Hi, Barbara! Hello, my friends in the Houzz! I got caught in the whirlwind of construction works and a wedding and family homecoming that went with it! Now, I am happy to be back supervising the works. I made additions to the house, mainly at the back, making outdoor living and relaxation as a feature with the grill and outdoor seating and mobile Kitchen all added around the small bath area. Security here in this country is a big consideration, which leaves me with not much choice but to build high and strong fences and gates. My challenge is how to allow for a view of those cornfields and meadows just behind the house, providing a natural awesome backdrop to the 450sqm small property. It may not disappoint you too much to know that I went for the cut stone cladding for the four tall gate posts in front, a copy from the cladding on the posts of the front veranda, only, they are 2.2meters high. There will be two wide gates that will allow entry and exit of suv's on a half roundabout. The whole stretch of the front fence and gates shall be 2.2m vertical iron rods all lined up in a picket. This should allow the least obstructed view of the property from the narrow road. I shall send you more photos of our finished product :). In the meantime, this is how I have fared... Blessings to you, all!!

Hi mldesign, thanks for the lovely feedback. Ironically, this is a fairly amateur set of photos but quite popular on this site. I think because it's real life and a real improvement, and quite acheiveable.If you look at the teenage boys room on my profile, that' my son's room -another real life situation. It never really looks like the after shot though, because he is normal and I'm happy for him to be that way. I think as long as I provide the faciltiy for him to be organised, I have done my job as a Mum. I did have pro shots of that done last week so it will be a better quality scene soon and I'll do a whole story on the storage for kids. Yes being oragnised can save a lot of hassle and frustration. People often think I must have an amazingly tidy and organised home, but what I think really matters is finding the right facility to keep you as organised as you personally want or need to be, and that's different for everyone, and changes throughout life and it doesn't have to look pretty to be organised. I also love this little girl's room photo and the one of the little boy's room that because this client was one of those who told me that what I had done for themtotally changed their lives. Seems like a big deal really,but so glad it works. I also did their walk in wardrobe and the study -also photographed- again just phone shots but you can see what an improvement it was for them. Another in my collection of favourite clients.

It's a nice house and I think mid gray colour for balustrade and windows,white for eaves and you need a lot of landscaping to do , that is what is dragging house down. Demolish timber structure and get a professional to help you plan landscaping. The driveway has seen better days needs resurfacing or replacing. It's hard to advise somebody when we don't know your taste, budget,habits,lifestyle etc. Good luck it's a big job.

Love the sentiment!