I also found another project I did, where they used wood for the decking, and top railing cap with feeney cable rail as well. White timber tech post sleeves. I made a pergola to go over the deck and they bought one of these really cool colored sunsail awning to go onto. Like someone else mentioned the side stairs could be better with divided landings, and wider. As far as the siding I know its very expensive but hardy plank would last the longest with minimal maintenance. I also think that if something was done with bottom of deck, either columns, enclosed porch with deck underneath would change the whole appearance of the house, along with different rails.

I agree with celerygirl on the upper shutters. I think if it were my house (and it's a very nice house) I'd want to paint the second floor jut-out a color closer to the brick. I'd like to see what the windows would look like painted a lighter color, instead of the green. There are some talented people here who could do that, but I'm not one of them. :-)

Although it doesn't show well in the photo, I get the impression the railing on your porch is way oversized. And the hedge below it needs to go. Painting all the vertical corner trim on your house white is boxing it in. It stops the eye and squares up all the different parts of your home's facade. I would also eliminate some of the white below the 2nd story windows and above the garage door. You could use some lanterns flanking the garage and front doors. They should be 1/3 the height of the front door in all locations. Have a professional limb up the tree. It is pretty but is overtaking your home's curb appeal. Can you get better pix of the porch and front door for us?

paint it white, and paint the surround with matte black heatproof paint. it will look great -- google "white brick fireplace" for inspiration. if you wind up not liking it, you can always tile it later. I'd keep the mantle and hearth the way they are. but if you disliked those, I'd try either staining them dark charcoal, or replacing the mantle with a simple wood version.