that makes sense. what about garage - okay to go dark?

A dark garage door would warm up the brick. Windows in the door would lighten and brighten that side of the house. Residential garage door manufacturer Clopay has a few options to consider, depending on the style you are going for. Check out the Gallery Collection http://www.clopaydoor.com/gallerysteel and the Classic Line http://www.clopaydoor.com/classic with Ultra-Grain finish. Both are insulated steel garage doors with a faux woodgrain finish that requires no surface upkeep. Clopay also offers fiberglass entry doors with coordinating stain finishes and window designs. You can use Clopay's online Door Imagination System http://www.clopaydoor.com/door-imagination-system to upload a photo of your home and try on different door designs to find the one you like. Professional dealers are located throughout the US and Canada. http://www.clopaydoor.com/where-to-buy

Choose a garage door that looks like it's two separate doors instead of one flat face. This will break up the visual impact of the garage which currently overwhelms your house front.

Dark would be fine but I agree that the entrance door needs some pop, depending on how much and at what time of day it's in the shadows. Of course this will change during the seasons. Even then a pop of color is always good on the front entrance. Now for the garage door. If the door is in good shape try faux windows ( which can be purchased at Lowes for about $110.00 per set. Your door takes two sets. You can't tell these aren't real even at only a few feet away and you keep your privacy. There are also faux vinyl windows available on Ebay and or Amazon that should work on your garage and they are dirt cheap. Good luck and I hope these ideas can save you some money.