Budget range for this phase? $5K, $10K, other? Are you willing to rip off part of the roof to make a portico over the front door, or would you prefer a surface mounted solution?

From what I can see, the brick is fine. If you want to paint it, take the cost estimate and projected length of time between repainting episodes (say, $10,000 every ten years, roughly $3 a day), and mentally set aside some money every year for it. Then ask yourself if the $3 a day expense seems worth it. YMWV.

Actually, I thought the awning over the door was charming. Is it not practical?

Is the sun on the front of the house a problem? I can see wanting a small portico or entry awning, but it's amazing how sleepy the house looked before and how awake it looks now. Regarding painted brick, I grew up in a house with white painted brick and no one ever complained about intolerable maintenance. The more unified front aspect could be a strong positive.