For the patio cover, what about some retractable options? https://budgetawnings.com.au/productImages/Black21_65.jpg http://www.canopy4u.com.au/retractable-awning-patio-cover-folding-arm-grey-5-0m-x-2-5m-motorised.html?gclid=Cj0KEQjw5ti3BRD89aDFnb3SxPcBEiQAssnp0qH9AeIqM_YoaoT0P7Qj-dUwCooEPRoLaA4OH8OQSTAaAhQS8P8HAQ

We went with Monument and I am delighted. I was worried about it making the house hotter, but not at all as we added some extra insulation while the roof was lifted. We look over our roof to Mt Dandenong and it really feels like we are floating above the rooftops now (previously had a lighter color). I have also noticed there is far less glare being darker. Pic below is not my best shots ... but you get the idea. Forgot to add we also have a flat cliplock roof and used a combination of Monument and Dune on the house.

FINALLY after too long, have completed one of the upper cedar wall replacements (& the most needed)... still debating colours. Altho I was set on the cedarshield natural cedar oil product, everyone is pushing paint due to longevity... because we missmatched old with new boards on verandah section, don’t think cedarshield would bring out same colour evenly unless a lot of time trying to ‘clean’ the old boards top layer. SO, back to colours. Thoughts? Light and beachy/modern is attractive but don’t think it’d suit the simple timber cottage look it has had for so long. Thinking dark trim with lighter weatherboards?

I think everyones on a similar thought process about the house colours , and I'd go dark too . The garden is alright , and is actually more modern than the house IMO -- it all suits . You could go maybe some lancewood and flax and more modern , but I'd keep the older base . Some things I would look at though -- the driveway looks a bit wonky , and the left side a lot older than the rest . I'd be tempted to dig the left side up ( it looks to be panels so a bit easier ) and redo that side in one pour , and maybe see if you could 'fill' any wiggles up the other side . I'd probably paint the garage door , monument would be the logical choice but it may be too much / too dark then ? Light tones won't suit , who wants greys , browns are yuck , and even my go-to of an orange or yellow or even red might look too try-hard with your brick . And one last touch -- I'd add a dark ( charcoal probably ) cap or even 100 x 100 square brick laid horizontally along the top of your front fence , to tie in with the cap on the left side post , but also your house . Just a little feature that will add a finishing touch IMO .