@Zone4 yeah, I think I'm starting to realize that the brick probably helps break up the facade and keep it interesting. I'm starting to be really intrigued with the limewashing idea. If it turns out we could paint the windows, would you do black or white? I like the idea of a black/charcoal, but have also heard that is the worst color on vinyl windows. @aprilneverends it has been hard to really get the colors across from the listing pics. Basically it is 50 shades of unappealing (to me at least) tan inside and out. So I want a dramatic change, but I know people are really torn about changing brick, so I'll probably have my husband mockup a version with the brick and a dark greige paint to see how that looks alongside a limewashed version. Front door, yes, that thing has a big stain glass Texas star that doesn't help anything. I was thinking one of the modern doors with 3-5 satin horizontal lites to keep some light coming in from the door, then finding a complimentary garage door. For the French doors, I definitely won't change my mind on the divided lites - however they are just an overlay on top of a solid piece of glass, so one of the contractors said you could just pop them off. One set of doors needs a new handle, the other needs about $300 in repair work and weatherproofing, so that is why I'm debating whether or not to rehab these versus put in new ones. And if we replace, I don't know if sliding glass doors that let in tons of light or new French doors with the thinnest frame possible would look best. I know landscaping will have a huge impact too, and could really turn this into a more modern looking house. The bones are certainly good, and it is plain enough that we can subtly take it in a couple directions, just trying to narrow down what will look best while also being somewhat our style.

I do not thinks grids are the answer for the windows but I do agree to leave the brick as is and think about a much darker color for windows and trim I would also lose that bay window and get a black front door .The front porch can be quite attractive once you can see it after the hedge comes out . IMO landscaping will do more for the house than messing with the brick.

Hi Patricia, took me awhile but here are some of my before and after photos. I took out a room above my entryway, removed door jams and walls to open up my kitchen and living room. I created a conversation area which is located to the right of my foyer and my dining room is on the left. From the dining room I created a wide hall that can be used to reach the butler pantry and then into my kitchen. I removed walls and door jams to open up the kitchen and living room and also our casual eating area that leads out to our deck and patio. I also created an entryway hall from the foyer to the kitchen by pushing back a kitchen wall three feet and opening up the space under the stairs. We stairs and fire place are not finished in these photos. Fireplace will have the same quartzite that’s in my kitchen running from floor to ceiling. Stairs are being stained similar to my kitchen cabinets just a little darker and more variations in color. Below are some before photos. Posting the after posts next.

Romabio has the option of a solid, uniform application.