Did you ever get an answer - has the new brick started to change a bit over time so that the difference is less noticeable now? I just had new front steps built (as a repair job - wasn't really looking to redesign - if I was I would have been much more careful about selecting the materials myself) and the new brick looks awful. The brick before had variations in color and looked aged and classic and traditional. The new brick looks like something you would see on a commercial building. I am so disappointed and upset about it! I am hoping I will be able to artificially age some of it to improve it. However, I probably have just dropped $3500 down the drain because as soon as I feel I can spend the money, i will probably want to tear it down and do it over. My worst nightmare for the project!