You need pop.... I do not think gray would give you enough. Maybe you could paint the door red and replace the awning with something more refined. if you could find some of the of the same or coordinating bricks from the chimney then you could make two poles out of them and a wooden roof painted white. Or for a less costly route just paint the door some vibrant color an all the trim a nice clean white. You could also get some potted plants for a little more color.

Head to a window maker. They also supply fly screens. Metal door jams so should be able to make a custom size screen door.

A lot of applications don't get approved first time or just require further info. Just having a design and plans prepared is a very small (but vital) part of the whole process. It all starts again with the application and approvals, more documentation and paperwork. They can ask for different information or can 'reject' a proposal but will then accept it if you provide the necessary paperwork. They can and will move goalposts without advising anyone or the development officer may require different specifications to another colleague..... You never mentioned exactly what the objections were in detail so hard to comment exactly. There are many alt's and add's around the Newtown and Inner West so it can be achieved. This is an area where I would recommend using a good local architect as they do plans, documentation, sort the approvals, tender and project manage the build. There are good Building Designers and draftsman too but an architect will have the headache of the approvals not you. A builder I did a bit of work for a few years back said it took him 2 years for an approval. He did the plans himself as it was minor...... He then found out along the way he needed Heritage Reports, Noise and Acoustic Reports, Stormwater........ Yes, Floor Space Ratio was mentioned. The minor alteration wasn't as simple as first expected. I've done a couple around the Inner West in the past (3 years+) and have one coming up in the new year in Balmain. The job is for a builder I know very well so I couldn't exactly say 'No thanks, try a local due to their local experience and knowledge'. I did advise him of the difficult nature of the area and council but he's ok with that. My advise to you would be make a solid decision on what you really require for the works? Can the existing plans be amended easily to be approved? Are the major objections 'major' or is the correspondence only written to make the issues sound major? I would also meet up with a local Architect and have them go over the plans and council objections and advise what to amend or what further documents are needed.

i wonder if the red travertine would be more interesting on the vertical panel around the front door right up to the higher roof as well as the verandah floor.?..would be a really striking feature against all the grey and white and maybe some galvanised steel for the posts and/or garage door? Sounds like it will be a great house in a fabulous location, good luck with your new home