Thanks Ladies! There are four down lights on either side of those light already (LED bright white - so at night it is fine I am more after helping to lighten up the whole place during the day). We chose those lights so that the natural light from outside is not obstructed. We had a big round light before that and it blocked it out. We have solar tubes in our kitchen already and love them - this is but just one area of the house where we have these coloured doors there are 7 others in the open space leading to different parts of the house - I chose this angle as it shows the two types of doors I have to deal with. Can't change the table - it is really expensive and hubby did not like any of the lighter ones when we were looking. Our old table blended in to the floor so table had to be lighter or darker. The rug under the table and chairs help to break it all up. Am considering more small solar tubes for that particular area too.

Hi Fiona. Those boards were replaced after initial build (after installing new wider slider), so that’s why they were lighter. It was weathered and needing a clean and recoil there. I took cutek’s (expensive)advice and started with quik clean (loosens dirt which was evidently incorporated into my layers of oil), then followed with pro clean (timber brightener). I scrubbed my butt off and was still not happy with the result. It just didn’t evenly clean it up, and I used fairly concentrated doses, and got down on my knees to scrub, not just a brush on a long stick. I oiled with cutek extreme (instead of cd50). Some more pics, after scrubbing then after oiling (still dark). I did redo my handrail in johnstones deck oil, and it appears to be lasting well, no peeling... but I’m still a bit cautious about risking my deck with this finish (water based over oil). I think I’d prefer dirty weather deck than a peeling finish. Next house I’m only having timber deck if it’s entirely undercover!! Do you have a similar dilemma?

I am sorry I am going to disagree with Julie Herbert. A "feature" contrasting material to the existing decking is not going to be a "design statement", rather it will always look like you are trying to fill in a hole where the bay window used to be. Every time you use this door it won't look like a design statement, but a ghostly constant reminder of the old bay window. Better to remove the old decking that is adjacent to the hole, and replace with new decking of the same width and profile along the wall. Tidy up the remaining decking and refinish the new and old timber at the same time with the same decking finish. The outline of the old bay window will be lost forever and the difference between old and new will be minimal. Putting in new decking is simple and cost effective, bringing in different materials, such as tiles or stone is not simple or cost-effective. Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls.

Hi helke, how different we all are, I think your door is fabulous, by adding clear glass to the side, you will look at your door in a new light , to have such a unique door, you are very lucky. Also by adding decking and landscaping you will love the contrast the render will give to the overall look,you will love how the different textures will blend together to give a beautiful look, but we are all different and you should do what makes you happy every time you walk up your garden path to your home.