! can't get picture to be right side up. sorry

Painted brick requires regular maintenance that regular brick does not. I wouldn't paint it. I think the home (albeit upside down) looks really nice and classic.

I wouldn't paint the brick; maybe remove shutters, definitely trim back growing stuff along sidewalk. It kinda makes me not want to advance toward the door.

I have a painted brick house (bought it this way) and there is more upkeep to painted brick compared to my last house that was regular brick. I’m not against all painted brick... but your brick doesn’t look offensive at all, so I personally wouldn’t paint it. I do think a wider walkway to your door would be really nice!

I agree with not painting the brick. It's more upkeep then it is worth and it gives the exterior the traditional, home-like feel. Definitely would recommend changing the door color to match whatever you replace the shutters with.

We had to paint our extremely ugly mismatched brick house and I love it now. But your brick looks lovely. I wouldn't paint it. Celerygirl has a lovely suggestion to improve the curb appeal.

wow - thanks guys! this is my first time posting a question and its really helpful. I can't believe celerygirl even took the time to post an updated photo. It looks great without the shutters - i think i will take them off today!

an opinions on a low budget (short-term) way to update the sidewalk up the house.. it looks like the previous owners just painted it grey.

did you also change the color of the door to make it less "bright". If i take off the shutters what color should the door be?

Yes I did change the door color for not so bright. You can first clean the walk way and see how it looks. May be you have to do nothing.The cheapest way to update walkway is to use mulch or gravel on a side, making border.

If you would consider painting everything that is currently white - all trim and siding that is - to a bluish gray or muted sage green color, it would make your house look like a million bucks.

Having done sales for a painter, I discovered that because the brick is so porous it will take considerably more paint. hence increasing the cost. If your brick looks good kep it the same. sometimes maybe a little re-pointing will make the brick look good again.

Celrygirl's tweak on the door color is much better.

Goodbye shutters and don't paint the brick.