Hi Bron. I'm totally with those who have suggested a. Colorbond Monument and b. No rendering. As a professional renovator, I see clients who had not taken into account the maintenance - cleaning, patching the cracks when the house moved and they all do, eventually) and would not render again. Bagging is really old-fashioned. The bricks are a great colour to work with. The suggestions of plants , a path leading (directing visitors) to your door, and I'll add using a feature colour on the door (an unobtrusive screen door - or even removing it) would make a big difference. It would be great to see a pic of the house from the street to see if there's anything else to suggest. Happy reno!!

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I have just painted lower level of my brick house monument also gutters. I love it & less maintenance also & you don't see the cobwebs or mould. I used it on the eaves of another home in a tropical location where mould was a problem & paint additives didn't work. I would do window frames & all timber surrounds white & Gge & front doors a soft taupe. For internal walls in rental situations for the last 20 years I have used ' foxtail 1/2 strength' it is a warm grey & with white timber work it looks very modern & crisp. Before & after pics of exterior

personally I like a home that has a similar style on the inside as the outside, it just makes sense to me. In the past I thought building extensions should be similar in style as to the original, however after reading (and commenting on) Houzz posts I am now coming round to the idea of a modern extension on an older building. But having a kitchen and bathroom in different styles, that might just be to your taste and that is fine - there is nothing wrong with a building reflecting the personality of the owner!