Before and after! It's been awhile since I've posted anything but right now we have just finished the backyard it's been a major mission. Still got a lot more things to do around the house but I just thought I'll share these pictures. I'm not sure if the Japanese buxus will grow nicely as the soil is very damp in that area.

The great thing about bricks is they are totally maintenance free. As soon as you do anything to them you will always have to do it! Embrace the brickwork go industrial or use light furnishings and mirrors as well as skylights.

Australia has nice examples of painted and rendered Art Deco homes. If it was a different kind of brick I would say keep it, but I think painting/rendering would really brighten the place. I love the windows. Although all pics here don't exactly match your style, they are all of that era. As mentioned in above comments, there are mix of landscaping styles that suit from conifer/gravel/grass to cottage rose garden to an Australian native garden. Do what reflects you and how much time you have for your garden.

Hi Suewiley, Great advice from the other contributors, but beware white is just not white!! This is where a lot of people go wrong. And you need to be aware there are many different undertone colours when you pick your neutrals both cool and warm. With the orange coming through in your floors the previous owner has picked up on this and painted the walls with this tone which tends to emphasise the floor and date the home this is also a warm tone. If you want to lift the space and give it a more modern and airy look I would look to introduce a blue undertone neutral to the walls which is a cooler tone it will modernise and make the space brighter and seem bigger. Blue is also a perfect complimentary colour to orange you also have blue green coming through your couch and violet in your rug which sit beautifully next to blue. Will also lift the kitchen which only appears dated because of the emphasis of orange from the floors and walls the colour change will really make this area pop. Using Dulux, I would recommend 'Lexicon Quarter'on the walls. I would keep the wood beams as is and go with a Vivid White on the ceiling. Hope this Helps. Good Luck! Thanks Paul