Thanks all for the suggestions! White ceiling really makes sense thanks Helen. I would not have thought to do that but as i sat out there over the weekend it makes perfect sense. At this stage I'll stick to repainting the deck as well due to the cost but long term I'll definitely be looking at sanding or replacing the timbers of the deck. With all the dark colours it really does have an oppressive feeling and i almost feel like i need to hunch over as i walk through so lightening up the colour scheme is definitely the way to go. And yes Angela those blind will be going :)

Thanks. So, you could have access to a external tap garden near by? You could put some small irrigated vertical gardens in this space and plant out some grasses or low growing or cascading plants. This option will require some thought to the wall structure and allow the water to drain away and keep the wall space relatively dry. The other could be (the photo is not good to see) run horizontal wires internally in a set spacing you desire on the timber cladded wall. Then, plant outside in that corner (in ground or in a large pot) and grow a climbing plant (star jasmine or similar) and train it to grow on the wires you set inside that space. This will tone down some of the hard materials and add some softness... Just a thought!

picture frame all around? Fashion is only dated if you can remember when it was new so, for me diagonal looks very 70's but, enough time passes and a look becomes vintage or classic so it's really a matter of personal taste. The difference will be that the new decking products look so much better, laste longer and are easier to maintain. From the little i can see of your house a more formal style would be my choice and decking laid at right angles to the house allows for the easier extending with more decking? if/when you replace the old bricks on this side of the pillar

Hi there, thanks for your comment I do like the light timber fans but my husband thinks there is too much timber already so I feel a little confused as I want a look that’s says contemporary. We will paint the walls white As I want a beachy feel. I love the retro ligh tooo but, sadly it will be replaced and will be more centred over the staircase. decisions, decisions