There's a pre finished product called DecoWood, aluminium substrate with a wood look finish. This is from the web... The advantages of using DecoWood™ cladding instead of timber include: Easy installation: aluminium is lighter than timber and therefore easier to manoeuvre in the installation process Low Maintenance: aluminium never requires painting or staining like timber does, saving time and money Durability: DecoWood™ aluminium is more durable and dimensionally stable than timber meaning no warping, twisting, splitting or rotting like timber. Plus, it won’t need to be replaced as often. DecoWood™ is a powder coated wood grain finish based on photographic images of real timber. It has been tested for its durability in international extreme exposure locations where intense UV radiation, salt spray and industrial pollutants combine to create the worst possible conditions, and complies with all relevant Australian and international standards.

Hi Linda Honestly the suns heat effect on colour is very minimal. Most of the heat will generate through the roof, but even then, the data suggests that this is barely noticeable between differing colours. However, If you are really set on a lighter scheme for the main paint of your house, we would recommend opting for a light grey or white, given your white aluminium joinery. Again, Bodo recommends keeping your exterior paint scheme, simple and neutral. This helps with resale value, and will enable you to bring in the colour that you like with chairs, plant pots etc. Going for a green house, black roof and white windows may start to look like a liquorice allsort! so be very careful. We recommend this Bodo Board for you, which will work with your white trims as well as your roof. The board also includes an interior paint scheme, and suggests other elements to bring your look together! http://www.bodoboards.com.au/collections/paint-concept/products/lavish-paint-concept Hope this helps :)

How about spray painting over the bricks - very quick and inexpensive option. Go for a grey toned beige - triple white pointer in Resene is a good option and paint the wooden trim with a dark charcoal . This will make a huge difference. Then step back and consider your next move. If unsure of the colour - get a few test pots and brush out on some wall paper or cardboard and move it around the different walls. You need to think about your window colour and the roof and it is hard to see from the photo. I also suggest you go on house and see which colour combos you like. Respraying concrete paths can give limited results in hot climates so do the other work first. Good luck

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