Didn't know anyone still did the free making on curtains anymore, but Spotlight do have a lot of sales on ready mades - it is just getting the size. Most of Spotlight's ready mades are thermal backed too, which could be practical for you, they do make a difference keeping the cold out, but I like to have a sheer behind as they do block out light. I liked the idea of a nice rich cream brocade and there is usually quite a bit of choice in that sort of thing. Loved your outlook too, looks lovely and peaceful. I do like colour through my home but not that much and I weave 3 or 4 colours through the house to tie it all together. Maybe Bunnings had a sale of wrongly mixed colours :)) I think you have done a great job downstairs, you have created a simple backdrop to let your furniture and furnishings shine and set the mood. No, I was talking ceramic tiles for the bathroom, I just had my bathrooms done and had the option of laying tiles over the existing tiles to save costs. I would only do it as a temporary solution, if you think you might redo the bathroom totally down the track, but I know others who have done it to save costs and the step hasn't been a bother, I guess it would depend on the tile you chose. I ended up with a bit of a step anyway because the tiles I chose were quite thick. Just trying to think of options for you. There are also outdoor carpets that might work, they used to be quite patterned, but if you like Persian, you might find something along those lines. Trying to think now where I have seen them. I'm wondering if Bunnings might have something.

Wow! That is truly beautiful! You put a lot of work into that with excellent results. Sorry handymam.....even my iPad keeps changing it to handyman....?! I (we) also did out what used to be the granny flat ...in black and red for our nephew...we picked up an unwanted ....dated...lol...dressing table with an attached square mirror, painted ti all black.....hung the mirror on the wall between 2 metal candle sconces, changed the knobs to mobern handles on the drawers....it was low and retanglular...ideal to put his TV on, red shaggy rug, red lamp shade,cushions etc....he was thrilled to bits with it.

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.

Oskuee the illusion of a window is a good idea! Bigreader I can't believe I have forgotten about the chimney, we hadn't even considered this! I think my hubby and you are all right that the idea of rendering the whole front is a no go! Mel N thank you, I have never known what to search for, 'transitional' has come up with a few things that I like I think I'll be on the computer all night now haha!! Oklouise we don't sit on the front balcony as we have a back balcony that's bigger and a nicer surrounding. The stairs are definitely not comfortable, we had considered having the stairs how you have done it in the picture (which by the way is amazing, I'm a visual person so this has really helped). I do really like this idea, what would you do to make it more entry like? Another driveway maybe? I've added another picture (excuse all the mess out the front). Thanks again for all the replies this is really helpful!!