I just think it needs more bright white trim around the windows and the fence painted also white. Going round to the back addition, I would paint the timber boards the color of the stucco, trim white and get some great deck furniture and lighting.

What a fantastic architecture. When you do the brick, if you stain it with masonry /concrete stain you won't have the same issues of maintenance as with paint. They will spray it evenly - through you will have to select a deeper color - either taupe (brown-gray) or a straight charcoal. Love your windows and the classic angled railing. I think a dark gray on the siding will make the orange brick jump even more. What bothers me is the white (railing, fascia, eaves) juxtaposed with the earth toned stuff. So I would recommend camel tones - for the siding - something like http://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-family/SW6108-latte/ and the hopsack next darker tone for the garage door. Use the lighter tan for trim that is now white - http://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-family/SW6107-nomadic-desert/ Use the darkest tone if you are painting concrete steps. If you think you will stain your brick charcoal, then the white eaves and trim are probably right, and you may not want to paint it tan now and then go back. If your brick were charcoal, then I would block out the rest in grays and blue grays - leave the white eaves, but take the railing and posts charcoal too. A blue gray door - like sw smoky blue.

I don't know how hot it gets in Auckland in summer (I've only ever been to NZ in winter!) but if it gets hot, then go for a pale colour. Dark roofs should be kept for cold places!

First of all I would like to say it looks like your parents have brought a lovely looking home. The colouring of the outside of the house it typical for it's age. I would like to suggest that you stick with a light tone for the outside but is the Yellow / Cream isn't working then perhaps consider going for a White with a tiny tint of pale green .... this will blend in nicely with the garden, window joinery and roof but it will not be stark white. Internally I am a bit of a cream on cream kind of a person because I like to add colour through my furnishings, knick-knacks etc but I have to say I did move into a home with a mint green carpet which suits my personality but is not all together practical with pets coming and going and a lounge painted a medium to dark mint and I really love that colour. Originally the hall ways and other room where a butter / cream and just making it a off white really boosted the light and spaciousness of the home. The lounge is still the same minty green and I think I will repaint it a similar colour as it is very relaxing and "natural". So go for something that is restful inside and something clean and almost white outside. Hope that helps.