Looking at the shadows, I am wondering whether the wall with the plaques on it faces north. If so, can the height of this be reduced? If it is north facing, the room beyond the courtyard would be extremely dark in winter - miserable and cold. If this wall could be dropped so that it is 1.5 metres tall, possibly with a line of fastigiate deciduous trees on the far side to then provide DECIDUOUS height, winter would be lighter and the solid mass of the wall would be reduced. It really is a rather difficult spot. And the paved base of the courtyard only allows for pots unless you want to dig up the pavers and put in tree ferns etc. But then it looks as though the area would get the full blast of hot midday sun. I live in coastal SW Victoria where our climate is similar to yours. But we still get hot days during summer which can scorch plants that haven't acclimatised to this heat.

This is an idea that will increase the usable space. Place the plants on one side to create the height and depth as mentioned in a comment earlier and then draw the timber closer together in an area to have extra sitting area. Between the others place plants like native violet that will cope with the shade. With extra space on the timber you can now have room for planters on the concrete. Paint the fence dark if you want but you could just cover with plants as it looks dark enough. Creepers like native wisteria could work. Local nursery will help as mentioned.

Hi there Mel, with all the males in your house you can't hide the TV, we had a similar problem with positioning lounges and didn't want to replace our furniture. Our living, dining kitchen etc all have water views via big windows and sliding doors which really gives you great views while reducing wall space. We placed our sectional with enough space to walk behind it (we have full length timber venetians) in front of the 1st lounge window facing into the room. TV is on the end brick wall, we then have a couple of separate chairs opposite that can be moved if needed. I would agree that the best position for your sectional lounge could be with the back of the lounge towards the kitchen with the other section running along the wall. Keeping in mind the Males in your family (1) mount the TV in the same space on the small flat wall so that it can pivot, just thinking that the pool is right there, the boys could then have access to watching TV from the pool. (2) Put a low bench with storage in front of the window opposite the pool with the TV on this (they could still have access to watch from the pool.) not sure what window treatment you have in mind, you mentioned louvers which are great for air flow. Possible other is white internal shutters. A sofa table behind the lounge would add useful interest to the rear of the sofa. I agree with Domu & House Matters ideas. A couple of photos of our place I will try to find one of furniture placement if You like, cheers,

Thanks all for your ideas and suggestions. We do plan on waterproofing :) I’m in Perth and the area gets probably about 6-7 hours of full morning sun and then part sun in the afternoon. The Murraya peniculata looks nice, does it have a nice smell? Could I put a smaller plant or hedge in front of it? And how often does it need to be watered? Another idea was to put star jasmine on a trellis and a smaller box hedge in front. Or those plants that look like a hedge ball (if that makes sense haha). Thanks again :)