime routines | Grandma says “ooh” and “aah” |
Sliding Barn Doors | Less wall damage from slamming | Makes your hallway look Instagram-worthy |
Lowered Kitchen Counter | Kids feel included at meal prep time | Looks intentional, not accidental |

The Ultimate Buying Guide: Must-Have Products for Your Remodel
Whether you're going full-on renovation or just adding some fresh touches, these products will elevate your brick house remodel from “just okay” to “I-can’t-believe-this-is-our-home.”
1. Lutron Caseta Smart Light Dimmer
- Product Detail: Wi-Fi-enabled light switch compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit
- Why It’s Great: Adjust lighting from your phone or voice command — perfect for late-night diaper changes or movie nights
- Recommended Scenarios: Bedrooms, hallways, kitchens
- Target Users: Parents with toddlers, night owls, movie buffs
- Holiday Recommendation: Father’s Day gift idea for DIY dads
2. Sherwin-Williams Duration Interior Paint
- Product Detail: Zero VOC, scrubbable, mildew-resistant formula
- Why It’s Great: Wipe away crayon marks without drama; keeps walls looking fresh even with sticky fingerprints
- Recommended Scenarios: Playrooms, nurseries, dining rooms
- Target Users: Parents of toddlers, pet owners, clean freaks
- Holiday Recommendation: New homeowner gift during the holidays
3. Libman EasyWring Microfiber Spin Mop
- Product Detail: Ergonomic handle, machine-washable mop pads, no bucket required
- Why It’s Great: Makes cleaning floors less of a chore, especially after muddy soccer days
- Recommended Scenarios: Kitchens, bathrooms, entryways
- Target Users: Busy parents, minimalists, germophobes
- Holiday Recommendation: Stocking stuffer for eco-conscious moms

How to Keep Your Kids Engaged During the Remodel
Remodeling can be stressful — especially for little ones who suddenly lose access to their favorite corners of the house. Here’s how to keep them involved (and sane):
- Give them a “remodel notebook” to track progress with drawings and photos
- Let them pick out a color swatch or tile sample for their new bathroom
- Assign fun tasks like labeling tools or naming construction workers
- Create a temporary “play zone” in the garage or basement
Bonus points if you let them use kid-safe power tools under supervision. Just kidding… or am I?

Budget Tips for a Smart, Stress-Free Remodel
You don’t need to take out a second mortgage to give your brick house a facelift. Here’s how to stretch your budget:
- Prioritize must-haves vs. nice-to-haves using a decision matrix (like the table above)
- Shop for clearance items at local hardware stores before big sales weekends
- Do small jobs yourself — painting is cheaper than hiring a pro and doubles as a date night activity
- Reuse existing materials where possible (e.g., repurpose bricks into garden paths or planters)
- Plan ahead for peak contractor seasons (fall is usually best)
FAQs: All Your Brick House Remodel Questions Answered
Question | Answer |
---|---|
Can I change the color of my brick exterior? | Absolutely! Staining or limewashing is a great alternative to painting and preserves the brick texture. |
Is it expensive to update windows in a brick home? | Window replacement can cost more due to masonry work, but energy-efficient models often pay for themselves over time. |
Are brick homes harder to insulate? | Not necessarily! Insulating between walls or using spray foam can greatly improve comfort and efficiency. |
Conclusion: A Home That Grows With You
Remodeling a brick house doesn’t mean losing its character — it means giving it a new chapter. By combining functionality with family flair, you can create a space that supports your lifestyle now and adapts as your family grows.
So whether you’re reimagining your mudroom, updating the kitchen, or simply choosing the perfect paint color, remember: the best family-friendly homes aren’t the ones with spotless white couches. They’re the ones filled with laughter, love, and maybe a few toy cars under the couch cushions.

Ready to start your brick house remodel journey? Grab a cup of coffee, round up the kids (and contractors), and get building — your dream family home is just a few hammer taps away!