Painting the front door a personal fave funky colour would be a simple start and would a more substantial letter box. A few landscape comments- because Landscape is invariably cheaper than building works. The white gum is magnificent but does not look good with the palm. Palms have a relatively compact root ball and are much easier to move. If you have a more tropical part of the garden maybe move it there or advertise it on gum tree (tee hee). It looks like you might be in Perth from the plants. You just need more plants in the front garden and to extend the beds a little. the existing style actually looks good from the photos but is not extensive enough. Decide on a simple theme with the planting that goes with the white gum and the xanthorea because it is a bit of a mixed bag with the palm, little conifer and the flax? If you get out to a native nursery e.g. Zanthorea or Lulfitz you can get some inspiration. Plants like kangaroo paws and scaevolas are fun in Perth to get a bit of colour in a native garden although both are short lived (2-3years)

I know best thing for mums is to have their own bathroom. As looks like you don't have an ensuite I'd be working on that before a playroom etc. why do you need a mushroom if gave double garage. Can't that be study/playroom ?? Alternatively live idea of new entry but seems too big Can't part of that be a study? Keep refining to get what you want

Thank you everyone for your tips. I am feeling more confident now, I can start to picture what has been recommended by everyone. I am curious to learn more about some of your comments: GDP Interior Design - you mentioned a repeating pattern on the balcony, could you please further explain what you meant by this? The floor tiles or railing or wall? I am intrigued as we really want to add a little something there. Also, great tip with the eave colours, to be honest, I would have just gone plain flat white but I guess this would be too contrasting with the other colours if we did right? Sammy Elder - I LOVE your idea of the cantilevered/suspended roof. Thank you so much! That gives us something extra to work on! LesleyH - Plantation shutters is/was right up there on the to do list. They are very expensive for what they are but they certainly are popular. Could you please help further describe what you mean with your comment about cladding? I was looking at cladding options and initially was thinking I could clad the top half but there were many comments about how it often looks like you're trying to cover/hide something (bad walls, cracks etc). Thanks so much everyone, what a great community this is! Dan.

I also sourced a wood tile to match the wood flooring we laid inside to create that natural flow to achieve that indoor-outdoor space. The shutters really complete the room protecting it from the elements and for privacy!