Sophie, I understand where you're coming from but it is far too late in the design process to reconceptualize. I can definitely agree with you that our method of planning is atypical. But thats why Im in this mess. Ive never built a house before... The architect didn't give me the color scheme. That is up to me to choose. Should I do white paneling similar to the first photo. Or go with the natural stain where Im having a hard time matching the stucco colors and stone with.

FYI Romabio is good at what they do ... no argument here.... but they have a limited range of only whites & very light grays and it cannot be applied to anything with conventional house paint on it, only raw unpainted masonry or other mineral paint applications. There are several other mineral paint (aka potassium silicate) paint co's in the US, a couple of which have a sort of "primer" product which can go over conventional paint - try this is one : https://www.beeckmineralpaints.com/ For best results though I think Id still want to get off as much of the paint film as possible .... but without going too far and damaging the brick. Then the primer product, and then the mineral paint. Of course this would be hugely labor intensive or expensive to hire out, that is assuming you can even find anyone who has heard of mineral paint or would want to do it. At the very least find a person who understands the science about this and doesnt shrug off the concerns - maybe there are some other types of breathable coatings that I dont know about. Michelle above is correct - any coatings need to be breathable, or there WILL be damage, its only a matter of time. The brick bldg across the street from me was painted only 12 yrs ago and is already spalling (ie brick cracking and disintegrating) terribly in some places near bldg exhaust vent and other places Its really sad how the big box, do it cheap mentality of the last 30-40 yrs has resulted in so much shoddy workmanship that is now considered the norm.... and actual physical damage. Not many people thinking long term any more, beyond 10 or 20 yrs.

Do any of your neighbors have brick on their homes? If so go for the brick and go for it up front on the garage volume it'll limit the amount and it'll put the oomph right up the street. Board and batten siding is a great material for homes I love it super economical and attractive.

Here's the house in all white, black windows and main front door, white trim and wood accents. I now see you have bricks below the siding, they look white and I'd have them the same colour as the siding. I suggest a warm white such as BM White Dove or BM Swiss Coffee, again test the paint colour before proceeding.