Put in a ceiling fan to keep mosquitoes and other bugs away.

Great idea for the flooring. Thanks

You mentioned maybe having slate flooring around the pool. Just remember mid-dark pavers can get impossibly hot in the sun. We have slate-coloured coping around the pool and limestone-coloured pavers everywhere else. As you can see in the photo, the coping isn't that dark, but, wow, it gets hot in summer (too hot to walk on, unlike the lighter ones which are fine). On a large area I would consider a light grey to avoid burnt feet and the radiant heat trap effect. Great area you have to work with, though.

Thought about incorporating any laser cut steel panels? They can be used as a decorative outdoor art piece - with or without an LED ribbon light, or it could be functional - i.e. in place of glass, you could use a steel framed balustrade/rail with laser cut steel panels. All steel can be powder coated in your choice of dulux colour, or you could use cor-ten steel which is the type that has a natural rust finish. It's also great as screening that can bring shade and/or privacy where needed. Give us a shout if we can be of any help - customised laser cut steel is our speciality ;)

Hi guys , you are about to embark on a major renovation that will enhance your lifestyle which is great . I would highly recommend that you engage a professional landscape designer to maximise your investment . The long term benefits will definitely outweigh the relatively small investment of a couple of thousand dollars on a great design of the spaces and how they will bring the most fun and enjoyment to your family , and at the same time increase the value of your home .

Step one is to seriously consider your budget , and then get a great design that maximises every dollar . Your budget will drive your overall design concepts and your construction priorities . This is even more reason to be working with a good design plan which will guide you through the whole process and keep you on track . The plan will manage your trades and keep the project true to the overall design objectives .

From a design perspective , your suggested black and grey colour scheme would work if you are going to render and /or paint over your house brick , so that the actual home is modernised as part of the total project . If you are not going to do that , then maybe you would consider a lighter but still modern colour scheme for your outdoor structures . You can still trim with touches of black .

The black pool fence is designed to make the structure visually disappear , so I am not sure if you should be choosing black as your dominant outdoor colour as dark structures also are hard to see in bright sunshine , plus they are harsh on the eyes up close . But black trim added to lighter thicker timber pergolas can add a sophisticated and elegant detail line .

Have you had your pools pressure relief valve checked to make sure the concrete shell doesn't pop out of the ground whilst the pool is empty ?

Your photos show that the view from inside your home out to the pool area takes your eyes beyond the pool area and into the distance . A good landscape design and placement of outdoor structures will help you bring your outdoor pool areas " back to the house " . Also choosing appropriate planting will be an important part of creating your own little paradise at home . Don't be scared to create some visual vertical barriers as they will give a beautiful private resort feel to your home , and they will actually make the outdoor pool area seem larger , but cosy .

Carefully look at the orientation of everything that is designed for your outdoor spaces , as your pool area is exposed , so shade and weather protection are crucial as part of the design.

Lastly , I hope you guys read my comments as constructive input and not negative , as I am just trying to help you consider the " big picture " with your home and investment . If you do it well , you will have great fun and maximise your dollars .

Good luck
Glenn

Typo , was mean to be "if you do it well " . Good luck :-)

I would keep the floor outside a light colour. Render the wall that the fireplace will be one with ornaments or some hanging feature on both sides.
Have some kind of decking near the pool with also a dry plant in a pot sitting on the deck.

The window(s) and door I would have a timber frame instead of aluminium.

if you want to stay witht e black theme you can use the Maintenance free decking Millboard and go for the carbonised range. This can go right up to the pool as it has no timber fiber in it so no rotting/swelling etc. YOu can choose the rustic look (carbonised Emberred) or machined look (Carbonised Charred).