Well, you found what some suspected, that it wasn't an extremely "good" set. Now, Costco/Sam's Club furniture can be just what the doctor ordered and many people are quite pleased with their purchases. I have a tv armoire in my bedroom that was an 'assemble it yourself' piece from Sauder I bought ten years ago for like $99 new. It has worked fine for us for many years. But right now, I would love to find a good solid wood piece that will stand the test of time and fit my style better. For that, I must do used, like CL or estate sale or garage sale. The great thing about going to check on something like that (overpriced!) bedroom suite, is, that it gives you a better feel for the next one you find. It helps you know what questions to ask and to price things out in your head better. I rarely feel a trip was not worthwhile, even when it's a No-Buy. Usually, if I spend the time to travel across town for craigslist stuff, I only feel cheated if the seller badly misrepresented or if I didn't ask enough questions first. And sometimes, I do ask, "So do you remember where you bought the armoire?" or "how long have you had this piece?" If someone tells me Costco or JCPenney, I know it's probably not just what I thought from the photo. If they just bought it, then, why are they selling it? I hope your next set is the real deal. And while you do NOT want to haggle down the price on the phone, it's still ok to just ask, "Before I come see, is your price real firm?" or "I do want to see it, are you negotiable at all on the price?" Don't make an offer, just feel them out. Red

A picture of the house would help. I personally do not like painted bricks but I might have some suggestions anyway. ;)

@decoenthusiaste LOL! I regretted the 'modern farmhouse' when I wrote it. I think I mean a monochrome look, darker overall, with siding, trim and fascia all one color. I am just not into the white highlighter outline look so many are doing. Want to be ahead of the trend and stand out. However, I am so afraid to get it 'wrong.' We did choose a roof color that pulls all the brick colors together. It's an overall medium to darker gray, with hints of warmth and black through. We would ideally like to avoid coating the brick. We would consider after, if it looks bad. We would really like to keep it and roll with it. The garage doors will be converted to one larger door, but yes, there is brick between, with a strip of hideous siding above currently. All to be redone. Unfortunately, we are headed into winter and the siding color needs to be selected this week, or we push to next year...and we just don't want to do that.

I think black/charcoal trim will be too stark of a contrast. I would do the sage green that you posted above with the bottom "white" of your paint samples, which looks like the softest white...and closest to all of your inspirations.