Dear PoP – Painting a Rowhouse a Good Idea?

Photo by PoPville flickr user ekelly80

“Dear PoP,

I live in a rowhouse on Warder St. NW Probably 95% of the homes in the area (and all of the ones on my block) have the original brick finish. But in a few of the homes the brick has been painted over. This typically occurs in connection with a renovation and flip. I’m wondering what people think about painting brick rowhouses for aesthetic reasons, when the brick is otherwise in good condition? And what color would be “acceptable”? I really like the look of brick. In addition, I’d be hesitant to be the only painted house on the block. And painting once means a commitment to repaint at regular intervals.”

Believe it or not this is a very controversial question. When it has come up before there always seems to be split opinions. Personally I like painted rowhouses. But I know many others disagree with me. I know this topic has come up a few times when we talk about Mt. Pleasant. I like the flavor they bring to the block but I do think that some colors look better than others.

Do you guys think that only certain colors should be used? Or should all paint be avoided?