I thought those were gum trees outside that window that's why I asked. I'm from Perth. I got my blinds through Spotlight made to measure. They came out to do the quote and were very helpful and had a great range to choose from. Also, you may have even more options if you go through a company that specialises in window treatments. Check out your options.

Hi Jenny, You have not posted any photos, so I hope i am on the right track with this advice! I have recently assisted two clients with updating their property, both of which were similar to how yours sounds. In the first instance, the timber panelled ceiling was retained and the exposed brick walls plastered over & painted in Resene 'Quarter Spanish White'. In the second instance, the timber panelled ceiling was retained and the timber panelled walls were painted to match the remaining plaster walls (a picture is attached below). In both instances, the spaces were dramatically opened & freshened up and modernised. I think painting the panelling and retaining the brickwork (on the basis that you like it) will work very well.

i painted my cedar walled lounge room . you can find the after and before pics under ”ugly brick fireplace” and is a quick makeover idea. you could find someone to render the brick wall like i did with my fireplace , if you want to lighten up the brick wall. hope it all turns out well for you.

" .....there has to be a better design " - that's why I'd love some input here! The 800mm gap under the box gutter will hold storage, the toilet, the 'european laundry' and the wardrobe for Bedroom 3, so certainly not wasted space. It will address all the storage needs, and will enable the garden-facing side to be quite open. No - pergola timbers are not preexisting - extending new ones from the new roof will be the primary shading device, and can have anything added to them to shade them. The box gutter enables the extension roof to be pitched upwards towards the west, creating a higher ceiling, enabling some kind of opening above the bifolds, to enable hot air to be expelled. Not that my own finances are the business of this discussion, but if I can get to lockup stage with my own cash, I can apply for a bank loan for the fitout. I'm not sure of your own experience OKL, but preliminary quotes for lockup stage were around the ballpark I'd mentioned earlier. I'll upload an updated floorplan soon :-)