I didn't add any color here, but I did clean up your fireplace wall. Remove everything from the mantel. Add a floor lamp in the corner. Looks like you could use some storage for components, so I added a small chest, no higher than the chair rail, on the left. You can get a surface mount wire mold to hold your cables and direct it along the mantel and down the side. I removed the clock. You can keep it if you need it, but lower it. Nothing should hang that high on the wall. New fan and smaller recliner, same as before.

For the the yews that block the stone at the corner, I'd think about transplanting them elsewhere on your property and installing a different variety of yew in that spot, one with a more low, horizontal growth pattern. (There are MANY varieties of yews available if you find the right nursery!) The plants you have now seem to be the more upright type so you will have to continually fight with them in that location. Once you have exposed the stone, your color decision should be easier. I love that old photo, with the blue-gray contrasting with the yellow brick. But now that I look more closely, do I see the same stonework under the front window on the driveway side? If so, I'd keep the upright yew closest to the driveway to anchor things and do the same transplant replace as I mentioned above for the corner. Finally, I share your feeling about the mullions. Many people hated those old metal casement windows and couldn't wait to be rid of them, as they were leaky and prone to rusting, etc. (I recall my mother long ago refusing to buy a house with that kind of window!) But I wonder if there might be a way to add mullions to the windows you have? When we replaced our windows, which were the typical double hung wood sashes with 6 over 6 mullions, I was shocked to see that for many new vinyl windows the mullions were simply a grid that was added on to the windows after manufacture, while for others the grid is embedded between the glass. It might be worth some exploration to see if the add-on could be an option for you to make your house look happier!

Are the hexagonal windows for light or just air flow? I feel like updating them to something rectangular would be a greater return on investment than painting such nice neutral brick! I’d also look at ways to make the entrance more special, more substantial railings, instead of two small light fixtures one bigger fixture, move the address number somewhere more visible. I think the flower boxes are quaint, but I’d get bigger shutters, ideally shutters should be the size of half the window and your house facade totally allows for proper sized ones!

I don’t like the look of cedar posts on this style house at all. I think a creamy off-white would look lovely … with the brick, roof, everything. The front door could be any color you like with these neutrals. For the lower level, I’d match a color from the brick as close as possible. I’d consider removing the shutters from the wider window. Freshen up the landscape and add nice porch furniture. The entry could be very welcoming!