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.

I prefer being in a house I own, I think most people would agree, but it is possible to feel at home and connected to a community in a rental property. Length and stability of the rental makes a difference for me, as does the reasonableness of the landlord (I've been booth a renter and a landlord and here is a definite balance between letting tennants make the place comfortable - hanging pictures, indoor plants, pets - to preventing your house from being damaged.

If you like gardening I would probably stick with a traditional style. It tends to be so much greener than a native garden and would also add street appeal (which is a big one if you ever consider to sell). If you are going more native out the back you will have the best of both worlds! As to what you plant... well it all depends on where you live too. Do you have a budget? That will help the design experts when they swoop in on your post. Reading a recent design dilemma I was quite impressed with what 'thedesignworld' did with a small backyard. [https://www.houzz.com.au/discussions/boring-backyard-is-asking-for-a-makeover-dsvw-vd~4319568?n=16[(https://www.houzz.com.au/discussions/boring-backyard-is-asking-for-a-makeover-dsvw-vd~4319568?n=16)

White kitchens are neutral, they go with everything, so I don't think they'll ever be out of fashion. The "dark recycled black plastic sinks" sound horrible, and this is the first I've heard of that trend.