Ok I was actually thinking along those same lines! Somebody has made the comment to me that a darker roof will just make it like a big dark structure any thoughts on that? I thought if I lightened the trim and darkened the roof it would have contrast? Should I do anything around the windows?

I would use a softer gray for the roof. It would look less heavy. Try to match a lighter tone in the existing stonework. Of course the obvious way to alter this exterior's monolithic look is to add friendly, colorful landscaping.

Honestly you could go either way, if you go with a darker roof it will make the brick pop more, and add contrasting trim colors. And if you go with a lighter roof it will bring out the entire house. Gorgeous home by the way!

I think what's making it look so dark is that there is so much roof showing. Is it possible to install a few dormers to the roof or were you looking not to redo that much?

The first thing I'd do is hang curtain panels in all the windows and plant beds/lay sod.

And if you're replacing the roof, I also vote for a soft gray. Google slate roofs on brick houses - it's a classic color combination.

I'd say dark/black roof. Need to weight it down.

It'll be more expensive because it's such a large roof, but a more architectural slate type roof would look great.
Check out Davinci Roofscapes.

http://www.davinciroofscapes.com/products-slate-multi-davinci.php

This is an outstanding home an deserves quality materials to showcase the home . If you have trouble visualizing colors and materials we can help . Visit my idea book to see samples of 2D drawings before and afters .

i would render the brick walls and leave the roof the colour it is

Your roof is so large I recommend using two different color shingles, could even be different materials. The dormers could be different for example, adding more depth.

We offer quite a few large outdoor fountains with pools

http://www.soothingwalls.com/outdoor-fountains/large-outdoor-fountains.html

There is nothing more difficult than visualizing paint, pavers, plants, roofing add-ons on your home but we can help with a 2D conceptual drawing very affordable and clear cut. Samples below.

Sample building materials applied to your home.

would you like to complete the drawing?

First things first - the home is large and the roof is indeed a commanding presence. I do agree that you need some form of contrast, but I would find a way to embrace the large size of the home and its large roof.

For example - I would think about a modernized Spanish Clay Tile Roof. The arches in your front entry and the rich brick would come together nicely to frame a Spanish-Andalusian inspired ideal. See the link to the Amazon Book Preview below to see what I mean:
http://www.amazon.com/Tuscan-Andalusian-Reflections-Beautiful-Architecture/dp/0972153950/ref=pd_sim_b_4

You could also plant Roman Cypress trees along either side of the driveway to mimic the entry into a beautiful Tuscan villa. I would also consider using crushed white granite or some other crushed white stone for the driveway to add to that luxurious Villa feel - it also provides that rustic stone-crunching sound when vehicles or people stroll on it. Here's an example image:
http://villavillas.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/tuscany-villa.jpg?w=490

In addition (and most importantly), the Spanish Clay tile would lighten the very uniform earthy tones of the brick with warmer and brighter gradations of terracotta (think various earthy oranges, reds and warm browns as far as) color. Here's an example of a great finished product:
http://www.bassenianlagoni.com/architecture-detached-project8.html

The other thing I would think about doing is adding some decorative stone framing around the base and/or tops of the windows of the home to match the color and texture of the columns and stone-lined loggia you have at the front entry. This would bring fluidity to the design of the home, letting your eye find the matching tones of the grand entry in other parts of the home. The whiter stone would also pop against the rich brick of the home's facade.

I wish you the best with your home. You have plenty to keep you busy and so much potential to reap. Best of Luck!

Whatever you do, I'd highly recommend a larger scale roof tile. That large a roof mass needs a larger size tile than the puny asphalt shingles on it now. Have you considered slate? It's money, but it would work much better with all that stonework than asphalt shingles.

Also, if you have the resources, some thoughtfully scaled and placed dormers would go a long way to breaking down that roof mass.

We can place most of these materials on your home in a 2D rendering to include the landscaping for
$199.00 in color .

The motor court appears to be light colored concrete? What are the plans for the rest of the driveway? Both these areas could come alive with natural stone. The color of the roof is one of the first questions we ask clients who are considering natural stone paving. Once you decide that, the options are numerous to compliment the color of the roof and make your curb appeal even more inviting.

Another great option is Pebble Stone Coatings' pebble stone surfacing! With a variety and patterns to choose from, your home will be instantly inhanced.

Visit us at www.pebblestonecoatings.com for more ideas and information.

Two comments:

Dark roofs absorb heat, light roofs reflect heat.

You have another entire house under that roof, how about some dormers in the rear.

Also, they have tree spades now that can bring you a decent sized tree or two or twenty.

Cascio - July 2013 post. If you are new to house, check dates.

Angel #18432, do they really number angels?

Yes, I am new to houzz, so I figure if a site has not withdrawn, they are not satisfied with their search for answers to their need. Since I usually have an opinion that my insight will complete their search, and they can withdraw their page from houzz, I comply.

Are there a set of standards to follow? Let me know by email, I will be most appreciative.
cascio.offsite@gmail.com