Hi, For the ground floor balcony balustrade I'd think about doing a horizontal wire and then eco the horizontal lines with the upper balconies using a dark teak/dark stained timber horizontal slat. I'd also suggest painting all your door and window frames to match the colour used in the slats. I'd also be tempted to use planter boxes inside the balcony area's to grow hanging plants that will drape over the balconies softening the lines.

I'd also pull out the landscaping that is there and update it a little with lush green plants that aren't tall and near the house (I'm sorry, that palm just has alarm bells ringing in my head for spiders and work to keep it looking tidy) and I'd consider trying to gently swale your front to slow water movement on your property.

Thanks - you guys have the eyes and instincts we don't!! It has a really leaky roof which may drain our budget. How many $$$ do you think we should set aside to update the façade? I do like timber slat idea. What colour scheme? There are terrific ocean views from the back and the terrace - I see lots of parties on the roof terrace, once we stop it from leaking through the rest of the house!! More ideas most welcome..... :) H

The façade cost will depend upon the materials you pick and site specs (sloping blocks are a bit more challenging) and labour costs ( just make sure that you check your trades licenses, insurances and references for everyone who works on your house) - once you're structurally sound then the rest is straight forward (it's also been my experience with my builders - who are awesome - that they can come up with some amazing ideas that are cost effective and have a real wow factor). If it were me I'd ask around the neighbourhood for builders that can be recommended - they should be able to do it all at the same time and save you some money.

On the materials - I'd be tempted to go with natural timber that will weather naturally without needing maintenance - personally I'd lean towards a Japanese technique of charring the timber so that you don't need to do a lot of upkeep - called Shou-sugi-ban - the reason being that the dark colour will tone in with your window frames.

What an interesting concept -we love the simplicity of Japanese style - less is more. Can you recommend any sites that show this technique off well? House is in a typical coastal village and we like the idea of something different to everyone else.

Is this an expensive option - or a DIY thing - is it highly specialized?

It can be either/or. There are suppliers and there's a whole host of DIY-ers (http://www.architectureanddesign.com.au/features/list/five-charred-timber-projects-and-tips-from-the-jap and http://www.havwoods.com.au/shou-sugi-ban-inspired-planks-for-our-relik-range/ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4CeJIaI5Vg). You might get some odd looks from neighbours as it's not widely used in Oz.

Thanks for the links Georgio2. Such an interesting technique - would actually work really well for the Aussie environment. Found the youtube clip from Wales (Yakisugi Demonstration in Wales"), where you can do 16 planks at a time and it only takes 30mins. Doesn't even look that difficult. Now we just need to craft a great design concept to enhance the house façade using this as a possible feature. Re the neighbours.... Bring on odd looks :0 !!

Hi there - have you checked our Bodo Boards? We have an Imperial concept that would work if you are opting for a Japanese style - for just $89.95 you get all your internal colours, external main paint, trims, feature paints and even options for paving, balustrades, decking, brickwork and garage door options - it takes the hassle out of putting together your own colour schemes - http://bodoboards.com.au/collections/eastern