Jeez, I don't think the outside of your house is bad at all. Nor do I find it particularly dated. I think painting brick is a bit of a mistake for this house.

However, since you are looking for input...

I might do something about the fieldstone retaining wall. If you don't want to change it outright, I would look to my landscaping to help it. Maybe loose a bit of the driveway and introduce an evergreen climber of some kind. As well, landscaping that is quite naturalized, simple and focused on perennials, would instantly modernize this home. I would attend to the details - the front door, and definitely the lights beside the door.

If you were certain you wanted to paint the brick, then I would only paint the red brick and would tie by choice of colour into the granite face. Check out Farrow and Ball colours, they are beautiful.

I agree wholeheartedly with limeerick44 above. Your home doesn't look dated. There are a few touches that could use improvement, but I don't think painting the brick will get you where you desire to go.

One of the things that pops out right away is your shutters are not sized right and are not functional (nor appear to be functional). They don't belong on the left window at all. Here is an excellent short and entertaining article to read about sizing shutters (with photos) Change out the shutters on the right windows so they are sized properly and at least appear functional and you will see a big difference. http://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/residential-architecture-101-shutters/

The other two items, besides the retaining wall mentioned in the previous post, is the downspout and the front door. The downspout color should blend in with the brick and the front door should be painted an accent color to draw attention to your entry.

One more note, your light fixtures should be larger. I think with the changes in your retaining wall and the little things I mentioned you will see a vast difference in your home.

If the red brick color is really bothering you, then consider only painting that part with a light cream color to compliment the variegated granite which should be kept as is.

HI -- Nice house but I don't like the combo of the stone with the brick. You could paint the brick with a paint made for masonry and have it sprayed -- just easier . I would keep the stone it is a nice texture and color . Remove the shutters and maybe just add a bit more framing around the windows . A nice color that would go with the stone is - "Ranchwood" by Benjamin Moore Paints . Also if you could paint the windows a charcoal and perhaps add a new garage door ,if not then paint that the same as the brick . Also siding by Hardie board over the brick would update nicely. It also would not cost that much to consult with an architect and they could show you some computer mock ups of what your house could be.

Hi Cathryn! We have to agree with Denita, even though we are always all about shutters! Since your windows are double windows, the only way that there would be room for properly fitted shutters would be if they were bi-fold, and even then there may not be enough room.

We like the recommendation that lefty47 made about adding wider trim. That will definitely enhance your windows and bring a bit of spunk to your exterior. You could also try window boxes.