don't paint the brick

I wouldn’t paint the brick either.

Please don't paint the brick. Consider natural cedar siding and posts on the porch with dark gray trim.

Two things jump out right away: the style of your front posts are incongruent with your homes' style and the landscaping in front needs an update.

The posts should be a simple square wood post and not the round pillar you have now.

Your current landscaping is all lined up against the foundation. Have a local landscape designer put together a plan for you with deep beds from the house. It will open up your front.

I wouldn't paint the brick either. You have a very nice home in a terrific location! Just a couple of small changes will be all you need to bring out your home's best features.

If you want the cinder block base to disappear, paint it a color to blend with the brick or a darker color. Right now the light color draws the eye and makes the foundation a focal point.

Would you please post a photo of your kitchen backsplash when it's done? I'm considering the same option, but am afraid of too many focal points. I love that tile though!

Honestly I’d change the windows and trim first. I like the color on the rear shutters for a trim color. That way you won’t be working around colors you won’t keep. And new windows give a lot of bang for the buck. Don’t underestimate their ability to transform the exterior. Skip the mullions though if you want a more updated look. Then I’d do the cedar posts and shake on the gable. If you still don’t like the look, then I’d consider painting the brick, though I like the brick as is. In this order everything can be changed but the painted brick. If you paint the brick first, and don’t like it, you can’t go back to what it was.