I've seen lots of vibrantly coloured craftsman bungalows that look great, also some rather outlandish victorian houses! I've seen some awesome hot pink and black victorians! Do a search both on houzz and google. The amount of trim and detail really works to show off a more dramatic colour combination. You even have the wrought iron fence which could look amazing painted maybe a gold or metallic colour! Check out a flickr stream called the daily bungalow for some great inspiration, they have other albums worth a look too, but this one shows some more creative colour schemes. Based on the photos I have seen you would be better picking the darker colour for the walls and a brighter colour for the trim. https://www.flickr.com/photos/daily-bungalow/sets/72157616179338294 https://www.flickr.com/photos/daily-bungalow/sets/72157635350209034

Is this your currently home in the picture above? I must agree I like the slightly darker colour at the bottom not the top. However I would go a lighter grey not as dark as you have shown on the photo?

The architecture of your home is wonderful, but the blue is just so wrong in so many ways. "Monument" is a very on-trend colour and is used a lot in contemporary architecture, perhaps too much! It is not the right choice for the style of your home. A lot of your features have carved openings in the timber, and these openings can only be appreciated when the paint colour is light. If you paint these elements "Monument" these features will disappear as there is not enough contrast between the timber and the carved opening, which always looks dark. With so much happening in your elevation, I would go simpler with paint (which your painters will prefer). I would suggest choosing a light monochromatic scheme, such as one of the cool whites from Dulux for all the timber that is currently painted, possibly one of the Lexicon strengths. Whatever colour you choose make sure it works with the elements that you are not painting, such as the decking, the timber ceiling to the porch and the gutter and roof. With your home, the feature is the contrast in light and shade between the timber work and the shaded spaces behind the timber, and you need to make the most of it. Picking out elements in different colours will make it look too busy (as it is now). A simple monochromatic colour scheme is best for your beautiful home - classic, timeless and elegant. Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls/Dr Retro Virtual Visits

Just remember to factor in it will most likely be made of asbestos sheeting inside and out. This is great if undisturbed as it is hard wearing and fire resistant. Any Reno’s need to get the experts to remove the asbestos sheets.