Hi ca69. I haven't read through all the comments but wanted to point out that my eye keeps getting drawn to the massive 'blank' space under the semi circle gable. As an Australian that has visited QLD alot I know the look you are trying to achieve but the front right of the house seems really unbalanced with the window so far to the right. What about one window centred on that wall or two windows the same size to give it symmetry? Also, might be good to look at light coloured colourbond roofing. Something like Dulux surfmist as the lighter colours reflect sun rather than absorb it and it is already hot enough up there. I would lose all the brick on the exterior and replace it with the coloured hardiplank composite - it doesn't need painting and is a composite rather than timber. Keep the colours lighter for eco reasons. I work for greenstar builders and lighter exterior colours in hot environments is becoming common building practice. Also look at painting your front door a red or lime green. There are pictures oh Houzz for inspiration.

While you are saving up for a whole house paint job - 1. Work out the exterior colour-scheme. 2. Paint the pickets around the base is the house, yourselves, if possible. I agree that it should be a dark colour, that works with your chosen final scheme. 3. Prepare garden beds along the front, choose appropriate shrub species and plant ASAP, with possibly something taller sweeping up to the left (of the photo) to break the strong horizontal "box" look. If you decide to change the stairs at some stage, you may have to remove a plant or two, but at least there will be an inviting entrance growing happily in the meantime. Have fun :)

With out knowing the layout of your home its a little difficult to say, but the top large window section would look great with either roof to floor windows or if $ is ok put on a balcony with bifold doors. Render the brick work and fix the concrete in the front. Garden can make a big difference to the front with out a huge expense

Thanks for your reply, much appreciated ! Is monument for Windows really black, the same as the roof or is it like a dark grey? I have seen photos of monument Windows & in some pics it looks dark grey but the. monument on the roof looks black? I am having the same window color throughout the house & not keen on monument if it's more a dark grey. I'm having feature walls in domino so would prefer black Windows & black hexagon Mosaic tiles for splash back, sublime teak cabinetry Windows. What are your thoughts?