We have a 1960s mid-century Northwest style rambler with a daylight basement. It faces north, in a shady, wooded area. The house is painted a very, very dark brown, and sits low on the lot, so the roof is quite prominent and the house generally looks very dark. When we started thinking about replacing the roof, we'd assumed the next roof would be a dark charcoal color. However, now I'm wondering if a lighter color might not be better, so that we don't look like a block of dark chocolate sat in the woods. Or, if that would be like wearing white socks and black shoes. Perhaps keeping with a dark roof, and improving the lighting around the house would be better?

The front of the house faces north. The large deck in the back is painted lighter than the house. Currently, it has a cedar roof that is lighter in color than the house, but not as light as it appears here in the winter. The house is generally shaped like a typical linear 60's rambler, but longer than average. At the front, there are two dormers; at the back, there is a high dormer at the kitchen window. Otherwise, the roofline is straight.

Any ideas with regards to color would be appreciated! Also, if there are any opinions concerning brands or types of coatings/paint on the metal roofing material, that would be great.

Thanks!

(the photo of the back of the house with the decking was taken before it was repainted. the house is the color of the front, while the deck was repainted in the same lighter taupe-type color pictured)