The stone is from YDL Stone called Kalala Shan. I wanted caesarstone calacatta nuvo but that would have broken the bank! This one still has that marble look I wanted but it's actually a warm base more off white, goes well with wood and the trouble I am having is which grey to put it with in the bathrooms! I was thinking light grey with off white...where did you get your tile from?

As a minimalist I would forego all plants, put in a low wall and use slumped glass or preferably glass block. This would let in the light and also make a cosy seating area in winter. I've found glass block to be a wonderful insulator on a west facing wall - warm in winter, but keeps out summer heat too. This would also extend your living area, keep out flies and mozzies, and prevent you seeing that awful roof next door. You could also take the shadecloth off the windows leading on to that deck, which would be a bonus. I'm not a fan of shadecloth, and would always look for an alternative solution

I thought it would be, but it's not too bad actually. we door knocked the area to see who would sell, and this house said yes.. so that's why I'm trying to figure out if it's worth it. I would definitely open up the windows. Does anyone know how much even one window would cost... say on the top left combing those 2 windows into 1.. I have no idea. Just a rough guess? The house inside is actually an awesome reno potential.. they built 2 sides of the house in blueboard (I think that's what it's called) for an easy reno... but those windows at the fronts aren't so that's why I"m trying to get ideas..

I'd suggest framing it out and using it as a window seat. A carpenter could get that done in half a day. Anchor the frame to the wall, get a custom cushion made and fill it with some cushions and you have a beautiful space to read. Bonus is the minimal cost.