Didn't know anyone still did the free making on curtains anymore, but Spotlight do have a lot of sales on ready mades - it is just getting the size. Most of Spotlight's ready mades are thermal backed too, which could be practical for you, they do make a difference keeping the cold out, but I like to have a sheer behind as they do block out light. I liked the idea of a nice rich cream brocade and there is usually quite a bit of choice in that sort of thing. Loved your outlook too, looks lovely and peaceful. I do like colour through my home but not that much and I weave 3 or 4 colours through the house to tie it all together. Maybe Bunnings had a sale of wrongly mixed colours :)) I think you have done a great job downstairs, you have created a simple backdrop to let your furniture and furnishings shine and set the mood. No, I was talking ceramic tiles for the bathroom, I just had my bathrooms done and had the option of laying tiles over the existing tiles to save costs. I would only do it as a temporary solution, if you think you might redo the bathroom totally down the track, but I know others who have done it to save costs and the step hasn't been a bother, I guess it would depend on the tile you chose. I ended up with a bit of a step anyway because the tiles I chose were quite thick. Just trying to think of options for you. There are also outdoor carpets that might work, they used to be quite patterned, but if you like Persian, you might find something along those lines. Trying to think now where I have seen them. I'm wondering if Bunnings might have something.

love the idea of the very dark walls with a very dark floor and try complementing the opposite window coverings with your courtyard garden...subject to climate and sunlight, consider potted bamboos and azaleas with white roller blinds to look like shoiji screens for a Japanese look or plantation shutters with palms or Aussie natives with wooden venetians or ferns and sheers but always include the window furnishings to complete the outlook from your extension

the measurements look more like a hallway space..challenging but never impossible and any internal room can always be improved with my favourite Solar Skylights (try Illume or Arcol brand available at major hardware stores) but, if you're planning to retile and adding another room there's no better opportunity to see if there's any opportunity to rearrange the space to a more comfortable shape..post a plan including of all the adjoining rooms and the new room

First - fix the proportions. remove the square hedge and possibly second hedge in front of the window. The fence on the right should be moved back in line with edge of house as it is making things look out of proportion. Colours - You need more contrast - keep the bricks, paint the garage darker, maybe charcoal. The arch - The arch around the entry is a bit off putting - I think it is because it is blocking view of the door. Could it be removed? If not, might first idea is to add some malibu wood paneling near the door or make a little wooden entry deck in the malibu. Second idea is to grow some vines or greenery on it. and remove the three little scrubs. Or instead of vines add two big potted plants on each side of the arch to make it more welcoming. Hope that helps Best of luck