I quite like the black door and the porch floor matching the brick. It's classic, simple, elegant and matches the style of the house in my opinion. If you want to add more vivid stuff, I'd go for big pots of tropical annuals like cannas or something and put them a little ways away from the house. I'd keep the pots very understated - simple square pots in a darker color, rather than anything too ornate. Actually if it was my house, I'd probably would keep the plantings at the front of the house fairly subdued and classic and save the showy, colorful stuff for the backyard. But it sounds like you're 'itchin' to go wild....:- )

Hi, A lye-based (caustic) stripper will remove paint and leave the brick unaffected. A solvent type stripper will dissolve the paint somewhat, but allow the pigment perhaps to penetrate the brick should it be a porous kind. Then you'll definitely need a pressure washer, and maybe steam to dis-embed it. Casey

Chris - DAWN won't damage your bricks. Plain water would probably be fine. You do have to wait a couple of days (an no rain should be forecast) for the bricks to be dry - before applying any sealer. But no big deal. Follow the directions. http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-202529383/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053 The above product works fine. They also make a 'no gloss' version which does the exact same thing - but is invisible and does not affect the look or appearance of the bricks; in any manner. Again, you would have to follow the directions. Several other reputable companies make similar products. Get thee to a Hardware store, and look around at the products. You can call and talk to Sika if you want (in NJ) at: 201 933 8800 Just take a look around at your Hardware Store. Pick up a how-to book on Concrete and Masonry work for $20. Again, not hard at all, and good luck. It is not even hard for a home owner to learn how to make some quick (grout) tuck point repairs. (You do need a small (like 4") grinder for that/ plus a DUST mask or Respirator /eye & hearing protection/ are all MANDATORY if you care about your health...) These items don't cost much. And hearing and eye should both be worn when just mowing your lawn for example... D. Here is a link that might be useful: Concrete Sealer

Match the color of the siding to the red brick. Use white trim and dark blue or dark green shutters. Or paint the siding sage green with black shutters. Not all shutters have to be the "right size". Some houses were designed to have narrow shutters as a colorful accent, not to pretend anyone will shut them in a nor'easter.