thank you for the feedback. Ill likely plant Camelia's in the rock terrace and remove the struggling pines. appreciate pointing out the article... it helps a lot.

I would paint the carport black - roof and all. That way the new pool compliant fence disappears. Then any wooden features you add...eg the Moroccan screens become the focus. The carport will disappear. The black will also provide a good backdrop with the green plantings. It will make the area seem smarter. Not sure what colours your house has...but assuming white if mediterranean... However if it is that pinky colour or yellowy beige black might not work... Can you describe your house or show us a pic

Hi,

house is white. ( Photo attached )

Given our climate I'm not inclined to paint the pergola black... When temperatures exceed 35+ c regularly during summer it will be a thermal oven rather than a relaxation zone.

As much as the colour contrast would be great. I've already used a number of black pots to help create the contrast and this has worked a treat so far.

Having watched an episode of Better Homes and Gardens last week I'm inclined to use wooden slats ( horizontal ) to screen the carport from the BBQ area and continue these through into the pergola ceiling to create more of a relaxation zone.

This will also assist to cool the area in summer.

Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2015.

I've made some progress. Still part way through.

I have a door under the bbq and am looking for thoughts as to whether the slats should be horizontal like the screen or vertical?

I'm thinking horizontal to keep in theme...

Would appreciate anyone's thoughts

HNY to houzz'ers

I think that horizontal would be the best look, as you have a ceiling/roof that also has a striped effect and at the opposite angle already. If you put the slats on at a vertical angle, you will have another stripy effect which is going to annoy you in the future!

Keep remembering that houses, rooms, outdoor areas etc always look good because they flow on to each other. Does that roof area get hot?? I know that our house, when we first bought it had a similar shaped pattern, but a much older (talking late 1970'a) material used...and it was stinking hot in summer and we could not even sit out there. If is is hot..you could insulate the ceiling area and then cover with sheets of waterproof ply and stain it like your screen.

I know it all costs money, even if you are doing it yourself. We (as in our builders) actually cut into the house roof and sourced the exact tiles from a house demolition and we now have a huge totally covered area that looks like it was always part of our mid 1940's home.

Good luck with it all. So far it looks much better than seeing the garage area. Would love to see a photo of the end result.

Keep at it. Cheers to a brilliant 2015!!

Cheers for you comments. Much appreciated.

Thankfully it doesn't get hot, it was 34'ish on the weekend and I didn't recognise it, it has a really good breezeway, but will as a part of the next stage line the "ceiling ", likely with the same slats to enable better lighting to be installed ( 3x industrial green shades ).

As I'm doing it DIY I am breaking it into manageable chunks.

The area will become the hub of the house once I'm finished.

Photos to come as I progress.

Looking good TB, definitely horizontal for the barbeques.

Have you thought about agaves and aloes for the landscaping, for that hacienda vibe? Not my usual choice but style wise would fit, added bonus of low upkeep and low water.

Cheers.

I like the agave idea...

Screening is now all but finished.

Next steps are to put bench seats on top of the garden beds

Next steps virtually complete ... Just need to oil the bench and its done. Storage underneath makes it very practical

That looks amazing!

Looking good. Now you will need to get new pavers!!!! And on it goes.
Can't wait until it is finished. Cheers.

Have you thought about putting thatching or bamboo screening products(heaps of different products at bunnings) ON top of the tin stripe roof to disguise it and make it look like a balinese style hut, also paint the poles ect in a matching brown.

The next stage of the outdoor Reno will be to replace the section of the black pool fence with glass panels and to line the "ceiling" of the pergola with the same spotted gum slats as the wall to take away from the metallic feel. This will be an after summer job as I want to be able to enjoy what's there already for the next couple of months without adding more pressure to get the next big job done! Though I have already tentatively booked my day labour assistance for early April.

I hadn't thought about the posts at this stage, but will likely disguise them with spotted gum as well, given there are only 2, this won't be a big impost.

your thoughts are much appreciated KK... Cheers

Gates completed over the last weekend.

Catches yet to go on and organoil to be applied.

The time to enjoy this space is here...

Gatherings planned and BBQ's scheduled.

It's looking great!

The next stage of the project was kicked off over Easter....

The table shell on the left will look like the one on the right once the rains stop here in Canberra...

Topping it with 140mm wide spotted gum .... Will be impressive once done

Power tools and my creative capacity were stretched over the weekend.

Glad you are enjoying that Queensland weather that we sent down there for you!
Your hard work is paying off. I would definitely not put any sort of thatching anywhere...you will be forever replacing it. Keeping going with the wood idea.
Cheers, loken88.

Much appreciated Loken..

It's qld weather mixed with Canberra chills.

Nice rain and it gotten a tad dry down this way so no complaints.

Cheers

The table is almost there.... Whilst it was a chilly weekend the back paint stuck and my 9 yr old son and I got the table top on yesterday ... Need to put the shelves in, sand the spotted gum and then give it a good dose of organoil....

Slowly slowly...

A light sand, Organoil next and it's done!!!

Lights over the pool table

Hello,

It looks like you have your work cut out for you.

I would like to introduce our product that could be of use in your application.

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http://landscapetanks.com.au/gallery/pool-surrounds-fences/

Those tanks look awesome!

Thank You Fiona!

Hoping you enjoyed your 'new' area during the Christmas/New Year period.

Are there any final photos? Would love to see the results.

Just wondering how it all worked out. Amazing where the time went....he we are 21 January 2017. Have you finished it all? Would love to see more photos of your work. Cheers, loken88

Ah... the pool area has taken a back seat with a busy work schedule and a rather wet 2016.

Work went inside to floors and prep for a kitchen refit... flooring attached and kitchen in final measurement confirmation stage to wrap up by end of March