@LesleyH I need to clad a small portion of the front of my house that is covered. Is Nuline a cost effective for a small portion given it's not exposed to sun and rain, is there something else that I could get away with? I thought of getting actual timber because maybe maintenance won't be such an issue. But I don't know how that compares cost-wise. Basically want the look of your's and original poster's photos. The windows on right will stay the same size, just fitted with more traditional style windows. And the windows on the left will be replaced with french doors. So there's not a lot to clad. Wonder if, having been through the decision process and actual install, you have any pointers?

Your designer should be able to suggest some ideas, but a lot will depend on your budget, and the slope of the land. If the rear of the house is very elevated to make the most of the views, you would be better off with lightweight construction that can be maintained easily from your balconies, rather than masonry construction, which can get expensive if you are a long way above the natural ground level. So you need to consider your budget, the height of the building, the surrounding environment (urban or rural), how it looks from the river, the orientation, your climate, and how close the new building is above the flood level. Best of luck with your considerations, Regards Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls.

Aside from soundproofing and double glazing , I reckon you are focussing on the wrong thing . The brick isn't great , but its not too bad either IMO . The browny red gutter looks dated , the white poles a lack of imagination , the fences unloved , the top rail on the balcony looks unpainted ( and the wires out of style ) and about the only thing worse than the white garage door would be to try and colour match it to the bricks , and make a big blank nothing . Charcoal stain the fence and probably the balcony rail , do the garage door and gutter in mid blue or apricot , or bright red or Emerald Green if you want to be noticed , and you are just about done . The white supports and white upstairs windows will now look different enough to stand out but blend in all at the same time , the bricks will be the 'base' you are working from , whilst the rest will be the items that add to that base . Future plans could be smoked glass panels for the veranda , or a new railing altogether , or even a new balcony -- up to you . Add a plant or 16 , make the entrance clearer ( is it out the left hand side gate , or up the right side ? ) , and it will take on a whole new look for $2-4000

It depends on your actual house design which may dictate a finish once you start to feel the concept of the internal design. This is a colour scheme which is timeless, with stone cladding added for warmth and interest. Your climate for house roof and house colours should also be taken into consideration.