After all we have decided give the north side of the fence with fresh coats of paint same colour as the rest of the fence for now and pulled off all the plant that were grown under the fence from next door neighbor's garden. On day we went pass outdoor furniture shop and saw this Outdoor dinning setting (expandable) made out of Eucalyptus also saw similar design on Houzz long time ago. We went with this easy maintenance and compact setting. I also planted couple of small plants including nandina at the front, Chinese star jasmines to cover the wall and an yellow and a red Mandevilla on the other side of the garden for some pop colour. Hopefully, the jasmine will grow and give some cover. Thank you all again for your input I appreciated

re the floor, what about garage matting tiles, as in photo attached, but lay them in a groovier pattern, perhaps a chevron or 60's pattern, if leaning towards MCM. It may not be any dearer than the cost after getting a tiler in, if laying tiles? Also, you can take them out to clean them if need to and change the look whenever you feel the need!

Sorry to continue....the plan by Louise on the 20/01/2017.... But the laundry ( with internal access or through cloak room) and ensuite to the rear of the garage the master behind...... Then a Wir separating the master form the living or a bathroom...... The a fireplace if required against the western wall central in the house.... The entrance and small cloak room for the winter woollies against the garage and the other three beds at the front RHS with bath near.... The lounge/ kitchen/ dining in a similar layout but with minimal a walls blocking the view from the entry to the living/kitchen .... I like at lease a small wall dividing the living and lounge for the teenagers also.... If I get an chance I will sketch something up. Good luck this the paperwork... Plans are the fun part.

I'd start with the basics . The fences , which seem to enclose 3 sides , let the place down . I'd go with 4 or 5 10 litre pails of fence stain , in charcoal/black -- I dislike Brown ( too 70's ) but I don't think it would suit anyway . Then some colour , and 1 focal piece . I'm in NZ , so not sure plants to recommend , but maybe a palm ( or two or three of differing heights ) as your focal point , and some colourful semi-tropical plants . The existing garden along the fence probably stain the low wall in the same charcoal black , to tie in with the fence , but add a lot of light / white pebbles , shells and similar -- any coloured plants or flowers will be highlighted . Then , depending on budget , build in a barbeque , with paving . off the covered area , and add a sail shade -- set up so it isn't over the barbeque area , and use a brighter colour canvas -- that yellow 'box' that is in the 3rd picture of yours stands out -- a sail in that colour , or mid orange or red , a reasonably vibrant green or blue , or even a neutral grey , will add colour but also distract the eye from the rectangular shape of your house . From there -- do what you like / can afford . The sky is the limit -- playground , pool , spa , water feature , sculpture -- wherever your taste takes you .