Hi Cynthia. Kudos to you for wanting to tackle a few projects to improve the appearance of your lovely, classic brick home.
First off, I wouldn't paint the brick. It's truly a classic.
Do you have a budget to work with? I would make a list in order of priority so you can allocate your funds to the most important project first, and continue to work your way down the list as funds become available. Of course, there are many things you can do for free or very low cost as well.
I would consider your parking situation to be the #1 priority. Consider getting an estimate to excavate an area about 6" deep and add a layer of 1" gravel, overlayed by some crusher run gravel. It's composed of aggregate and stone dust and as you add water, it becomes harder and harder. It's a perfect base for adding asphalt or concrete later but lasts quite some time on it's own and it will give you a nice hard surface. If you can, try to work within the outlines of a normal 12' or so wide driveway. You don't want the house to look like a parking lot, as suggested.
As far as trim color, I had a brick house as well and painted my trim in a color similar to the mortar. It helped tie the house together and looked really great.
I'm going to disagree with removing the shutters, except those around the door. Your brick doesn't really offer any options for expanding the trim. Nailing wood in an outline around the window won't give you the same effect. I would keep the shutters and give them a good sanding and painting. The black is classic with brick and I think it looks very nice.
As far as the front door, I painted mine on my brick house in a very deep blue green and got lots of compliments. I think something like that would look great on your house. I painted my front door from a $3.00 sample pot custom mixed from Home Depot. I think a semi-gloss would look perfect.
The cleaning up of the landscaping is something you can work on for free. I'd pull everything out and start from scratch. Which planting zone are you in?
As far as the lawn, it looks like it could use some aeration, some fertilizer, and some grass seed. Do you get enough rain and is it cool enough to plant seed this time of year where you are or is it better done in the spring and fall?
I think your home has the potential to be quite lovely with just a few small projects. Good luck!
Q
more accurate roof color. Taupe brown gray.
Q