I would not paint the brick. You take a no maintenance surface something that you would have to paint regularly (particularly with that custom one brick at a time paint job). I like having a little siding, so you can add some color. That particular color looks a little fleshy on my screen, so I might choose a different color. I would consider removing the shutters.

Your plans with respect to the landscaping and path sound nice.

Carolin, put down that paint brush. Now step away from the paint tin. Slooowly, that's it. Okay?

If you are likely to bust a blood vessel in your brain if you don't paint the brick, then do it all one colour. I've tried complicated painting ideas like that, nothing but regret and misery down the line.

Yes, yes on front steps. And that whole entrance could be absolutely gorgeous with the right landscaping.

Thank you Smit2380 & Rina

It just looks so dark. While I absolutely love the brick. It just doesn't fit the design of this house. I have a personal hate for siding. I hate everything about it. I have considered changing it to a stone veneer. It just needs to be brightened up. That is why I am considering painting it. I will add more photos once the steps are done. I think that is going to open up the front of the house nicely. There are 2 different types of bushes on the left that don't show in this photo. I am defiantly having all them removed/replaced with a more cohesive landscape design. I just need to figure out what to do with the front surface of the house. I can't wait to paint the garage door. I know that being white will really help brighten it up

I think that talking to a landscape designer before you finalize what you're doing to the home makes sense, especially regarding changing the steps. A landscaper may come up with ideas that do more than you imagine for less money.

Changing the color of the shutters may do what you want as far as brightening up the front of the home.

Hold on painting the garage door until you sort out the house colours. It's a really big door, and it shouldn't be the star of the facade. But yes, I get it. Your house is depressing you and you should not be depressed by your house.

Thank you!

Sharon, yes the door defiantly needs to be a different color. All the trim needs to be white, and garage door is to dark. I honestly thought whatever color I put on the front door I would put on the shutters, which I didn't want to pick till I figured out the front surfaces. I really hate the siding, I always ave.

Pam, finding a qualified landscaper who is reasonably priced is so much harder than I thought it would be. I have recently hired to 2 contractors and neither did the job right. Honestly I can't afford thousands on designers. So I came here for help...

Rina, once the steps are done I think I will have a better idea of how it can come together better. I am even looking at the concrete along the bottom of the house wondering if I should stain it the same color as the driveway or put air stone on it. So many choices..

I think you will get the most bang for your buck with landscaping. I agree with the poster who suggested extending the current little porch into a deck that goes to the driveway and out into the front yard a bit. Then put a big bed of low growing shrubs and bright flowers on the rest of the front elevation. Ditch the shutters, grills in garage door windows, stuff hanging on the front of the house, etc. if you MUST paint the brick, try white washing it to lighten the color and paint the garage door a color that blends with the brick. I'm afraid the custom, brick-by-brick paint job you described could turn into an expensive hot mess.

Thank you! I have been going back and forth with the contractor over the steps. I will post a picture once they are done.

Maim torn between concrete steps with a paver stone path and a small deck with a paver stone path.. I don't want to overwhelm the front of the house.

This is is so challenging.

I would do a portico it will add dimension to the front of the house and lightness too remove the shutters on the left side , the walkway with plantings along it will be nice paint the siding and the garage door and the right side shutters the same light color, I would do pale sage green and then the portico, window trim white and the new front door with lots of glass a red

Patricia, that is a great idea! Thank you! I see you are listed as a pro so if I may ask 1 question. My concern is not to overwhelm the front of the house, it's a rancher so I'm nervous about that. You don't think that is to much? I wish I could see it on my house.

Oh dear, spell check, Patricia. I love "lots of glass a red". Your preference? A nice burgundy? Carolin may need a few of those in the next few months.

Carolin, I stole one for you. Rough and ready cut and paste, so the pitch isn't perfect but it may give you the impression you need.

I think Patricia's dead right about the portico. You could consider a flat-roof style, too.

OMG!! That looks great! I showed my husband and he loves it to. THANK YOU! Crossing fingers it's in the budget now.

Which way is the new walkway going? Hopefully curved further out from the front toward the driveway and not straight to the street.

jck910, actually yes I was going to go right to the street. I wish I could see it going different ways to be certain. We host a lot and the current path is horrible. It needs improving. Suggestions?

I would come straight out from the steps about halfway to street then curve toward driveway. Most foot traffic will be coming from driveway on a regular basis then when guests park on the street they can walk over to driveway to path rather than people parking in driveway walking across grass or to street to get to path. Most homes in my neighbor have the walkway from driveway to front door

Jck910- certainly something to consider. Thank you!

We keep discussing removing the shutters. We are thinking a bolder trim around the window will look better. Thank you