Brandi- This is a type of brick in this specific area used in houses constructed in the 1940's. It's on a bunch of the homes around here and I haven't found someone that's updated a home that I like with it. I'm tempted to paint it, but I'm afraid with all the variations in the stone, it will look weird. It's hard to see in the picture, but it's not flat at all. Some of the stones jut out 4 to 5 inches. Very strange brick. Lots of people in the area have done it with a Tudor style home, but most of the houses in my price range won't work with the Tudor style.

I would leave the brick as is. As mentioned, wooden railings are needed. Is that " AstroTurf" on the porch? Obviously do something about that. Paint the door and storm door the same color and get spectacular landscaping. Do a nice light fixture, house numbers, and perhaps a lamppost.

The wrought iron and the green carpet clash with the house. Choose a light color in the brick for trim and change the posts to timber as someone else suggested. The landscaping needs to be redone. If you are planning resale, keep the planting simple because the new owner will probably want to change it. I would love to see the inside of this older home.

Kpappal - It's a man made stone. It's a brick material made to look like stones and yes, it's very rough.

I like your suggestions- of course I would get rid of the green carpet and probably take out the ramp. I like the idea of adding posts and railing. Your color suggestions have got me thinking. Thanks for all your suggestions :)

Lime wash or mortar smear the bricks to improve the appearance. Here is the link that explains the procedures.

http://diyhomedecorblogs.com/limewash-vs-whitewash-vs-smeared-mortar-or-mortar-wash-vs-the-worn-paint-look/

I know guys you do not like to paint bricks or stones...But it looks not good. I would paint beige...or something monochromatic...Stones will do some texture.

HI -- You could make the house look more cottage like with adding pine or cedar wood trims and box over the posts and add railings and steps . The steps might be under the ramp . The brick/stone could be spray painted with a masonry paint . Perfectly safe to do so these days . Or a few good whacks with a big sledge hammer and it may just fall off , then you could have a nice siding instead . Then up date the landscaping .

I like the idea of rough wood large square posts with simple railing as shown in lorewren pic. Also frame out window on front of house and add simple rustic wooden shutters and an iron window box for green trailing plants. Have a landscaper do the yard; it needs a lot of water.

I am thinking Provence Farmhouse in France. Rustic and chunky. See photo for elements that could be adapted to house exterior with out painting the house but adding elements to it. An architect would be able to give you plans for the 'look' with a small amount of money. You could also use the plans on any other house you flip.

Note light trim color all around to brighten house, dark simple shutters, railing and support trim and glass in door of entry for brightness. Zinc metal finish would also look great!

Whole house remodel, Silver Spring MD · More Info

If you go to youtube there is a company in Arizona giving seminars for DYIers and what they do with two inches of concrete will blow your mind! They could put a completely different look on that house in a day! Email customercare@betterpaths.com after you check their site out- www.betterpaths.com (or org...I can't recall).

I don't think I can do shutters because of the uneven surface :(

Then just hang zinc or copper window box on windows and plant with trailing greens.

HI - Just plant some climbing roses or Virginia creeper vine or other flowering vine at the left front . Window boxes look nice but are a real paint .

Not if you fill them with silk plants!