I would leave the brick alone , put the shutters back as they balance size wise with central window . The smaller windows look undersized and bare on their own . I don’t think that I would put the window boxes back . Your home looks lovely .

When your home has a strong architectural character it is best to work with what you have rather than spend a lot of money to try and make it into another style. trying to modernise such a house will always look like a compromise. Don't render as your bricks have a great, earthy character, and the white windows and shutters make a sharp contrast.

Best of luck,

Dr Retro

of Dr Retro House Calls

Thank you. Any thoughts on what colour to paint shutters if I leave them. Do you think keep white or change to black are dark grey. thanks.

Definitely light colour for me, stops the place looking dreary.

Leave them white , it looks good . It contrasts nicely with your brick colour . I really like your brick colour .

I initially thought 'no way would you put back the window boxes back' . Then I looked at pic 1 again , and while it mightn't be true to history ( I assume window boxes were always the width of the window , and shutters half that width ) , I'd actually be tempted to go twice the width ( and like everyone , have it all in white ) and put some hanging creepers , and some colourful reds and violets and yellows ( daisies and the like ) -- it would add some subtle colour , but also a nod towards the trees , and really look integrated .

Lovely home, and that retaining wall lovely, Perhaps u could paint the shutters a bright colour like the Mediterranean country’s do. I wouldn’t touch the brick, it’s no maintenance as is. And I’m all for easy care and practical..

For a small outlay of a couple of hundred dollars, you could get a Colour Consultant to take a photo and show you the look, rendered, painted or something different. If you are looking to make a statement, then render is a bold choice. The costs involved range from $40-$65 per sqm then another $15-$20 to paint. Its also true that you will need to keep it washed every year or 2 and repaint in approx 10-12 years. Look around your area and see what others have done.

Hope this helps.

James

I would paint the brick white and paint the shutters black to match in with the fence. Tile the front veranda in a pattern. Forget the window boxes. The windows match in well with the style you like. For drama paint the gutters black and square off the posts on the veranda too....