Great space, Marcie. Certainly, dark colours will help to create a more intimate space. Cool colours work beautifully with white plantation shutters creating a restful space. Looking at the room now, I suggest you need to incorporate some texture. Seagrass wallpaper is a great start. A textured rug between the bed and the large picture window will help make the space more intimate. Add a couple of tub chairs by the window at the edge of the rug, and add cushions and throws that co-ordinate with your final colour choices. You may even wish to add a couple of big leafed indoor plants. Decide on your theme - coastal, tropical, shabby chic, southern belle, contemporary - these all work with plantation shutters - and then add colours, textures, and lighting to suit. Cheers, Penelope

Oh! Sorry I misunderstood your post. I think it depends on what type of planting you will have along your fence line. I assume it will be a Colorbond fence? I wouldn't introduce Shale grey. Of those two I'd prob stick with Surfmist but then I think greenery looks FABULOUS against Monument fencing. The whole back of my house is Surfmist acrylic render and we have chosen Monument fencing and garden retainer walls/seating around the perimeter of our garden as it provides a background of depth against greenery. I know you don't like Monument though. Houzz does give you a variety of opinions and does make you think outside the square. Good luck with your choice!

Where are you located? I have seen these at cerdomus tiles in Richmond and Moorabbin tiles in Moorabbin if you are in Victoria.

Hi Kerry, Hope your poolside landscaping is going well. We wrote an article on low maintenance plants for around your pool in Australia. We go through some pros & cons and list some australian natives as well as imports. Love to see some photos when you are done. regards Steve