I used Hardieplank siding, but we ended up using another product, LP Smartside trim for the soffits and facia, because it was much easier to get locally, and cheaper. However, I would say the Hardie materials would be the best choice for appearance and durability. I've seen the Hardie facia boards at Home Depot, and they look like great quality. I would not hesitate to use them, especially over vinyl or aluminum. From what I've read from other posters, if you use a high quality paint, you could easily go 10 years or more between paintings. Considering its only soffits, etc, its not that much to paint anyway.

No problems with our smooth non perforated Hardi soffits either but they've been in less than a year. 'd think that waviness might be a result of not having adequate support behind them or insufficent nailing. Hardie has really good directions online for use of their materials. You might want to check out nailing and support recommendations. I'm not sure that this is the version that you're looking at but here's a link to Hardie soffit installation from the Hardie website. Here is a link that might be useful: Hardie soffit installation

Looks like you have it thought out. I would suggest picking your roof color before you pick your paint color. Paint color is much easier to change over the years. Personally, I would pick a very neutral shade such as grey or black (like you suggested). This way you have many other color options for the color of your home as time goes on. You can find a beige/grey to soften the red in your brick. Versus a cooler grey (Wow that looks really blue next to the top one- but when by themselves, they both look more grey) It will be nice to see how your roof impacts the look of your home over the course of the year and throughout the different seasons. I am not sure where you are located but a north facing home, in the northern US, a grey will take on more of those blue tones. Yes, I would make those attic vents blend in. I am not sure that I helped any. Good Luck!

Well, it's more of a technical question as to whether replacing or painting is the better solution. But we're planning on painting/replacing all forest green and cream elements to a linen white color. It's not stark white (like our windows) but better blends with our taupe siding.