It's really a matter of personal taste, but I think I'd add a blue. Generous but simple drapes in linen, or for a contrasting texture something with a sheen would look luxurious with a quality rod .

I love the races and I do bet, big time $1.00 each way on my fave numbers, whichever jockey is wearing purple or a horse name I like the sound of. Have been known to lash out on Melb cup day with a $10 bet, just for a bit of fun. I go to local luncheon and buy some sweeps its all in fun and most functions are in aid of a charity. you have a nice meal a couple of drinks, play some games, sometimes watch a fashion parade. Then later watch the race that stops the nation. A fun day out. Oh, also get dressed up wear your finest hat and maybe win a bottle of wine. All good fun. One day to go to the Melbourne Cup the crowds dress crazy and have a great time. I have been to Sydney's Rosehill for the Golden Slipper but nothing on the Melbourne Cup. As for the alternative a deserted island, golden sand, and calm blue ocean, laying on my hammock with a fruity cocktail sounds devine.

love your house...pipes are a necessary part of most homes and paint has already blended them in a little, the simplest option for the gas bottles is to talk to the gas supplier and a plumber about moving them around the side..as long as they're still accessible for refilling they can be in a more discreet location. A wide "footpath" across the whole back of the house covered with an open pergola and a covered area extending to the brick barbq? with a screen to add privacy from the neighbours would look fabulous and also disguise some of the pipes... add a few big pot plants and some furniture and there won't be any ugly bits

I like the look of the outside of the house , and initially I wouldn't change the yellowy beige colour . What I would do is get the concrete block retaining wall either rendered in the same colour as the house , or if the budget ran to it -- get a genuine stone facade . As far as gardens to soften the look , I'd stick to the meditarreanian theme , and do a couple of 2 metre tall green leafy plants in wooden round planters ( half wine barrels or similar ) , and maybe a long , slim garden ( 4 or 5 metres long by 40cm wide ) with marigolds or similar .