I have miles of decking at two houses. All timber when put in the Australian sun will suffer. When building our beach house we decided to go for Spotted Gum and let it grey. Why fight it? We applied Cutek, and will on a regular basis. At our main house we have lots of Merabu or Quilla. Will not grey the same, and leaches lots of red stain. Cheap, but would not use again. What ever you use, use a good quality oil that seeps deep into the wood not a traditional stain/or top finishing product.

I think the shutter idea would suit very well. Sliding timber shutters that open to let the light in. Timber is warm and will follow through into the kitchen tieing everything in for flow. Am assuming the timber will also be a great insulator. I'd still work on the outdoor area also as suggested. This would help to open the house to the outside and incorporate an earthy natural warm feel. Effectively, with herbs on the patio and a plant in the lounge, opening the area up whilst creating connection. It feels rather multifunctional and purposeful. Winter nights you have a cosy home, spring summer a functional, aromatic entertainment or relaxation area with the option of still overlaying with curtains should you desire. Roman blinds are simply not as functional or clean for doorways as a sliding directional shutter door. Place a great rug piece on the floor and you've defined the floor area. A tall standing plant in a corner will bring timber shutters and room size to life. Perhaps a feature painted wall behind the lounge to draw in colour from the patio and kitchen. :) Enjoy!

For such a quirky and interesting table in a bohemian and eclectic interior I would consider a set of eight Philippe Starck Ghost Chairs. The classic lines would complement the design of your table, but the clear polycarbonate would not conceal that wonderful pedestal. In addition they are stackable, so you could stack four in a corner, and have four chairs out for everyday use.There are reproductions available, however the polycarbonate is not the same quality as the original Kartell brand, and seems to be more brittle and prone to snapping. The clear ones are classic and are readily available, but I think one of the transparent, smoked versions (perhaps with the gold tint) would work even better. http://www.spacefurniture.com.au/louis-ghost.html Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls

My house has these and they are great for breezes. I certainly wouldn't remove them. In one room I have double roller blinds, sheer with blockout. In the other room I have single block out roller blinds - over the top I have a floor length sheer curtain on the bigger window, then both windows have matching shorter valances. Hope this helps. BTW where I live in a sub tropical climate these windows are very popular.