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

Gorgeous Mediterranean area, and I can imagine just how stunning it would be with a fire pit in winter time. To keep with the style, keep sun out yet avoid creating an enclosed feel shade cloth is the best way to go. If you wanted something easy to put up and take down, I agree a gazebo would work really well, like the one below: These are some DIY solutions - you can usually pick up these products from your local Bunnings, or learn more about them online. Plenty of colours, sizes and shapes to suit your space, too! Hope helps - can't wait to see what you decide to go with!

Use moisture resistance plasterboard, FC Sheet or it could be lined with timber as a feature. There are quite a few options but plasterboard or FC Sheet are the most popular as builder's do this regularly.

A grey colour with a green undertone could work nicely... this way working with the green fencing and trims. sample pots are definitely a must so you can play with strength of grey and ensure correct undertone. If budget allows vertical cladding could transform the space further and create visual height...