When you say "painting the exterior" do you mean the brick?

Did you even give any thought to moving the gable BEFORE you spent all that money on a BLACK roof!!! It could have been an easy fix that would have had a monumental effect on the appearance of your home.

Homes like this don't get black trim. Not sure your husband possesses any unique design skills as it relates to assembling a home with good curb appeal.

BEFORE

VIRTUAL AFTER

If it were me I would not go heavy handed with black trim - I would prob remove the shutters to see if i liked the look (not sure i would but would want to see it) and then invest big time in landscaping (i feel like those round shrubs are making your house seem fussy and outdated more than anything)

I'd compromise on the black and go with Navy, for everything that is painted white now.

I'd remove the shutters and the decorative trim over the door.

even build out the columned porch with verticle slats in a natural wood tone. and replace the fountain with colorful annuals.

Here are other Southern Colonial homes.

Instead of black, which can look depressing, I'd go with navy. I'd paint the shutters navy, too. I'd keep the shutters, they fit the style of your house. In fact, navy for the siding and shutters with white trim and columns would look great and quite classic.