It's a darling house! The number one need. by far, is landscaping. Both of your example pics have great ideas for low foundation plantings, pathways, and lawns. If your house were appropriately landscaped, I doubt you'd be asking about changing it.

Painted brick is fine, but landscaping is #1 in my view.

great point and you are absolutely correct landscaping is definitely missing.

I would never paint that brick. It is part of the charm of your house. You main problem is the landscaping, or lack of landscaping, and lack of interest. Some colorful pots on your porch would look really good. Your house is really cute, it just lacks a bit of curb appeal, in the accessory department.

Do not paint the brick. Tone down the green per celerygirl's mockup, which is so wonderful.

Landscaping for sure. I'm assuming the stair to the porch is on the side. Would you consider adding a new brick stair on the front of the porch? Would suggest adding a railing for safety. If the grade (the ground) is more than 30" below the porch a railing is required anyway. If you don't paint the brick I would suggest cleaning it - not with a power sprayer since that can damage mortar. I'm torn between painting and not. Painted brick is all the rage these days and it can significantly update a home but your house has a nice vintage quality. Also, the red and green color scheme of your house is understated and classic. Good luck!

I wouldn't paint the brick. I think that the colors are perfect as they are. I agree with others that landscaping improvements would make all the difference.

The steps off the porch are where? on the left high side?

Do consider putting a railing but only across the front. You could then add eye hooks evenly spaced above the railing and hang several hanging baskets for flowers (or strawberries) above the rail and pick up a few over-the-railing brackets and rectangle pots as well.

Would not clutter the front yard with a lot of plantings but a hedge that looks good year round (such as Aucuba bushes or Cammilia bushes or Gardinia bushes)in front of the porch (kept trimmed at rail level) would be a good finishing touch. Outline that planting area with a solid row of pavers with their tops level with the ground level will make mowing up to the planting area easier.

You could also create a tiny front yard patio to the right of the porch with a small round table, a couple of comfortable chairs and a few groupings of potted flowering plants or even your favorite vegetables/spices. A bird bath visible from the patio seating could provide entertainment.

i love the landscape mockup. already showed it to my husband so he can see what a big difference it makes. I love painted brick but im not 100% sold on if its necessary or not. im wondering how a limewash would look because i don't want to lose all the appeal of the brick. im really interested in creating center steps but then we would need a sidewalk and that may get expensive but could give the home a different look.

To me it's calling for a very subtle limewash, just to take the edge off of the harsh brick but not cover it. Very cute place!

I would not touch the brick. Add a pretty railing and front steps. As other have mentioned some landscaping.

I think a railing is really needed on that porch and I love the idea of some hanging pots Please do not paint the brick or lime wash it.I think now you just need landscaping to enhance that very nice home.

If you want to paint the brick then do it ..it's your house !

thank you everyone. I do think adding railing would help. Anyone have ideas on railing? The steps on the side are a black iron like railing. Are you think wood or iron for the porch railing?

A classic craftsman wood railing would be perfect.

Gracious front porch · More Info

Or a simple version:

Craftsman Exterior · More Info

Houssaon‘s first pic is one of my favorites. The pale sage and a craftsman railing would look wonderful on your home.