My personal preference says possibly add shutters but do not paint the brick (you can't go back once you do, and you will be stuck with repainting from time to time as well). Fresh landscaping will help. Have the house professionally pressure washed, it will help rejuvenate the color of the brick and mortar.

Good luck!

You're right. Do NOT paint the brick. Landscaping will do the trick. Some colorful annuals added yearly will provide color.

love what I see...no shutters, I think that they are dated. I would create a fairly good sized garden in front off to the left of this photo, something kidney shaped. Add a large rock as the anchor, add a small ornamental tree, 2-3 shrubs and some nice annuals. Look at gardening web sites for inspiration...if the budget allows, get a landscape company to draw something up. To the right you could add another smaller shrub type of garden and/or an outside lamp post for interest and evening light. If you like, maybe buy one of those metal 'stars', good sized one and hang between your two windows on the right side. Lastly, think of another door colour to add punch...drive around the neighbourhood to see what other front doors are painted....I've seen warm mauve, yellow, glossy red all looked great.

I like your home the way it is, but a really good landscaping will add so much to the curb appeal.
I would not put shutters on the home. It is very stately!

Here are some examples: and

Agree, landscaping will make a world of difference. Espalier a vine or tree in the expanse between windows at right. Move the large bushes away from the house (wrong scale) and consider creating a multidimensional border closer to the street that both frames the view and creates a sense of private oasis once inside and closer to the house. Cautionary note: know your tolerance for gardening and investigate local services to assist in maintenance.

Hi Douglas......I do understand why you like the other home, and I think if there is a way to
highlight the detail around the windows especially the front door area it would make a
difference. It's very hard to tell what color the window trim is, and I wouldn't suggest
white, but the moldings on the other homes windows make it really distinctive.

I would not change the front of your home. It is gorgeous!

I agree with Matilda that you could do something with the window trim, and with others about landscaping. But overall, the house looks great! I wouldn't do anything drastic.

Add English window boxes.

I think landscaping will add so much. Remove the three, big shrubs and trim tree back that's on side of house. I actually prefer your home if I had to choose.

Your home is lovely just as it is. Have you considered a rock garden on that empty slope ? Nothing looks better than a creative rock garden with some large boulders or stones, low growing evergreens intersperced with rock garden plants, ornamental grasses, etc.

The example of the landscape of your neighbors is very dull.

It's really nice knowing you guys like our house, okay, as it is. That saves a lot of
money. Yay! Thanks to all of you for your input.

We'll do as you suggest and hire a profesional landscaper first. If that doesn't quite do the trick, we'll experiment with door and trim colors. Maybe even an English window box or two, if they won't bake in the hot sun.

I'll get a photo this spring and see what you guys think. Thank you!