Hi Deco Everything that I have collected part from the dining set which was an investment has been from garage sales. So I am quite happy to part with everything... I think the most expensive was $10.00. My problem is that I cant focus because you are right. I just have too much going on in different styles. Going with the style of the dining table - where do you think I should head with rug choices from everything I am reading - it says I should zone out the room?? I am staying away from leather couches and heading towards a cotton fabric. I really just want the space to be comfortable. Thanks for the tip about the ideabook. I've been collecting here and then, but mainly watching how people solve their dilemmas. I look but don't comment much.

It's a bit difficult without an image to give me an idea of the areas you are wanting to treat and the overall look and style you are trying to maintain or enhance. Typically, curtains and Romans can work very well in combination within the same room and even with the same fabric as this image, I think, illustrates: The use of pelmets (box cornices) in combination with the curtain treatments and Romans help tie-in the two treatments and help balance the stronger shape, line and form of the Roman's on their own. I agree with @chookchook2, the use of coordinated fabrics is preferable, if that is an option that is open to you. Also notable with this image is the use of a Roman and curtain in the same window treatment. Another example of the use of curtains in combination with Romans. In Australia, it is unusual to have unlined Romans. Soft traditional lined Romans are more typical here, and please ensure that the Romans you purchased are lined with pre-stiffened proper Roman lining and not the much cheaper curtain lining which can lead to 'sagging' over time. Rest assured, it is not at all uncommon for Romans and curtains to be used in combination.

http://pin.it/rpBnXNS Build something like this for the kids. You could put a sail cloth over the top or plant a creeper vine. Don't rush to plant things, work out a master plan and then do it on steps. On a slope like that you could easily have an above ground pool with decking that would look built in.

I share your exasperation! We have a large garden with clay soil at our place in sydney and limited budget to redo the whole thing! With 2 kids and work it's hard to keep the backyard looking good. I've found that lilli Pillis worked a treat for screening and grew quickly ie within 2 years were at fence height ( 50cm when planted ) though it looks like you have some hedges growing that may be these already? There are more tree like versions of lilli pillis eg waterhousia floribunda see picture - it's grown over 2 meters in 1.5 years now almost 4m tall and starting to throw shade. We lost a heap of shade when our large Blum gum was removed due to safety reasons. Another option might be a baby citro gum tree? For general landscaping I also love purple fountain grass another plant that really thrives in our climate. Gets to about 1.6m tall and looks very pretty when there is a breeze and they are nice and soft for kids. Agapanthus are another plant we cat seem to kill, and they flower all spring and summer. I often take a look and see what the council plants in the area, usually gives me an idea of what is likely to grow and not require excessive maintenance. There is a fair bit of trial and error some things that look great just can't cope with my low/zero maintenance strategy I now order plants from a wholesale nursery as retail prices can be a budget killer. Also IKEA have good freestanding umbrellas, works well and was cost effective, casts a large amount of shade and can be moved around the garden if needed. The lawn is a bit of maintenance but speaking from experience if you don't have to water it then mowing is probably easier than garden beds, I haven't yet found a way to really stop weeds, so that might be a consideration. Hope the tips are helpful.