Since it is brick all the way around, I would not paint it. I think the pediment is overkill, but I wonder what the brick would look like it it is removed.

Slow down! You dont need to decide this all right now - let it evolve as you settle in. The stark white + red brick is too high contrast, so simply changing that out will help if only a less contrasty aged, creamy or grayed shade of white (this article has some interesting thoughts on the subject https://amykranecolor.com/2857/choosing-paint-colors-for-red-brick-or-stone-exteriors/ )

IMHO modernizing, or "de-colonializing" it is not possible unless you are prepared to remove or replace that entire massive portico/porch piece. Merely replacing grecian columns with square will look worse. Yeah the pediment is overkill but something is needed there for scale - removing it would make the door look ridiculously tiny in relation to the massive pillars. It is what it is, and it's not going to be a modern farmhouse or any such thing. It can however be freshened and inviting, and IMHO a solid good quality (judging by generous use of brick) house has visual appeal all on its own whether or not it's been modernized . Are you into gardening and greenery? That will be part of the big picture too.

Totally agree with Debbie. Don't paint the brick. Paint the trim, and paint the pediment to minimize its presence. Maybe some nice front-porch furniture for the empty space on the right. Keep looking at pictures and save them in your Ideabook. Inspiration will surely strike. And I would spend the money you are saving on painting in having the back yard landscaped.

The brick is very nice. Do not paint the brick. I would repaint the trim, to cream. Its too stark and in your face white right now. I would carefully check, to see whats behind that door pediment, and see if that can be removed. That doesnt fit the house at all. The rest is fine.

I should mention that I’m flipping the house, but not only is this my first flip, I’m also not your typical ”paint it all off-white and black” kind of person. I really want someone to walk up to this house and be wowed. I also plan to add windows on the right side lower level, because it’s a huge great room (20x25) with a corner fireplace and yet no windows. I think that will reduce some of the visual weight of the brick as well.

My personal homes have been MCM, craftsman bungalow and Victorian cottage, all of which I’m good at highlighting original details to bring out the character of the era. I’m just not that familiar with updating/facelifting this style.

I truly appreciate the insights here. I’ll look at other threads, as well. I definitely want to tone down the contrast of black and white with the brick, but I am happy to hear it doesn’t need a full modernization.

I'd "de-colonialize" it. That house is not really colonial and turning it into a more modern ranch would make it look better, including removing the portico and columns.

I can't find any good pictures of what I'm envisioning, but t'd advise engaging an architect to help.

I'd leave it as is. Maybe find a softer color for the trim, definitely punch up the shutters and door. I might go with a medium navy for the shutters with a blue a few shades lighter and brighter for the door.

The problem with "de-colonial-izing" it is that you'll end up with a boring facade. You should be particularly wary of any photo-shopped makeovers, because it's easy to get the proportions off. If they make the door a bit bigger to get the proportions right, you might not be able to achieve that look. I doubt anyone will notice it much if you change the columns.

Fill the empty spots in your gardens with bright annuals, get a pair of chairs for your porch and maybe a pair of potted plants. Make sure the chairs, cushions and flowers use a cohesive color scheme.

Lastly, if you're flipping, you need to know your budget and what things pay for themselves and what doesn't.

To my eye the broken pediment over the doorway looks almost…well..ostentatious. It just doesn’t belong. That would be one of the first things I would address.

I would never in infinity buy a house with flipper painted brick. Never ever ever no way.

Echoing others — focus on the interior, trim color, and a few landscape updates.

Make the entry as welcoming and inviting as possible. Pretty potted plants, vintage style wrought iron table set or nice chairs/benches, new clean door mat. All investments that will make a difference, and that you can take with you when the house sells.

simplynatural's redo is fabulous!

Here's a possibility for the back, designed with the goals of connecting the existing brick platform to the rest of the yard and reducing its visual bulk, while staying with the classic feel of the house front. A two-tier hedge (probably with the back tier in a raised planter bed) makes the house feel settled into its site instead of perched on it.

Some thoughts:

--Don't paint the brick.

--Remove the portico entirely. It's totally out of proportion to the house itself which could have more of a prairie roofline.

--Remove door frame and change to something simple, perhaps in wood.

Paint taupe trim for windows, no shutters.

--Love a lot of suggestions simply natural made with walkway and landscaping.

Thanks to everyone offering ideas on this thread, but especially thanks to @simplynatural for taking the time to actually put in some design time! What a great inspiration both facades are. I wish I could just turn it into a great MCM look, but my budget doesn’t allow a complete transformation. Your ideas might allow me to stay in budget and lift this blah ’70s Colonial into a much classier look!

Simplynatural has done great stuff. I'd go a bit further by removing all the shutters and making a decision about the side windows -- either restore to full size, or paint the panel so it's less noticeable. Back in a minute.

Like so.