Yes we are replacing treated pine with a hardwood this time but I just want to make the right choice. Still it's nice to hear you are happy with it . Anything will be a big improvement I do like the idea of an Australian hardwood that is from sustainable sources though . I gather it's been down a few yrs and you haven't experienced the shrinkage someone else complained of ? Thanks for the feedback . This site is great :)

What is the purpose of the roof? Do you just need shade cloth to provide shade on a hot summer day? Or did you want a corrugated iron roof to provide protection from the sun and wet weather? Or did you want a shutter-style roof which allows you to open and close the shutters? I would have thought that a modern, shade cloth "roof" would be doable without too many issues.

Omg..I love it ..very, very jealous

Hi. I agree painting the posts & blocks (if you need to keep them for structural support) white. Another idea if you are handy is to build a timber rail and balustrade (painted white?) in place of the lattice. The lattice does provide some shade lower down, but maybe you want a different look. Your bricks are a good colour, and I like your Acapulco chairs and the macrame pot hanger. I think you could run with those colours (along with the white paint idea) and pull off a Mexican theme in this space.