Take a better photo of the exterior and add close ups of the particulars.

Agree with (both) the above. Just paint it, even if your contractor wants another job.

Thank you. We are going to get a new front door and replace the brick around the door. The problem with the current painted brick is there is large amounts of stucco/cement between the bricks so not as easy to just paint it. Plus it's very old fashioned looking. Here's better photos.

Also this is my first time using Houzz so thank you all for the feedback!!

You have what’s called ‘weeping mortar’. IMHO stone veneer will be too heavy for that area, I would be tempted to stucco over the brick or pull off the brick and do board and Batton.

Better photos, thanks.

I would remove the shutters. They are overwhelming.

Paint the body of the house, the board and batten, the taupe you love.

Paint over the brick (or maybe a stain would be a better solution) black (and support columns black).

Your house has a great look to it, but with all one color, it looks like a flat front. The wood stained wall by the garage...I like it. I would frame around the front door the same stain and a choose a black mid century style door. Found a photo that can give you an idea

IMO you have a MCM ranch that has been messed with Those shutters need to go the brick should have been left alone now IMOeither just paint it again or remove it and just do siding. Why taupe as a color ? I would do a dark color for the siding and add some natural cedar where the brick is . A MCM front door and if new windows are in the budget get black metal thin framed no grids.