I had that exact pink and brown tile in my last house. I must have tried 10 different decorating schemes in there; the pink is hard to coordinate with. I ended up replacing the vanity and used plain white 4x4 tile on it. That looked okay, and might look okay over your shower surround. A little awkward, but okay. I could also envision just using some sheet formica up there, well caulked; if you want to do something cool, get "boomerang" or some other 50s-inspired pattern and play up the kitsch factor. I discovered that it was going to be a big challenge to replace the bath/shower fixtures (mine were brass, very corroded - ick!). It sounded like I would have to rip out tile to get to the valve and plumbing inner workings, as you can't just pop on new handles and tub spouts very easily. But you can replace the shower head relatively easily. As far as figuring out whether it's structurally sound, I guess I'd go into the crawl space and try to inspect the floor under the tub and toilet. Poke at the wood with a screw driver and see what happens. If you replace your toilet, you'll have a chance to see if any horrors lie underneath - in mine, the subfloor was not in great shape (thanks to a previous owner who liked carpet in her bathrooms :) If you don't see rot, I would guess your bathroom will last a long time. I've read in the New York Times that tile from the 50s was made really strong. (I'm attaching a fun link you've probably already visited, but just in case...) Here is a link that might be useful: Pink Bathrooms

Once brick is painted, there is no turning back, ever, ever, ever. Not even just a small section. It is not like wall paint that can just be returned to a former palette. Please do as many have advised, and wait before jumping on the paint bandwagon. I would say even wait a year, to give yourself time to truly become settled in your new place and go through different seasons of decorating. Don’t be swayed by the current decorating trends as they will change many times over the life of a house. I live in a 1880’s home that has a brick wall in the kitchen to which previous owners glued linoleum -fake tile in the 1950’s, no doubt, because it was the decorating trend of the day. That glue seems to be there to stay for eternity. So we really have no choice but to paint, but would have loved to keep the original brick if it had been in better shape.

Instead of painting the brick, if you still don't like them after having them sand blasted, consider staining them rather than painting them -- that would be a mistake. Seriously consider extending the deck the full width of the house -- better for use and resale value. alternately, build a covered porch from the deck and wrapping around the corner of the house, stopping at the chimney. If the deck (or a porch) were extended all the way to the end of the house, the higher ground would mean you'd only need a couple of steps to reach a patio on the end of your home. justgottabeme has the right idea with painting the foundation and window frames and siding already painted; however, you might consider using CWF or a dark, absorbant stain on the deck top and rails, painting only the posts (even with the foundation) rather than painting the actual deck or using a "solid stain" that looks like paint and, in my experience, doesn't hold up all that well..

Brutal but honest. Get your deposit back and run! Was in this position and learned the hard way. Don’t build with big box; build custom custom with a local builder who will accommodate all your needs and build a one story only. Two story’s don’t work when “aging in place”. Big box force you into compromised and design choices that don’t work. Skip the paint and lipstick and focus on layout and flow. When building a “forever home” you need quality over quantity. Our one story has larger hallways to accommodate wheel chairs and walkers. We designed around how you move through a space with ease. We have a big shower and no tub cause as you age, tubs are hard to use. Even the front door has literally one step that can accommodate a ramp as to when or if we get there it can be done. Every bathroom has storage and storage is essential. Bonus space is useless. Only put rooms in the house you will use. Formal anything is garbage and waste to heat and cool. These are all subject to preference but these are lessons learned.