HI - Gawd ! I love these kind of houses . If you searched "modern split -level home exteriors " on this -HOUZZ site - there is a perfect " grey " example there to your likeing.

Can you post a picture that shows the color of the brick better? It is hard to see in shadow. Do you like the brick? Is it pretty? I love old brick, but sometimes newer styles of multicolored brick can be kind of ugly. If you aren't wild about the look of the brick, I'd be tempted to paint both the wood siding and the brick in the dark gray you had set your heart on, using white or cream trim. I know that some will point out that painting the brick makes for more maintenance, and you shouldn't do it if you like the look of your brick, but I think painting brick can be the right aesthetic solution in some cases.

Here are some color schemes that I thing would be wonderful for your home:







I know you said budget was limited, but that often means different things to different people. I think to modernize your exterior, you should consider painting your brick and/or the use of stone on the exterior. Columns should also be larger and squared and possibly repositioned. Adding some low shrubbery and landscaping in front of the porch area will also make the home more inviting.

Hope this helps!!

Consider replacing the lap siding with shingle shake siding, using an opaque stain. The texture and color will transform the house. Keep the brick as is.

For darker greys look at Amherst gray from Benjamin Moore http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/amherstgray#ce_s=Amher or Chelsea Gray http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/chelseagray Either of these darker greys that would look nice.

But I love this lighter grey, Rockport Grey, for your house: http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/rockportgray. BM pairs it with Stormy Sky, which you could use for the shutters: http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/stormysky Lastly, here's a nice light grey with a creamy white, I think would go with your brick and roof: https://www.houzz.com/discussions/what-colour-is-the-siding-juxtaposed-ag-dsvw-vd~67558

I don't think the posts are supporting the overhang. I think they should go. If you do want to keep them, maybe beef them up and possibly add some simple brackets like these https://www.houzz.com/photos/2007-showcase-traditional-porch-new-york-phvw-vp~53926

Good luck!

Consider Valley Forge Tan AC-35 for the siding and Midsummer Night 2134-20 for the shutters, both by Benjamin Moore. Sample them in different areas on the exterior and check in sunlight and shade. Hope that helps and good luck with your project. Charmean Neithart

Hello, we have a long house and we change the window for black and put some wood,red cider with a "Sikkens" tainting that last pretty good...The effect was very very nice. Also the facia is wood too, the same color. Hope it help you.Good luck and don't be in a hurry!...:)

Thank you everyone for input, I appreciate your time,eye and good suggestions!

I really like the idea of cedar shingle siding....maybe with a turqouise or scarlet door?
When you say opaque stain, do you mean Opaque grey...or....cedar color. What are your opinions about sage green with that crazy multicolored brick?

Thank you for reminding me to not be in hurry, my budget is a lot of money to us, and I 'd hate to regret our decision.

I too have considered painting the brick, or even covering it with cedarstyle siding, and this is where i crash; because what I like (the grey + white trim) is completely different then what the house IS....unless I change the architecture features of the house (budget is limited to apx. $10,000 so that won't happen - I'd love to, though).
So back to the problem at hand: If I to force the house into something it's not, I'm afraid I'll end up with an eyesore instead of an improvement :S

I'm adding pictures of the brick, and the roof (It's hard to see, but the latter is three-tone grey: light, medium and specked with charcoal)

As for columns, I agree:They need renewal, and my plan was to eventually add a front porch between the garage and front door, also landscaping is to be added, after we decide on and complete facelift....it was ripped out when we dug up around the house to fix drain pipes!

Please keep sharing your thoughts! I'd love to hear them all. :)

Thank you!

Opaque stains are available in a variety of colors. Sherwin Williams "Summerhouse Beige SW3004" would be great with this brick. Here's a link:

http://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/stain-colors/exterior-stains/woodscapes_exterior_acrylic_solid_color_house_stain/

I'm quite sure that black window and cedar siding will do the job.I'll send you some picture of the result I you want. The "Sikkens " tainting have prove that it last and keep is color even with the great sun! A black door with another window just beside will do the job. You can put a door with 3 window integrate with sandy finish in the glass...So by this the sun come in and keep it intimate..for the garage door...well black paint will do it.Sorry for this poor English I'm French speaking usually. Give me your e-mail I'll send you some picture. @+
Michel

Chezshotzie@hotmail.com