See attached photo for some inspiration x

White vertical blinds are strictly for office use (and even then they're dated). Go for the grey. Roman blinds are softer then roller blinds.

Trying to decide on new windows as I don't really like the dark brown. Any suggestions on colour and style? Garage doors will be changed to suit. Thinking maybe dark grey.

A colour that disappears against the brick or a plain window could leave you with a house that looks featureless. For this reason I would avoid a colour that has the same saturation of colour- I worry that a contemporary grey could disappear-and I don’t think white disappears against your brick. You could choose black but since it still recedes you might want to increase how decorative you make the windows with the addition of glazing bars. And I have no problem with UPVC in this setting. Aluminium is a great choice when you want a slim minimalistic choice but a slightly broader frame could be considered a bonus here. For me the only thing to consider with UPVC is window proportions. The most cost effective UPVC only has one casement (one hinged opening bit) and that area has in effect a double frame. So when you look out of a window the opening part of the frame is bigger and the glass is smaller than the non opening pane of glass next to it. And personally I think this looks awful from outside. But with good planning you can make it look uniform from outside.