Limewashing should certainly give your house an updated look. It does need to be reapplied every 5 to 7 years. I'm assuming, like paint, once applied it can never be removed. So, if you do limewash you will committing for the time period you own the house. Painted brick is quite popular in our area (Atlanta). It's look is pretty timeless. So, don't think it will ever look outdated. Good luck on whatever you choose!

So you are going to take your existing brick exterior that needs to be tuckpointed maybe once every half century and apply a finish that has to be redone every few years? One of the huge benefits of a brick exterior is the lack of maintenance required.

I agree, I wouldn't limewash it either. As everyone said it is virtually maintenance free right now and trends are cyclical. Something that feels "outdated" will come back in style. I would focus on other elements to give it an updated look -- new railings, lighting, landscape, or door color (not that I think there is anything wrong with any of yours, but if you want a change I would start there)

For what its worth, I rarely pay attention to the outside of a house. I look at the whole picture and would rarely notice unless it is in obvious need of sprucing up, which your house is not. The inside is more important to me. That is where your family and guests spend their time and make their memories.

If you're looking to freshen it up and have a different look, go for the lime wash. But the brick is beautiful! Not sure where you live but was just traveling and saw some really stunning brick homes across the Midwest. If you like the brick, keep it!

wishiwereintheup - 5 to 7 years. Several (to me) means 3. It wouldn't be significantly different from siding which has to be painted periodically. But, your point is taken - brick is virtually maintenance. So, it's really a decision about aesthetics.

What is "off" are the windows' size and placement. Get Your House Right by Marianne Cusato is a MUST read. Once the windows are redone, whitewash would be a lovely change but is not necessary. :)

paperkite, I agree, but I can't even imagine the cost associated with moving windows.

Why a gray garage door? Your house (on my screen) is a warm beige/brown color--definitely warm. I'd think about a dark cream color garage door. Pull the color from the bricks, to make the garage door blend in, not stand out like a highlighted architectural feature. I'd want a garage door to fade away.

nicktip, I would recommend landscaping/hardscaping to correct the proportions: climbing roses or vines, maybe a trellis or two. This house in the photo is a extreme example of how a trellis can resculpt a house.

Mrs. S - I was thinking of a gray garage door if I lime wash. I think everyone has convinced me to stay with my true brick. So, I will most likely a brown. :)

paperkite - thanks so much! Would a landscaper be the professional I would need to consult to help with these proportions with hardscaping?

Nicktip, A good landscaper should be able to do it. You might try Maryanne White (here is an example of her work: https://www.mariakillam.com/whitegardens/ ). She also does the hardscaping -bulking up the exterior column, picking the lights, etc. She does online consulting, too. She charged $500 to design our front yard. Here is her website: https://agardenbydesign.blogspot.com/

A render / painting would look pretty. I'm not crazy about the brick color, which does seem outdated; however, the upkeep vs. just pointing every 50 yr as mentioned above is a valid concern if you plan to stay in the house. That said, your house does seem to be missing something, a bit bald like a face without eyelashes. Shutters maybe? Is this a federal style house?

limewash is gorgeous and it wears in instead of wearing out

Another nay vote here. Why commit yourself to the maintenance? Maybe consider a different color on the eaves, etc., a new front door, and/or some different landscaping.

You could do a German smear which is a much more permanent solution.

I think the light color windows need to be darker, like your front door. Can they be painted to a black color? I'm not sure if practical but a darker color would look good, same with the eaves and fascia.

It’s a really pretty house. I would not want to add any maintenance to it for some currently trendy application. In a few years someone will want to restore that brick. Lime wash is not any more attractive than your brick. It’s just different and gives the illusion that you can easily change the color of brick.

I think you should post this as a dilemma, not a before & after, since you haven't made the changes that would show the after state of it.