You're welcome! Roof/city scapes are like landscapes, but the views are of roofs not plants. Google roofscapes images and you'll get the idea : ) And if you're not bothered by the roof next door then I'm not bothered by the roof next door! I'm sad to say though that your metal outside stairs idea will likely not get approval from your local Council. I say that approval is unlikely because that roof next door seems very close, so I imagine the setback of your house (and theirs) is likely as close as Council will let you get. In other words, no building of any structure such as stairs would be allowed in the space that's there now. But never say never...give their planning department a call or submit an enquiry online and just run the plan past them. Maybe instead of stairs you actually mean a Juliet balcony? (google it!) Even that plus the type of window it's attached to is subject to Council approval so again, you would need to contact them. Plants on a Juliet balcony would indeed be very charming but I'm not sure how realistic this option is. So all that being said, I'm still going for my roofscape/cityscape option to better incorporate next door's roof. Roofscapes can include trees too you know!

Hi Nathan - I suggest you use what you have already. if the soil is poor, plant something that likes poor soil like nasturtiums. The leaves and flowers are edible and peppery. Ferns are good in damp areas too. These would have a deep water effect around the deck. Desert plants are lovely with coloured gravel - no spiky ones if you haven't much room. Maybe put down fake lawn so no mowing. Nail up a large mirror to enlarge the view of plants and flowers etc Strong mesh to hold up two vines - clematis, passion flower, mexican glory vine, pandera or a prize-winning table grape trained up the washing line. I did this with an old rotary line so we could sit underneath in the shade and eat grapes :) I would wash the fences very evenly with white or coral lime wash. Cheapish to make. i would experiment with beetroot juice and curry powder (the strongest stain-makers) to get the shade of coral. Cheers Hooley D

Hi as you say its a bit bland and needs a bit of life added to it. I think black island stools and 2 large pendants or else go with 3 smaller glass pendants. Or industrial style pendants. It depends on the look you are after and as you say keeping the yellow splash back, does determine the look and color scheme of the room! Here are a couple of ideas. Good luck!

Hi K K, Megan from Bluethumb online art gallery here. It looks like you've got a really neutral set of furniture to work with, which means you can really take the space into many directions decor-wise! I definitely agree that an artwork would look great on the wall next to the dining table. Also some bright cushions on the couch, and perhaps a rug could give the space a breath of fresh air. Check out our blog post on colour blocking your space to see how you could link the colours to the artwork: https://bluethumb.com.au/blog/artists/embrace-colour-block-trend-art/. This is really trending in interior design right now. As for some artwork suggestions, I've got a small list, however you've worked with neutral timbers and blacks in your furniture choices, you could really choose anything. I've gone with some abstracts that I think will really work with your modern furniture. https://bluethumb.com.au/haruyomorita/Artwork/Soul-Portrait-2015-3 I've gone and mocked this up for you, so you can see how an artwork would look on that wall. If you prefer a more monochrome palette, these are two of our most popular artists: https://bluethumb.com.au/marnie-mcknight/Artwork/aspen-marnie-mcknight https://bluethumb.com.au/maggi-mcdonald/Artwork/splash-dance-161610 Or the kids might appreciate a more colourful approach, these are from our staff picks selection: https://bluethumb.com.au/natasha-todino/Artwork/charanamiee-vs-squid https://bluethumb.com.au/lauren-daly/Artwork/desert-rose-lauren-daly https://bluethumb.com.au/susie-monte/Artwork/ariel-susie-monte Let me know if you'd like any more mocked up, any specific coloured artworks or some in a different style. Hope this helps! Megan