@Zone4 yeah, I think I'm starting to realize that the brick probably helps break up the facade and keep it interesting. I'm starting to be really intrigued with the limewashing idea. If it turns out we could paint the windows, would you do black or white? I like the idea of a black/charcoal, but have also heard that is the worst color on vinyl windows. @aprilneverends it has been hard to really get the colors across from the listing pics. Basically it is 50 shades of unappealing (to me at least) tan inside and out. So I want a dramatic change, but I know people are really torn about changing brick, so I'll probably have my husband mockup a version with the brick and a dark greige paint to see how that looks alongside a limewashed version. Front door, yes, that thing has a big stain glass Texas star that doesn't help anything. I was thinking one of the modern doors with 3-5 satin horizontal lites to keep some light coming in from the door, then finding a complimentary garage door. For the French doors, I definitely won't change my mind on the divided lites - however they are just an overlay on top of a solid piece of glass, so one of the contractors said you could just pop them off. One set of doors needs a new handle, the other needs about $300 in repair work and weatherproofing, so that is why I'm debating whether or not to rehab these versus put in new ones. And if we replace, I don't know if sliding glass doors that let in tons of light or new French doors with the thinnest frame possible would look best. I know landscaping will have a huge impact too, and could really turn this into a more modern looking house. The bones are certainly good, and it is plain enough that we can subtly take it in a couple directions, just trying to narrow down what will look best while also being somewhat our style.

Looks like a great house! But if the brick is a problem to you, it's not a small problem, because like you said it looks to be everywhere. If you can't imagine what it would look like, don't do it yet. If you do still want to, have someone pre-visualize it for you somehow so you can get a sense of what it will look like. Because it would be a huge gamble if you're on the fence. I have a much smaller house with a chicago style brick fireplace, inside and out, very similar to what the brick in your kitchen looks like. At first I thought it was dark and "70's" and my inclination was to paint it white. I'm really glad I didn't. If anything... I'd strongly suggest putting on the brakes and live there for awhile. It takes time to get fully used to a new place, and in 6 months you might find you don't mind the red brick so much. Or you might find you dislike it even more. But living in the space for awhile should help you make a determination if you're "torn". Everyone is different so you have to do what YOU want, but my 2 cents is it looks great as-is. It's not like it's a modern house. It's full of detailing and has some rustic sensibilities to it. Some of those qualities must have drawn you to the house in the first place. I'd probably just double-down and embrace it.

You can LIMEWASH THE BRICK NO PAINT because acrylic exterior paint will peel over time. Lots of videos on YouTube and this is what I would recommend to age your home to a unique appearance. https://www.southernliving.com/home-garden/decorating/peter-block-makeover?slide=938132a3-d992-44be-8b20-4d0cbe446937#938132a3-d992-44be-8b20-4d0cbe446937 The Limewash takes on a vintage appearance. You can put on as much or as little as you like. It imparts NO TEXTURE just color. The brick can be more see thru.

thanks everyone, it means a lot 🥲. So much hard work out into this house. Even though not complete it’s getting there. So no awning? The front of the house gets majority of the sun and I thought having a awning might help with some shade. Yesssss we are doing the flower bed next! It’s driving me crazyyyyyyyyyyyy. We are going to do rubber mulch! And add lots of plants , which I am terrible at so definitely will need some inspiration.