Air condition is called aircon, the combo air conditioner & heaters that you hang high on a wall are called swingers. Countertops are called benches, yards are called a gardens, closets-wardrobe, bonus room-rumpus room, hardwood floors or any wood is called timber. Living in the country is living in the Bush. Carpenters are called a Chippy, electrician -Sparky, brick layer-bricky, plumber-dunny driver. Downtown is called CBD. Neighbor is spelled neighbour. If a room is painted and decorated in updated colors & pattens they are called “Fresh”. If a house is updated in higher end-sophisticated materials it’s called “smart”. Fittings-are basically light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, appliances. Color is spelled colour. Picture rails are still pretty common. Queenslander-is a traditional style of home in Queensland that has a bungalow/Victorian/country/cottage feel. “security screens” are popular on windows & doors-which is a metal lattice. Full fences around your property are also popular.

My other bush of Rhodys, taken today, I'm on top of the steps, it's about 6 ft. I've cut them back each year, they were huge when I moved in. Not good to have huge bushes near the house if there's a bushfire. The first bush has finished flowering. It's a hotter pink.

Hi Leigh, If it were me, I would consider speaking with a professional designer. I believe that designers will do consulting work for a reasonable fee. Reason being, I don't think you will find one color to swap out all the purple. For instance, the purple downspouts would be better white, if the gutters are white. If the gutters are brown or another color, you might choose that color. Do you like the baby blue? Do you like how much baby blue you have on your house? You may find that the French doors would look good white, while the front door would look great black, hunter green, midnight blue, red, or another "statement" color (almost anything will be better than the purple) that contrasts against the cream house. The previous owners were most likely looking to accent the cream and cut it a bit with the color, but somewhat missed the mark for your tastes (mine, too). A professional designer will help you coordinate colors and tone down how much color is used. This person will help pick out colors that you will love and will make you feel happy when you look at your home. Changing the paint will work wonders on your home, but you want to make sure that you don't keep one of the colors simply because it is there. Another consideration for color is the type of house style and geographic location. Colors that look great in a beach setting may not work well in the mountains. The consulting fee that you pay will be money well spent and will help give you piece of mind. Start to notice what colors you like on a house and which colors you don't like. Just remember. Don't keep a color just because it is there. Keep a color because you love it. Good luck. You'll do great. We look forward to seeing pictures when you are done. (So sorry for the "book". :-)

Let's keep it nice, I don't think EthanWes is as precious as you may think and it is a forum for personal opinions after all. I also thought the comeback was unnecessarily aggressive & unwarranted. I would keep whatever you put there quite subtle and simple in colour so it doesn't draw the eye. You've got a nice retro/scandi feel from the look of it, see it as another way to carry this through?! So some ideas: - a small succulent in a low 1-2" pot, possibly including a trailing one such as Silver Falls (though don't let it get too out of hand!), will help make it look less compartmenty. Or even Ikea http://www.ikea.com/au/en/catalog/products/40349079/ - a couple of neutral coloured cookbooks stacked horizontally. - a nice low serving dish in a soft grey - but make it one you will actually use, not just for aesthetics! ; D I have a similar one to this https://www.countryroad.com.au/shop/home/kitchen-and-dining/serving/60209668/Tiro-Salad-Bowl.html https://www.countryroad.com.au/shop/home/kitchen-and-dining/serving/60203911-9084/Tapas-Salad-Bowl.html and use it a lot. - or, if you like your tech, it could be a great place for a small wireless speaker. Expensive example, but something like the Bose Soundlink Mini If you're looking for more ideas, 'open shelving' should provide lots though you are constrained with the very low height of the shelves.