It definitely seems to be a trend in apartment living to only have a table and chairs on the balcony. I don't recall seeing it in many houses, but I think the same issues would arise. Obviously the climate would be an issue, especially in colder months. Exposure to the elements, for example, when it is raining would be another issue. Privacy, particularly from neighbours is another. The amount of bugs, insects, other pests and possibly annoying pets begging for food is another. Whether or not everyone is fastidious about cleanliness would be another issue since the table and chairs would need to be regularly cleaned. The ease of transporting food, plates, cutlery etc back and forth from the kitchen is another issue. As is the ease of grabbing missing items, drink refills, etc. Everyone lives in their home differently. Do you currently have an outdoor eating area? Could you trial using that as your sole dining area to see how it works? If your new home included a generous island bench with room for at least four stools (or one of those conjoined island bench/dining table configurations), then that may also decrease your reliance upon the outdoor table.

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/anyone-paint-an-exterior-door-a-different-color-on-the-outside-dsvw-vd~144538

Hi Love the double doors! Beautiful and very grand. Good look. IF the crimsafe must go back on, how about double security doors? Yes double the cost but only one has to be crimsafe? The other balances the space and it only needs to be secured into the space in front of the glass? It could be said that the extra security door makes the entrance more secure as well as no one can break the glass. And perhaps they both can be painted ( or purchased) in a colour that will compliment your new entrance?

I was going to suggest a nice horizontal timber design -- and then I see the Deco-Clad post , which looks similar . Personally , I'd want samples , to see how 'real' it looked , and also do a cost comparison with actual timber . Depending on budget and how long you are wanting to live there , I'd also look at a light to mid-coloured stonework , or some of the veneers are very realistic too , but more expensive than nicely stained wood . Or for a real Wow factor -- how about some stonework , some timber , and even a water feature , possibly water rippling down the wall around 1.2 metre wide , maybe with a 300-400 wide vertical fern and herb garden either side -- takes advantage of any 'spray' , and adds life and vibrancy , as well as looks and variety ? No disrespect to Dr Retro and Julie Herbert , but my personal thoughts on Sycon and similar cladding is that it looks too modern for the existing brick ( what I'd term an 'old style' brick ) , but that's just me -- to implement successfully you'd want to work your way around the house and update quite a bit more , or it would look too obvious IMO .