135 Responses

1. Love it!

2. We have a painted brick house and I love it. I think yours will look gorgeous painted – and those front doors are a lovely colour. Good idea to hire out.

3. Yes, you’re right! Since that post I thought, why hasn’t she painted that brick!!! Although, I think it’s natural to focus on the inside of our homes and look past the outside – but I think it will look absolutely awesome painted!

4. Love your inspiration photos. Would you ever consider replacing the ironwork on the stoop with real columns?

5. Oh I have begging Jack to have our red brick house painted for years now, so I am a tad bit jealous that Jeff was on board right away. I love the colors that you are thinking about going with, Maybe one day, he will come around to the idea.

   Blessings,
   Linda

6. Do it! Do it! Do it!!:)

7. I love it! I think it will look lovely painted. We lived in a rented century home that was painted several shades of horrible pea green when we were first married and it’s been painted several times since. Just this fall it was professionally painted with a Rhino coat type paint and it looks fabulous! So much better than the fading pea greens – and it’s got a slight bit of ‘sheen’ too which makes it look rich and deep. The other paint jobs kind of seeped into the brick – this looks like it will last!

8. Once upon a time, I would have said ‘paint brick?? NEVER’ but today I say, go for it. I think it could look fabulous – just be sure they prep prep prep and prep some more!!

9. I’d say go for the slate or flagstone walk and porch as well!

10. YES! I was thinking about you should have painted the brick when your house was for sale. I like Alice’s idea about the columns, and while you are at it the sidewalks need fixed, lol.

    1. Ha! Yes and yes. 🙂

11. That could work. However, I think you should consider beefing up the architecture of your front porch much like your inspiration photos. Either with brick side enclosures on either side or at the very least brick columns to replace the iron ones you currently have. That would draw more attention to your entrance and add the needed weight to your front facade. Just my two cents!

    1. I was thinking the same thing. The outside of the house really doesn’t do justice to the MMS inside. It’s actually pretty plain and boring and if I were looking to buy a house in the area, I would probably pass it up for something a little snazzier with more curb appeal. – something like the two bottom photos.

    2. Oh, I totally agree!

12. I have a friend with painted brick house, and it’s lovely! It helped give her house a craftsman look in a neighborhood that required all brick exteriors. 🙂

13. I love painted brick and think your house would look great with it. Another update you might consider is replacing the wrought iron with columns and maybe removing the railing on your porch.

    1. I agree about the columns! I was just coming to comment about that as well.

14. Paint the brick!!!!! A great idea. Can’t wait for the follow up post pictures.

15. I think your house would look great painted! We have an historic district called “The Fan” in the Richmond, VA area and many of the row homes there have been painted from their original red brick color.

    I am glad to hear you would hire that job out. Its a very labor intensive job especially the prep work and if you aren’t comfortable being on high ladders its wise to leave to someone who does this for a living.

16. I have always loved the look! It will add huge curb appeal to your home.

17. Yes, yes, go for it! It will look fabulous!

18. WOW I am really shocked at the response. I didn’t think everyone would say yes. I think it would look awesome also, the ones you attached look beautiful. My only concern would be pealing because I have seen it here but in Canada we have very harsh winters.

19. It would be beautiful! We have a house close by that was painted white years ago. Over time, the paint has started to chip – and I think it’s even prettier! Your home would be stunning painted!

20. Yes! This will really help the curb appeal and bring the outside of your home more in line with the lovely inside. When I’m redesigning a home’s exterior, I draw the front elevation as is, then trace the parts that are non negotiatiable (foundation, door and window placement and perhaps roofline) and then add elements like shutters, trims, porticoes, porch, etc. Pinterest makes it simple to find elements to try on your home. It’s a fun, creative exercise. Enjoy!

21. Oh, and a pair of dormer windows on the roof would also be awesome. =)

22. I love painted brick. It will look gorgeous. Go for it.

23. I love white washed brick as well. We have tons of it down south.

24. Yes- Paint sooner rather than later!
    Of course your little group of fans who are not afraid of painting antique furniture think you should paint the brick!

25. I don’t mind painted brick but I think I’d rather see you replace the wrought iron with columns and different railings. I’d swap out the cement steps for brick ones and then have the landscaping re-done professionally. I think those changes would add value and give you the look that you want without painting the brick and make it look more upscale. While I am not opposed to painting brick, the problem is that it chips over time and for that reason, I’d opt to keep the brick. You have a beautiful home inside and outside, I think the biggest negative is the landscaping first and then the wrought iron railings. Once you add the architectural detail, I think you can lighten up the shutters and door. Perhaps having a professional remodeling company come out and give you some architectural ideas regarding the columns and then professional landscaping first. I’d opt for painting the brick last.

26. Sigh. It appears my comment was lost.

    While I don’t mind painted brick, I think adding architectural detail with new columns and railings would beef up the front of the house and make it look better. Currently, it looks like the wrought iron railings aren’t beefy or strong enough to hold up the porch. I’d have a remodeling company come out and draw up some suggestions. Next, I’d hire a professional landscape company and redo the landscaping and replace the cement steps with brick. Once you make those changes, I think the brick will look fine. I think the biggest negative right now is the landscaping and second is the wrought iron columns. Both of those dates the house more than the brick does. Your interior is beautiful and I think with these changes, you can leave the brick alone and it will look more balanced and more upscale. The down side to painting brick is that it chips and never seems to look as good over time. For that reason, I’d opt for these other changes first.

    1. While I love painted brick and think it would look great, I think this is a good suggestion. Since painting the brick is a giant undertaking and one you can’t easily go back from, perhaps doing these suggestions first would help. They are simpler steps, so to speak. Doing the columns, maybe new steps, the painted shutters, etc like you want, might help you like the brick better in the end. And if not – then you can paint it and know you’ve covered all your optioins! Either way you choose, though, will be great!

27. We went back and forth about painting our ugly tan brick on our cute Tudor, afraid of losing some of the integrity of the house. We finally took the plunge last summer, and on a 100+ degree day, my husband crazily painted the entire house. We absolutely love it now, and so do the neighbors! I would love to see the difference in yours, though it is cute anyway!

28. I love painted brick…..I even love it when the paint has started to wear and some brick shows through. I agree with all that adding small columns would definitely help with the curb appeal…. I love that Jeff was on board…my husband would NEVER go for that….

29. I love painted brick! I love the look and style of it! White on brick is one of my favorite, I think on your house it will look fantastic! Paired with those shutters on the front either in a bold color or muted gray it will definitely bring curb appeal.

    Lauren
    http://www.lbdesigns1.wordpress.com

30. I think, no, I KNOW, it will look amazing and really make the journey from outside to inside seamless. Go for it!

31. We have an english cottage style home and it is painted with a very similar color scheme to your inspiration photos. I would paint it again in a heartbeat. I love it.

32. I think it would look fabulous, especially with those photos as inspiration! Beefing up the architecture out there would be a plus as well. Go for it!

33. Yes, paint the brick! And I love Alice’s idea of wooden columns (not brick!). It will be gorgeous!

34. It will be fabulous! Cannot wait to see photos when you start this project!

35. Hi Marian, I think the idea is great! It will look amazing. I whitewashed my brick fireplace and it transformed my room. My post had tons of views on Hometalk and some hated it, others loved it. Just have to love the negative comments lol! I say go for it! http://www.hometalk.com/5395428/whitewashed-brick-mantel-fireplace-fall Cheers!

36. Absolutely. Your brick would thank you:-) Brick is beautiful, but I’ve never loved that more formal look unless it’s a huge, grand estate. I agree with so many others making comments also – the outside of your home should reflect the charm and style you’ve created on the inside. It will be lovely when you’re done and will definitely help it sell when that time comes!

37. I don’t want to be a Debbie Downer, but I don’t think painted brick would be such a great idea for resale value. It may be cute for your style, but aren’t you concerned that you are further limiting the potential number of lookers down the road if you decide to sell again? Didn’t you say that you didn’t have any showings when you listed your house last year? That should be a sign that while your home may be beautiful to an online audience who loves your particular style, it doesn’t play well in your local housing market. I suggest talking to a reputable realtor in your area to see if painted brick will further affect your home’s marketability. There is no turning back if you paint the brick.

38. oh no! this will, of course look fabulous and modernize the brick, but i will then be left alone in my sad, unpainted brick cape. the boyfriend flat out refuses, even though i have done a fabulous rendering of what it would look it is an full on NO on that front.

39. I am probably in the minority here but I wouldn’t paint. Painting some brick is just fine but your brick is in very good condition and appropriate for your style of house. A lot of people are looking for a maintenance free exterior and this may hurt you when you try to sell in the future.

    Rather than paint I would put white WIDER shutters with shutter dawgs and mount your shutters like they are operational. Paint the window box white and add THICK bracket supports under the window boxes. Maybe make your own shutters. We made our own shutters and people constantly ask me where they can buy them.

    Get rid of the dated wrought iron (make sure you scrap them for the money) and build thick wide square pillars. Rather than a railing build cute benches with backs on each side painted white and maybe a little painted design to say Miss Mustard Seed lives here.

    The white will brighten up the house without making irreversible changes to the brick. You live in a cold climate and you may end up with peeing paint when the paint expands and contracts with the changes in the weather. It is one thing to paint brick where the temperature rarely deviates but your area can have a temperature range from 100 degrees in the summer to negative degrees in the winter.

    Just some things to think about. I am currently restoring a house and one of the things we still need to do is remove the paint from the chimneys. Both are peeling.

    1. I forgot to mention that by adding all the white details you could then paint the front door that lighter color of blue like your inspiration photo.

40. I love this idea! I actually have to admit when you were thinking of selling your house that was one of the first things that came to my mind when I was picturing potential buyers pulling up. Or maybe I’m just in home selling mode. haha. My first thought immediately went to Joanna Gaines style from Fixer Upper. You know how she can paint the brick and then add some really cool cedar shutters, cedar posts on the porch and a great statement door? But I know your love for french style and I think your idea to go with the cream colored brick and then a softer blue grey accent sounds just so you! But I love Joanna’s style. Or maybe I just love a good before and after. It’s like taking the nerdy girl and turning her into the prom queen, or the sad looking ugly duckling and suddenly he turns into a gorgeous swan, or maybe I just go crazy for a good makeover. Basically I’m excited to see the big reveal when its all done. Your neighbors might think you transplanted some other house in its place. Can’t wait to see the big reveal!

41. I had to go searching for other photos and came across the idea of white / lime washing. That also looks interesting and easier to maintain because it’s meant to have some of the brick color show through. I’m sure whatever you do will be fabulous.

42. I think it would look great. I also love the stone walkway pictured in your inspiration pics. Maybe throw that in for good measure too!

43. Mariion! Fully endorse painting – was the first thing I thought when I first saw a picture of your house. It would look awesome and you’re so lucky to have a hubby that is on board. So many men don’t want to paint ANYTHING!! Go for it!

44. I’m on board. It will reflect your style inside and out. A friend wanted to paint her brick a few years ago. Since then, I’ve noticed it on more houses and it is adorable. Go for it!

45. I love painted brick, Go for it!

46. I would go for the limestone washing rather than painting. No matter how much you prep, peeling and chipping are going to occur with time. Two friends painted the brick on the outside of their houses, looked great for less than two years…..then the flaking and chipping started. A few chips are ok, and then it’s not. They regret it but it’s done. Scraping and repainting on a brick house that was virtually maintenance free, sounds like a nightmare. But, to each his own. It will look great, for a while! Carefully consider your options.. Love your little brick house, maybe just redo the front porch and walkway? Good luck with whatever you do. I love your website!
    P.s. Both friends had it professionally done by two different contractors. Chipping just happens on painted brick.

47. I think it would look great. My house growing up was painted a army green color. Once you paint it your stuck with it. So make sure you want to do that. Hard to go back just to brick or impossible. I think the white is beautiful. Maybe trim your front door and make it look classy.

48. It would look absolutely great painted. But you will need to budget for repainting every few years, depending on how hard your winters are. Up here in Minnesota, when I drive around, there are a lot of houses with peeling paint on the brick. And I think it needs to be sandblasted before repainting.

49. My first thought was no until I started looking at all the examples. Changed my mind immediately.
    Maybe you can make this a Tom Sawyer event and have people pay you to come paint your house.

    1. I love the look of painted brick….. but please research painting brick and get some expert opinions . Brick is a porous material and responds to weather changes . My sister in Michigan has had some serious MOISTURE PROBLEMS with her EXTERIOR painted brick. I’m sure a painter would take on the job and be very convincing ….. But please do check with some expert masons on the pros and cons !! Tearing down brick is a very expensive and messy project . I’m sure you will make a smart decision when the day comes …… You always do 🙂

50. I think your brick is lovely! I would echo what some other commenters have said and get rid of the wrought iron, add squared off columns in place of the wrought iron ones, re-do your stairs and front porch to get rid of the cement look, widen your shutters and add more oomph to your window boxes, repaint your shutters, window boxes and front door in the soft lighter shades you love, and add a lot more landscaping to cover the cinderblock. Painting the brick would be the last thing I’d do, personally! That’s another opinion; you’ll make a good choice whatever ya decide and it would look pretty either way!

51. Dear MMS, I had a brick bungalow that I hired someone to paint white and add black shutters complete with shutter dogs and the shutter hardware. It really made the house look awesome. It had a lot of plants and flowers around it so it really looked pretty during the growing season. I think your idea to paint yours is excellent, of course! Hugs, Anne Boykin

52. Well, I am going to sound like an echo here, but my brick house was a HORRID shade of ORANGY brick when we first bought it. I just couldn’t stand it! It didn’t go with any of my favorite colors, so we had it painted a medium grey color with colonial blue trim and doors and it’s been that way for nearly thirty years! AND, no peeling paint! The paint was of high quality and has weathered very well here in frigid Michigan. So…I’d say “go for it”! The white with the blue-grey door and shutters will really look up-to-date and lovely. And I do agree that you need to do something with the porch–ditch those iron columns for some nice white wooden ones and the benches on either side might be attractive and serviceable also. Just do it! (But not yourselves!)

    1. Hi Naomi, I just read your comment about painted brick. My house (also in Michigan), is a really ugly color, and I too, sometimes wonder about painting it. I’m glad to hear your success story, that you love the outcome, and that it has weathered Michigan winters for so long! Do you have “before” and “after” pictures that you would be willing to share?
       Thanks!
       Carole

53. paint for sure…and maybe take the metal portico supports off and do wood columns and “porch” rails or maybe benches on sides between house and portico supports…keep the metal hand rails though and paint white 🙂 You will do as you always do and make it gorgeous!

54. Go for it!! I’d love to see you add some posts under that adorable arched front porch and some pretty handrails down the front steps as well. Can’t wait to see what you do! : ) http://www.pinterest.com/pin/5770305743648698/

55. DO IT!

56. I think the larger problem is the dated, rather spindly-looking wrought-iron columns. However, that being said, I think the multi-colored brick are an equally large problem. It dates the house and is too busy-looking for such a small structure. A painted exterior, however, must be regularly REpainted, which is a rather expensive proposition if you do not intend tackling it yourself. I painted my own house regularly until age 68, but have given up tall ladders since age 76. If you DO do it yourself, consult a professional concerning proper preparation of the brick. I say DO IT, but also beef up your entry with well-designed columns and, if possible, install matching lanterns on either side of the door. It will look spectacular!

    1. I agree with her comments on the columns. They need to be beefed up and it will add tons of style and curb appeal. If you paint the brick cream those wrought iron posts will really scream “old school”.

57. Oh YAH…. GO FOR IT!!!
    Down the road, think of the curb appeal when you put back on the market…

58. Love the idea!

59. Thanks for linking my photo! I say go for it Marian!! An additional (and easy) thing you can do is put flagstone over the existing concrete porch and walkway – it would not be much work.

    We plan on downsizing to a cottage, and I want one just like yours. Also, do you love the grass? I’m thinking no lawn at our future cottage, and putting in a cute front garden. I’m happy to help 🙂

    Cheers,
    Loi

    1. I saw that picture on your Instagram feed and was like, “YES! That’s it!” I was thinking the very thing about the flagstone over the concrete, although the sidewalk needs to be jacked out and entirely redone, since it is sunken.

       I wish I had your touch with gardening and topiaries! I am so hopeless! Although, I planted some lavender on either sides of the steps and that looks nice. I am trying. 🙂

60. Hi Marian,

    I have painted a brick cottage before and it looked amazing! Huge improvement over my gold color brick from 1936. I agree with you about painting the brick and I guess it depends on the brick, the preparation, and the paint because I didn’t have peeling issues. However, if you freshen up the brick, door,and shutters, I’m afraid that it will make the remaining “tired” features stand out even more. Another big impact change would be to replace the ironwork on your front porch with more substantial wood columns and railings. Very appropriate for the age of your lovely home. Replacing the porch light with a size appropriate hanging carriage lamp would complete the picture. I assume that you are not as into gardening as you are decorating. LOL! Fresh landscaping can also go a long way to improve curb appeal. I’m sorry I’m not closer to you. or I would be happy to help with it. 🙂 It doesn’t need to be anything extravagant. More is not necessarily better. But low maintenance landscaping can be very attractive along with lush window boxes.

61. I say ditto to all of the above. When I consider that you’ll need to continue to re-paint it gave me some pause and then I thought of how much all those painting would cost. Therefore, I came up with “why not stucco instead of painting it?” Would that be cost effective if you only stuccoed the fron?

    I would definitely get rid of that dated wrought iron. Maybe even expand the porch so that adding wooden benches on each side wouldn’t take up the whole porch. Something needs to be done to beef up the look. Too bad that Yard show is no longer on HGTV, they did just what you’re talking about here in the Atlanta area and some of those “before” places were in bad shape.

62. I have a red brick fireplace and think about painting it all of the time. I am nervous because once you go there you can’t just go back. I have been researching chalk painted brick. Do you have any input into this? Let me just end by saying I think your home would be lovely painted with your choice of shutter color.

63. Marian,
    I like the suggestions Dream Mom posted. Since you don’t plan to be in your current home for the long term,the biggest bang for your buck might be focusing more on the landscaping and updating the porch rather than painting the brick.

    Perhaps talking with some realtors in your area to get feedback on what buyers in your area prefer and if painting the home makes sense as far as being a wise investment.

64. We have a full flight of stairs leading to our front door–a brick tower that relates to nothing else on the house. I love the look of whitewashed brick and did some research a few years ago. You can mix whitewash with Portland cement (if I’m remembering correctly) for a finish that will weather beautifully and not need redoing for decades. As it happens, I couldn’t find anyone who had heard of or was willing to try that finish so ended up with regular whitewash, which transformed the front of our house. It needs redoing, and this time I will do it myself. One problem is that painters want to paint on the whitewash with regular brush strokes, but that is wrong. You need to use the ends of the bristles to push the whitewash into the brick.

    Whether you paint or whitewash, your house will be transformed. Do it soon so you can enjoy it before finding your farmhouse!

65. ’bout time!

66. Hi Marian….I am a HUGE fan of white painted brick for a house, especially a small cottage like yours; My grandparents lived in a white brick house with black shutters, and it was always so unique to me as a child. I think painted brick looks very vintage in a good way…….I am sure by looking at your house it will be a fabulous result and one that you will be very happy with. One other note if you are inclined, putting shutter dogs on the windows really looks good and adds character, especially against a white house.
    Be sure to show us pictures once it’s done!

67. Although you want a fresh look for your home while you continue to live there, isn’t your true goal to buy a farm? If this is still the case, I urge you to get the opinions of the most successful real estate brokers in your area to get their imput on the sale of painted brick homes.

    I agree with the few who caution you to first beef up the curb appeal rather than paint. As a former RE broker myself, I know you will make it pretty, but you need it to be buyer-friendly. Trite but true, you never get a second chance to make a good first impression.

68. I agree with all of the above; especially about the dated wrought Ironwork. White would be wonderful. But you might think about stucco…..if it’s secure and sealed. Great idea. Your brick colors are tired.

69. Oh, I love your inspiration photos! I would definitely do it!

70. Oh you lucky girl! I want to paint our brick so badly but my husband is not for it. It’s the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do that he’s not for. He lets me do so much I certainly need to honor his preference on this one. But I dream of a painted brick house. I want a light taupe color with darker trim and shudders and an aqua front door. Oh well. I will live vicariously through you and experience the transformation with your home. I can’t wait.

71. YES,YES,YES! Have had a painted brick house. One of my favorites. My plan had been to paint it and when it needed repainting (we moved before that happened) we would have it sandblasted-i love that look too. Best of luck!

72. I love painted brick and until I owned a house with painted brick, I thought it was dreamy. Our rental house, we own it and rent it out, is an old house that the contractor that owned it before us, painted the brick a beautiful gray with white trim. With that being said, after about 6 years, the paint began to peel and it is unsightly to me. And peeling paint on brick is a whole different character than peeling paint on wood. It comes off in chunks. The beauty of brick is that there is little or no maintenance. You are better off to put your money into updating it with wood columns and rails. Changing the color of the front door and the shutters and window boxes. Put a cute arched arbor out and a bench under it in the yard for charm and interest.

73. I love the idea and have been toying with it for a while. Alas, no nerve.

    Please post all the details of how you do it, if/when you do it. I want to know everything. Good luck!

74. At first I thought – absolutely! Go for it. But after reading some of the other really thoughtful comments I’m inclined to agree with the folks who recommend focusing on updating the porch/railings and landscaping. It would look really lovely with painted brick, but maintaining it would be an issue that you don’t currently have – why add to it. Try updating the porch and railings first (which need to be done regardless IMHO) and see what you think! Good luck!

75. If you could do one thing, I think the wooden porch columns would have the biggest impact. Wonder if you could box in the existing ones? Then as others suggested painting the railings white. The zinc planters w the evergreens on house #2 would sure look nice in your entry. Maybe you could barter some of your painted furniture for some landscape work? I would paint the brick.

76. Got for it! It will look much more you and have great curb appeal when you put it on the market again.

77. YES paint the brick…definitely!! I did, and it made a huge difference. It adds class and quietness to the exterior and of course I agree with everyone else – replace the wrought iron posts and rails. I’m sure it will add a huge amount of curb appeal.

78. I will say that I’m not a fan of painting brick–it defeats the purpose. I have seen home owners give dark brick some whitewash to tone down the dark color. It isn’t too drastic and the whitewash can be tinted lightly. I think I’d concentrate on an entry update. Also, white trim is too stark for a dark brick.

79. While I love all of the photos and painted white brick – If it were my “forever” home, i would only consider my preferences. Since it hasn’t sounded like it will be that home for you, I’d put money/time/energy into projects that definitely increase the resale value. The roof looks old and outdated. Beautiful, dimensional shingles (sometimes called “architectural” shingles) would provide a more substantial look, adds to resale and is good overall. Dark gray is a color to help tone down the brick color. Your current roof color feels too light (color-wise and appearance) for the brick color/pattern. Also the beautiful roof extended over your porch appears to be floating with the wrought iron. As many have said, wood porch railings and more substantial columns will make a huge impact. Lastly, the black shutters and door make the black bricks “pop”, which doesn’t help to tone down the multi-colored brick. “Weatherwood” or dark gray roof, trim and door will help to tone down the reds in your brick.

    1. Paula, I’m on your page….I was thinking the same thing as I read so many comments about painting your brick. The ROOF COLOR is key in considering any change to the exterior!!! Good Luck Marian!

80. Ohhh I think painted brick looks awesome. Go for it!

    Lisa

81. I’m in the same boat with Jan who posted above – My husband, who literally never has an opinion and lets me do anything I want at our house, is not for this idea. I want to do it so badly. What I really want to do is paint it and have it sandblasted. There is a little cottage in our city in the historic district that did this – it looks AMAZING! I just swoon every time I drive past it!

82. I’m with you all the way–about the paint and staying off ladders. In St. Louis, lots of beautiful older homes have a whitewashed brick that looks so lovely, but the opaque paints look good too. As for ladders, after tearing my ACL while washing windows, yes, there comes a time when DIY isn’t the best answer.

83. That would so be your style Marian. As long as it is done properly I would say go for it! I found this picture at boxwoodclippings.com that reminds me of you and your house. Wouldn’t it be lovely to extend your porch across the front of the house?

    http://www.boxwoodclippings.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/athomearkansas.blogspot.com_.jpg

84. Absolutely go for it. It will make the house look classy as well.

85. Marian, I loved the idea of painted brick houses too, but after talking to a local real estate agent I changed my mind. He told me painting my brick would lower the value of my house. Not sure if it is the same in all areas, but might be something to check into if you plan on resale down the road.

86. Love painted brick and so very Southern. I grew up in a white painted brick that was partially painted, white washed and exposed red brick. Its something you see more of in the South where my grandfather came from. The house was a colonial so it looked the part. I hope you’ll follow your gut and go for your dream of painting your House. You won’t believe hoewyour landscaping will pop against the freshly painted exterior and think dark painted window boxes to break up the white and add even more curb appeal. Also once you go for painted white brick your front door can take center stage with any color you want. Sounds like a fun and exciting project.

87. We are considering having our house PermaTinted instead of painted – cold weather and allowing the mortar to breath is the downside of painting. Painted chimney stacks have even less life. But I’m still weighing the options between the two applications.
    look at Things That Inspire blog dated March 27, 2014 – wonderful information on colours and examples.

88. Go for it! Just be prepared to get an offer soon thereafter 🙂

89. We have a brick cottage that has been ‘concrete bagged’, which basically is a skim of concrete over the top of the bricks. However, the bricks still show their form. I love the look and we have painted over in a pale grey called ‘Foggy Grey’ by Karen Walker, Resene. I am not sure what colour that would be equivalent to in a US brand of paint. It is a grey that has no blue in it, more a pure grey I guess.

    We have used Black white on the windows which is a stark white and plan to replace the front door with a new one and possibly paint it black to co-ordinate with the black pots on each side of our entrance. We plan to hang window shutters in the black white shade of white.

    I think that you will love the overall colour you are going to paint it, personally I wouldn’t paint it creamy white I think it could look a little dull and dated if it has too much yellow in it. a cream that has a little black in its mix maybe. Of course this is just a personal opinion. I do love the colour you have got as an example as on my screen it doesn’t have a yellow undertone. White brick can look gorgeous with contrasting black shutters, very typically English countryside.

    Can’t wait to see it painted.

90. Painted brick, then distressed to look worn and beautiful! That would be my vote.

91. Hi Marian!
    Isn’t it fun how we come up with one idea and it just blossoms from there! Creativity is a wonderful thing indeed! At first I thought, “Oh this is her home, I like the brick~ and I do~ and it went to Ohhh, I love the color you chose and then Ohhhhh, I like many of the other idea’s too!!” Have a great time~ I can’t wait to see it, and I know it will be grand and all you! C

    ps~ On the food front, eat to nourish your body. If it’s a “cheat” make it special and most of all learn to love you in your body. I have been many different sizes in my lifetime. When I’ve been at my “best” and thought I’d stay there forever….surprise, I changed~ And I know I will change again. I think it sounds like you want to be healthy and comfy in your skin~ focus on that and eat well~

92. I LOVE white painted brick houses! Yours will look adorable and with the gray/blue door…very stunning. And so “you.” Can’t wait to see what it looks like when its done!

93. Marian, I too want to paint ugly brick, my fireplace. However, brick was used so you would NOT have to paint every 5 years. If you paint the brick, they have to prepare it properly or you are stuck with ugly peeling paint. You paint wood, you pressure wash brick, if at all. It is the supreme no-problem product. If it gets really old, one might have to have it re-pointed (with new mortar) – kind of depends on how they built it in the first place. The ideas to check with realtors are great! And you may move before the repainting has to be done — but every time I see a painted brick house, i say to myself, “You are going to be so sorry.” //// even if it LOOKS BETTER PAINTED. I guess we don’t have the $ or energy to paint that often. Price it! Ugh. I’d try the other gals’ suggestions, and if they STILL don’t work for you, then weigh all the consequences, and consider it.

94. Your sweet home needs a coupela to add cottage charm and a touch of a small picket type fencing for a framing effect . Window boxes with asparagus fern would be lush,lovely, and low maintanence too. Enrich the soil with water retention pellets to keep maintanence low. I love your style and your home has been waiting for you to unleash your tallents on the outside. The older Southern Living magazines have great examples of the look you are going for.

95. Yes, paint it! Right now there’s a disconnect between the exterior and interior of your house; it’s so darling inside and the exterior doesn’t give a hint of that. I’d bet if you painted it, the next time you list it you’ll have showings and offers!

96. Kathryn made a comment that really hit home with me….”older Southern Living magazines have great examples of the look you are going for.”
    Notice the word “older”?

    “Dated” seems to be the word of the decade. Everything new becomes “dated,” until the fashion changes once again….and what’s new today is the “dated” of tomorrow. It takes a generation or two for people to want to have today is declared “dated. ”

    If you don’t plan to stay in your house, I agree with the posters who say do something about the ironwork. Get a couple of RE agents to give their POV and find one who is enthusiastic about whatever you do and give her your business when you want to sell.

    AND…biggie….what look fits your neighborhood best? If you spend money on painting the brick, will it increase the sale price of your house enough to cover the expense? And will people looking in your neighborhood have the money to pay extra for whatever you do? Is a new roof due by now? If so, think about changing the color, but remember to balance that cost against the sales possibilities. A new roof can be a good thing, but re-roofing just for appearance sake can cost you in the future. The front entry would prolly pay off, IMO, but painting brick…not so sure…….

    If you really want a white painted house brick , why not buy that next time?

97. Should have said, consider giving the RE agent your business….first check her sales record and talk to some of her clients about her……..were they happy with the transaction? is she reliable and does she advertise enough?….though, with your skill in what you do, women are likely to be standing in line to buy what you have created…..MJ

98. I absolutely love the look of painted brick- I think it would look fantastic! I really like the color scheme you’re thinking of, as well. I say DO IT! Especially considering you’re pretty much a paint professional- it makes sense that you would want to paint your house!

99. I’m going to be the grump of the group….I don’t like painted brick. I think it takes a lovely, natural, and no-maintenance exterior and changes it to something that has to be periodically maintained….That said, totally paint the ugly cinderblocks!

100. Go for it! I love painted brick. Even once it starts weathering a bit it looks amazing.

101. Oh, I love the idea of you painting your house. I’ll be watching for it. I’d like to paint my brick fireplace and noticed a couple other posts that mentioned that as well. So be sure to let us know the steps of painting the brick so that I get my fireplace right the first time I try. I’m pretty sure once its done, it’s done! 🙂

102. I agree with the multi-colored brick. We have painted a few fireplaces that were quite large that originally had the multi-colored brick, and they look fabulous!! Do it!

103. oh boy! Coming from a Realtor, I think you’re crazy to paint your brick! your home is classic and once you paint, you have really changed the look/style/integrity of the home. Be careful. make sure you REALLY want it. And if you plan to stay in your home forever, then go for it! But for re-sale, think twice:) Brick is timeless, and paint chips…then there is maintenance and time and money where brick is maintenance free!!

     1. I am not a realtor Sharee but I agree with your comments. I suggested she talk to a realtor in her area first to get some feedback. Every area is different on what buyers prefer. I would focus more on the landscaping and updating the front porch for the most bang for my buck.

        Many prospective buyers ride by a home first and if it lacks curb appeal they wont even consider a viewing.

104. This former realtor says go for it! It IS a dated look, and I think you will see the house will look so much larger painted a light color!

105. I think that is a great idea and as a designer that works for realtors in helping their clients get their homes ready to sell, it makes all kinds of sense. I would also lose the wrought iron railings because they also look very dated. Your house would look amazing with some chunky wood posts and a wood rail around your stoop! I wanted to suggest this to you back when you had your house on the market but I was afraid of stepping on your toes! Go for it!

106. Great idea! Some of the most expensive neighborhoods have painted and they look fabulous. Using your method and if you decide to one day sell, a pretty cream could very well stay and the new folks could choose their favorite color for the door and the shutters.
     I’m looking forward to what you will do with the cinder block.

107. I think I would normally say not to paint brick… But in this case, I agree – your color brick is outdated. BUT. Instead of painting a solid, flat cream paint over it, what do you think of whitewashing it? There are quite a few examples out there, this one isn’t exactly what I mean, but they started with brick a similar color to yours: http://www.southernliving.com/home-garden/decorating/create-a-modern-georgian-home

     I think it’s beautiful and it looks more like that was the intended color of the brick to begin with. I’ve seen some really beautiful pale gray washes on brick, that look really ‘French’ ; )

     I agree with the realtor above who suggested removing your wrought iron railings… I’d put up columns under that beautiful roof to make a portico style entrance. Some huge black estate planters with boxwood topiary… gorgeous!!!

     Best of luck!

108. Paint it! We painted our brick a few months ago and we love it. Totally changed the look and we get compliments all the time. You will love it, and feel such a new sense of pride in your home, I promise!
     Kristen in Atlanta

109. Go for it. I love the idea. Most any color would look good with the light basic color. I am a new subscriber and looking forward to this blog. We are redoing an old house so hope to get ideas. Am planning or order some of your paint.

110. I love painted brick but maybe you should start with updating the railings and posts as some others have suggested. Once it is painted, it is painted. It isn’t like stripping a piece of furniture and staining it again.

111. I have just found and fallen in love with milk paint! I do a lot of pictures on my blog and I wanted an all natural paint for background boards. After trying it and finding this post I think I might like to paint the brick on my house too….:). Thanks for a great product!!

112. YES! YES! YES! The interior of your home is soooo inviting and warm and full of YOU–your style.The exterior will have all that when you paint. I’m thrilled you’re doing this! Next, you’ll be thinking of dormer windows, or porches, or other such things to give the house what is often referred to as “bones.” Architectural design is like landscaping that way. In landscape design one must have “bones” which means

     http://www.southernliving.com/home-garden/gardens/landscape-design-gardens

     http://gardening.about.com/od/treesshrubs/a/DwarfEvergreens.htm

     Here’s what Debbie Moore Clark says of garden bones:
     Essentially, bones are anything that helps to structure the garden. The bones hold the garden together, be it a bench, fence, stones and rocks, walls, ornaments, sundial, statuary, landscape timbers or a bermed bed. (link below)

     http://www.mastergardenersmecklenburg.org/uploads/6/0/7/6/6076512/bones_garden_design_clark_0606.pdf

     Architectural Bones, like those of gardens, are structure and space and, like Debbie above says, hold the house together. I would add that, in the case of architecture, it’s the bones that anchor the house to its place on the earth. Check out these images on google:

     https://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&tbs=rimg%3ACfKT2lnqzymCIjiEN–FDlzkCRKZ_1smJVb9rf1LAlDKqPWL4vdY1Be6jiFw5xk9n4m7tosoCwYNdcryF5ZnNa6rrRSoSCYQ374UOXOQJEVPvlhtjtiE3KhIJEpn-yYlVv2sR7smPfHrrjBAqEgl_1UsCUMqo9YhEoCnlvrq3Y2ioSCfi91jUF7qOIETHFo2MmiXOyKhIJXDnGT2fibu0Rg10IdmZAVo4qEgmiygLBg11yvBHJUKJJRHBrESoSCYXlmc1rqutFEQBR-8nLrr_14&q=small%20white%20cape%20cod%20with%20dormers&ei=dQ3KVL6fNYS0oQSl0YKIAQ&ved=0CAkQ9C8wAA#tbm=isch&q=small+white+houses+with+dormers+and+porches

     I have a feeling You’re going to get into this!

     Can’t wait!

113. I say do it….. I live in a house that the brick has been painted….we have not done any maintence to our brick….. And it’s been 18 years already. I see no chipping or reason to touch it up…looks great after all these years…Good Luck.

114. Another option, similar to the fantastic whitewashing thought, is using concrete and scraping it over the bricks. It has a very French look. It makes it forever “paint,” as it is concrete. A mason would know this technique. We had it on our first home and I STILL dream of it. It was quite lovely. Here is an example from Zillow on a complex here in Texas that has used this same method.

     http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_rent/McKinney-TX/house,apartment,duplex_type/83760674_zpid/32783_rid/townhome_att/days_sort/33.355337,-96.473351,33.076152,-96.833496_rect/11_zm/

     Have fun with this idea- it’s YOUR house. Our HOA will not allow us to make this change, but I would do it to our brick in a heartbeat.

     Remember- trust your taste. All of us come here because you have great taste.

115. I think you might get into trouble painting your house. The painted houses all seem to either be taller/larger, or they have an innate”French” or Georgian architecture to them. Yours doesn’t have those details that would make it look other than a white house,period. What other details would you need to add to really carry out this project to completion: add wrought iron detailing, carriage lanterns etc??? I just don’t see it happening but it would be a good experiment for us to see and evaluate!

116. What about if you start with painting your shutters, door, and steps a lovely color, and see if that is a big enough change for you? And then, if not, go for it–but maybe start at the back of the house?! haha

     I’ve never seen the front/outside of your house –you definitely don’t strike me as a black door/shutter type–100 percent I’d paint them!

117. My contractor suggested I use a white stain instead of paint on my brick fireplace. He said that when you see chipping on brick houses it is because it was paint and not stain. I didn’t know there was white stain, but I will be checking into it before painting my fireplace.
     Does anybody know anything about that?

     1. Re Vicki’s question about staining brick, I googled it and came up with a bunch of references.

        Here’s one: dyebrick.com

118. Hi, there! I so hate to rain on your parade, but I have to vote for leaving your brick as-is. I have a masters in architectural preservation with about 15 years experience, and in this field, painting exterior brick is highly discouraged. Yes, there are breathable coatings out there, but they are more expensive and frankly, they haven’t been around long enough to earn my confidence. Brick is meant to be breathable, and when you paint it, you take that characteristic away. If brick can not breathe, then water that gets into the brick has no where to go. This results in peeling paint and can even result in spalling of your brick due to freeze/thaw. This is when the water that is trapped in the brick freezes (because it can’t escape), and expands and actually breaks off pieces of your brick. When you paint brick, you also have just added a huge continual maintenance cost to your budget. Once you paint brick, you must keep painting. You can not un-paint it. The beauty of brick it that it is relatively low maintenance. If you would like to add some nice impact, I recommend beefing up your columns by creating white wooden ones that match your portico, as well as replacing the porch and hand railing with ones that are more in keeping with the house. You can also stain the cinder block a very dark grey (stain is breathable) to help disguise it. A red door would be smashing too. Sorry for such a lengthy comment – my architectural passion gets the best of me! 🙂 I just wanted to let you know that painting your brick could be a unhealthy for your brick and a maintenance nightmare. If you would like more info, please feel free to contact me! Best wishes!

119. Paint the brick…put a rock veneer over the block…paint the steps and the porch a contrasting color and change out the iron for columns. Hang a pendant lantern style light fixture in the porch. Of course you will want to paint the door and shutters. And yes, hire it out 😉

120. PAINT IT! It will look so much better and will help you sell faster when you are ready. I love my painted house. It`s a creamy, yellow beige with a beautiful light teal blue door. House before was downright ugly with its plain brick and brown trim. Now it’s a gorgeous standout on the block. I`m sure yours will be too!

121. Our house is white painted brick and I LOVE it. Before the previous owner painted it white, this house wasn’t noticeable at all. In fact, I never even saw this house the hundreds of times I drove past it. Painting it made it beautiful and noticeable. And white lends itself to decorating at Christmas….which, in my book, is reason enough. There may be a possibility of chipping but we even love that look …like an English cottage….(but after 20+ years in south GA heat, very little has chipped)… I say, Go for it….

122. Yes! Paint it! I love love your color choices too. I think it will transform the outside of your house!

     Cindy