would a pressure wash lighten the brickwork (and driveway) and why not try some bright potted plants on the deck and work on the landscaping before you decide ...the dark grey paint will make a great contrast to the shrubs and a revived lawn

Thanks everyone, compared to what it looked like before the dark grey looks 100 times better, on second thoughts, I agree that landscaping would make a huge difference, really appreciate your comments :)

Hi A cooper, from a completely non professional opinion- I would keep the darker grey you have complemented with the roof and maybe choose a Slightly lighter colour grey for the large balcony (maybe a shade that matches the garage door)?. However painting brick work is extremely hard to undo once committed! It can require regular re-paint to keep it looking top notch and if you hate it??..

I would as others above have suggested, concentrate on looking at how planting out front, Better hanging baskets or I would have maybe gone with a tall narrow growing tree and a variety of pots on your balcony can bring a bright and cheery look to the house. I also think you can add warmth & interest to the front by using some nice wall lights.

love it, if I was to change anything I would paint the timber below the windows the same light grey of the garage door, a new garden will only add to it cheers

I'll stick my neck out and say I love painted brick, especially when not in overwhelming proportions, so I think your house would lend itself well to this treatment. I can see the brick on your house painted in Surfmist - I believe it would totally transform the feel of your house. I love what you've done so far. If you do paint the brick though I would paint the garage door the same dark grey of the wood trim. Jon n Kate Miller are right - if you paint brick you have to be committed. Also don't take short cuts on surface preparation but if done properly there's no reason it shouldn't last as long as any other painted surface.

I personally think that painted brick sort of cheapens the look of the house. I would keep the bricks the colour they are.

I'ts up to you to decide, a lot of people paint/rag/render with great results

Agree with siriuskey, about painting or rendering bricks.

My preference to bring the home into the 21st century would be to render and definitely not paint, as your home will always look like painted bricks and I don't think that would look as good as rendering that totally hides all the joins and the upside is that rendering needs far less maintenence than painted bricks.

Completely agree that rendering the brickwork would modernise the home & look fab. However I really like what you've already done. It you feel it looks too dark, I think you are on the right track re lightening the colour of the balcony railing. My suggestion would be a pale grey, not white. Any white trim is going to create a huge contrast & make the grey you already have look even darker.

ragging/bagging takes away the sharp edges but you can still see the shape of the bricks and paints very well we painted some 15 yrs ago and is just starting to look like it needs another coat, the colour is now very popular (grey) so no need to change this one coat will cover easily