Well, I rather like yours better.

Just in case, here are a few more recent photos of the house:

Any brick with varied face finishes laid up in random in any bond will create areas of pattern, that when viewed in casual observance becomes obscure and hardly noticeable. I did notice, after close scrutiny, some of the brick face colors changed in the second image from the first image. I think the brickwork falls well within the range of 'normal'. Have you taken a Rorschach test lately?

I agree with you that it’s within normal. We’re more concerned that the brick color of our home doesn’t actually match the color/look of what we initially selected based on the samples provided by the builder and other homes in the neighborhood with the same combination. It almost appears that the other homes with the same combination almost have a mild German schmear/smear look, while ours doesn’t. Also, I went ahead and took an online Roschach Test, just out of curiosity, and it indicated that I was apparently healthy and well-balanced lol. Thanks for you feedback.

I’m sorry, I can’t offer helpful advice, I really do think it looks nice as is. I absolutely, 1000%, would not even think of painting, limewashing, etc the brick.

I certainly understand your feelings, but to me it looks like a very beautiful home. Plant some trees and other landscaping, and it’ll be the envy of the neighborhood. :)

It looks great to me maybe I am not understanding your issue.IMO a much bigger issue is the mix of stone and brick I never like them mixed and honestly do not understand why you mixed them on this house

This is what I would expect with variegated brick. I feel like you attempt to further randomize it you may unintentionally create a pattern, which is not really what you want.

For me the issue is the combination of the stone and brick, which is very very hard to get right, and always looks very busy.

As far as the brick not matching your neighbors, that is not surprising these days. The brick manufacturer might have had to source materials from other regions due to covid supply issues, which will give you variations in the end results. I am sure they have a disclaimer about variations from lot to lot.

The brick is fine. The random pattern is random, exactly as you should have expected. It’s the busy home design and the stone thats the big issue. The visual complexity of the home really needed a more solid appearing material, than the polka dor brick. And the stone needed to be stucco, or some other less pattern on pattern material. That overall whole visual caconophy is what is making the brick pattern appear to be a problem. There’s no calm solid place for the eyes to rest between the polka dots and the plaids and gabkes and brick coursing accent changes, etc.

You can’t really change the bumpety gables now, so the next best thing is to get rid of the stone in favor of the brick, or just Romabio it all.

Jinx, I think the first one you posted looks great and the brick and stone complement each other. You can't compare the old organic real materials with modern stuck on facades.

The second one not so great ... what is up with that patched look around the arched window? Let's pretend our new "McMansion French Chateau" had to be repaired over the years!

The second one is an old Tudor (1929). That type of window is a common original feature on them, and much older ones in England.

https://historicindianapolis.com/building-language-tudor-revival/

(I think the photo in my post above didn’t expand well, and might be blurry.)

Thank you, jinx. Someone years ago hear came up with the phrase “brick and stone don’t play well together” and it’s become a mantra, along with the ”functional shutters” chant. I’m with you, done right, it works.

It is a beautiful home. When youre building a new home, every new piece draws your eye and I think we all (who have built) really scrutinize until the next feature is finished, and then we move on to scrutinize that lol. I wouldnt alter those bricks, I think mother nature will do the job of blending the colors, and your eyes will become kinder. Pick your battles and try to enjoy the process. Good luck w your build.

I wish I could do paint mock-ups. I’m curious what some different (darker) trim/dormers/siding colors might look like.

It looks like a lovely home with a finish that looks different from the neighbors. This is a good thing.

Here it is with a darker color on the siding. Also, great that you put brick all around. So many people just put it on the front facade.

Pal, thanks, I like that!

@mainenell - Thank you for the kind words!
@palimpsest - I actually like that as well! :)

That’s much better, Pal. Tones down some of the busy-ness.

Thanks, everyone! Greatly appreciate all of your feedback!