It’s a gorgeous house. I would postpone the painter for a couple of days so you can plan the colours.

I completely agree - the only problem is helpful husband has arranged a friend to do the job and there’s no stopping them! What to do? I’m trying to help - eek!

There are lots of ideas on Pintrest but you’ll run into the trouble of colours on the screen looking different in real life and your friend has allowed enough time for sample pots.

@big reader -am I right in thinking the warm tones in the orange roof require warm whites or other warm feature colours? A cool grey colour has been suggested for the external walls and I’m unsure if that’s the right direction. Any suggestions? We’re pretty desperate

Greys

Dark fog Rey option to replace green

Eeewwww -- don't do grey !

As dreamer says , go with the same except do the green in a charcoal .

By the way , grey is rapidly heading in the same direction as forest green IMO . I guess you could say the same about charcoal etc , but it seems to have lasting power , plus it seems to tie in with , and even complement , most other colours .

Thanks everyone- good news is painter will be back on Monday so your input will help and colours will be sorted on the weekend

@pottsy99 - is charcoal a colourbond colour?

I think charcoal is used generically. I think it's like 'Monument'.

https://colorbond.com/sites/default/files/pdf/brochures/colorbond_steel_colours_for_your_home_colour_chart.pdf

I like the existing colour scheme, I think it suits the style of the house perfectly, though I agree replacing the green with a grey could work.

A colour consultant is a great idea, you could lighten it up or be brave and do a fabulous dramatic look, dark colours go with the terracotta roof, dramatic change but stunning.

Just my opinion, but I think the two dark grey ones only work because of the landscaping. They are good colours as a backdrop to the greenery. For the houses themselves, it's not enhancing the traditional architecture although it could be seen as a bold modern reimaging or something. I think something like that needs the landscaping, otherwise it risks being a house that people look and think 'why did they paint it that colour?' I'm not saying they don't work, but I think some colours would look good even with little to no work on the landscaping but those colours look good as part of the whole picture. I hope that sort of makes sense?

Yes you need to be brave to do these colours, but done with the lush landscaping they make a bold beautiful statement, It’s a gorgeous house so getting the colours right will make it a stand out.

This is a beautiful example of an Australian California bungalow. It has wonderful bricks and mortar, Do not ruin THIS HOUSE, by painting any colour than a light cream. Remove the heritage green and the security screen. These are only the only things in my opinion that are letting the house down.
Purchase a new mesh screen without the busy framework. This house deserves to be standing proud, Not covered in a dark mask. Other homes may suit dark colours, but IMO not this one.

,,

What colour whites or creams would you suggest ?

Maybe Colours I have circled. It depends on the exterior, which direction it faces to how much the colours will react to different light. The example photos that @bigreader posted are a good example of colours for exterior.

In the original post narrative, it was said that there had been trim painted around the windows. If it is the area that I have circled on this photo. Then I think that is a good colour for the front of home.

To a certain degree , you want to sort the trim colour ( the replacement for the green ) .

IMO if you are going a charcoal tone , then too creamy will look yellowish , while the mushroom dreamer has circled will look muddy . The existing shade on the walls ( ignoring the 'rusty' bits ) is about right for most trim/barge board colours .

Bigreader did some inspirational photos -- a couple look too white ( again , just my opinion ) whilst the middle one has some light mushroomy tones , and thats what I mean about looking 'dirty' -- I reckon all 3 of those would look at least as good in 'your' colour .

Decided vivid white on the trim . Just not sure on the walls . I want the trim to pop! Tried antique USA 1/4 and it was too cream

A couple of things with going vivid white -- you may have more problems covering the existing green , but also IMO you'll need go for a contrast on the main walls -- maybe a muddy mushroomy will do it , or a warm beige with a slight pink or orange tinge ? Most creams will , as you and others have said , will look too yellow and although that sort of fits the 60's vibe , I'm gathering its not where you are wanting to head ? Likewise , even a slight blue or green tinge could look cold , and I'm gathering you don't want to go bold ?

While a mid grey may work , I suspect everyone that does grey ( apart from being boring haha ) is going to regret it in 5 years .

I love Dulux self destruct, it really looks fabulous with vivid white trims

It’s really hard getting it right

I also like Self Destruct. I’d swap out Vivid White (can be stark) for White and White.