I'm usually not one to criticize here on Houzz so let me get this over with now...your house is both a color and architectural disaster. I'm not a fan of the current color...it is not a very pleasant color and is dated, as well. As it is the primary color, I'd start with changing it, then selecting a color for the brick. I'm wondering if you might be OK with the brick in its current state if the other siding is a different color. I am with your husband when it comes to whitewashing brick...it has its place - usually on much older structures - but I don't see it working well with your house. Would the same paint color on the brick and garage door work? The white garage door claims too much attention and shouldn't (it is nearly the home's focal point)...it is just another garage door and nothing special to look at. The white windows are doing a bit of the same thing...calling attention to themselves even though the bay window is a totally different style than the upper-floor windows. You have endless new subdivisions being constructed in Southern California...pay a visit to some of those to check out the current trends in color.

Usually the Fall is the best time to renew the landscape unless you live where winters are severe. I would wait to see what you have, walk around the neighborhood and see what is doing well that you like and collect photos of gardens. You could get some big pots and try out color combinations while you wait for Fall. You also need to learn the shade and sun patterns and the efficiency of your watering system.. In very cold regions, Spring is best. Summer heat uses too much water and stresses plants that haven't established a good root system yet. I like your house and your idea of getting rid of that dark grouting. The verdigris is lovely and could lead you to try plantings that play up that color.

Congratulations on your new home! I like the white color with your brick as it is. I would just paint your garage door to match the same white as the siding, paint the downspouts to match the brick, and then work on landscaping. You can paint your door in a grayed green like the example below, which would look great with the brick. If you have to keep a storm door, I'd get a full glass one so you can better see your front door.

My advise would be the same as above. For the most natural look, water down the whitewash, paint it on with a big brush in small areas, and wipe with a rag. Its a huge house, so you are taking on a huge job, and will need a whole ton of rags to wipe down with. Make sure to remove the shutters, and try to stain them, the same as house now, and then when you white wash it, make sure you do those areas too. Dont leave anything covered, make sure you whitewash the entire house. What a shame. I quite honestly do not mind the stained color, and I would just remove the shutters, and try to stain where it wasnt, rather than take on a huge job of white washing a really big house. Doing a fireplace, inside is a several hour job, I just cant even imagine doing an entire huge house. Your house, is one of the reasons, some of us here, tell people, please do not paint your brick. There are a few brick houses, that actually beneftit from being painted, but, most are beautiful as they are.