Thanks for the feedback, because there is so much going on, I was having a hard time trying to visualize an end result. Perhaps if I painted the bottom vertical battens the same colour as the floor/charcoal to give it a more solid look? I'm going to put some blocks under the panel to see what it might look like raised to the bottom rail.

I would place the sheeting on the inside of the frame. More street appeal and doesn't look so boxed in. Also, to create the illusion of more space, why not consider painting the sheeting white and the cross beams a charcoal colour to tie in with the decking. Or, the top rail and bottom rail charcoal and the cross beams and sheeting white. Whichever way you choose, the sheeting definitely looks better placed on the inside frame. Good luck.

Thank you for the advice and feedback,

I like the idea of raising the sheets to the bottom railing, (thanks for pointing that out, I hadn't thought to do that)

Ok so I tried it and it left a gap too large, so I had to add some framing lower down to allow some bracing to fix the sheets too, also makes it more stable.

Unfortunately I do have to close of the side as well as the front, we live on a main road so security is important, plus our dog would get out if I didn't close the side in.

Now I have added some extra support framing for the sheets the frame appears to look upside down? (thoughts?)

I also noticed whomever built the frame (owners before me) used different size railings for the posts on sides of patio? (hoping it's not obvious on the finish)

I have added pics of both choices and different angles? for a better indication, also note: I haven't yet added the bottom framing to the part by the stairs.

I'm going to finish framing the bottom brace, and paint the bottom verticals around the decking area at this stage, charcoal to tie in with the floor part then have another look at it, hopefully make the front look not so eclectic but more solid?

I like the charcoal paint idea for the framing so thank you, found some leftover in the shed so hoping I have enough.

I am really still undecided, I have added some more pics showing the added framing and sheeting from both sides.

Thanks Houzz'rs the advice and comments are helping make this job so much easier. The street appeal is a big factor and how others would likely view it if buying? really appreciate the input.

It really comes down to do you want to continue the cottage theme or indroduce a more contemporary look. Both are excellent. If you go with frame on outside I would bring the new bracing up to meet the current lower brace (to look like one solid piece). That way you could have a gap but still hopefully small enough to hold the dog. Paint the board in the lighter grey and the frame in the darker colour or leave board natural. You can always paint it later if you change your mind. What ever you decide I would recommend a wide tumber rail on top. Great for leaning on or plates of food and drinks and plants etc.

Inside, then paint the outside of board, which is exposed, the railings and cross timbers all the one colour

I would place board inside and like someone suggested those battens running under the deck I would paint it grey/charcoal - so it doesn't make a feature of that area.

Mounted inside the rails, in a dark contrasting paint or stain, to preserve the wood. The higher it sits above the rail, though, the more cover it offers for burglars.

I had to put it on hold after our storm last night, still yet to paint the rails and verticals first to get a better idea of what it will look like?
People like to sit out the front of their homes here?
I kind of don't, but if I have too? I wanted a little bit of privacy especially sitting so close to the road and a bit of shelter from the weather elements.
Can't wait to finish it though

I would agree with everyone else who thinks it looks best on the inside so you can still see the frame - it looks lovely. A sill on top will help balance the extra bracing on the bottom as well as being a useful leaning spot if you ever want one. Good luck - can't wait to see it when it's finished!

This is how it looks with the framing painted charcoal, not finished yet

thats very stylish - looks good

Angie, it's coming along really nice.. Looking forward to see it finished

It's carazy hot weather today however still persevering, this is what the panel looks like painted, I have used Dune (really light grey) same as the house.

It appears to be a unanimous vote to go with mounting the sheeting on the inside.
Thoughts on if I should go with painted side or natural board colour to face the front? (I haven't painted the other side)

Really nice, keep going. Oi, oi, oi

Painted looks really smart and crisp, keep rolling

very smart - looks good.

Hi Ange, looks good. I like the painted board facing the front. If possible, I would also paint the inside board as well - for those sitting on the verandah enjoying a cuppa - the view can be appealing too.

Thank you so very much to every one who has given me comments and advice on this one day (turning into nearly one week?) mini home project, I thought I would just whip this up in a day then realized it didn't look quite right? and better get some objective feedback before I continued.

I have taken on board everything everyone has said on here, this website has been fantastic help, complete strangers offering such positive feedback and constructive advice as well.
This would have taken much longer if I didn't have this resource of nearly instant feedback.

I am off outside, again to finish another coat of paint and hopefully get these hung tonight?
Then I can work out how to add the top sill/rail?

I like the contrast of the dark and light grey

inghink you should make the top railing wide enough to have an overhang on both side

definitely paint the board on the inside as well

the timber colour looks cheap

Biggest Thank you to everyone who has commented and given me such good practical advice for updating my little front patio/porch area.
Before I depart again and forget to update?

This is how it looks, I am probably at a later stage going to work out how to add a wider sill as suggested, however it does look so much better than before.

Such timely advice has given me the motivation to get it done.

I have left the roller shades on one side just to allow a bit of privacy from the neighbours and wind/sun.

And one day will swap the large couch for something more suited.

Hi ange, so well done, looks great, a nice place to sit and watch world go by, with a coffee or a wine, whatever takes your mood. Enjoy

Well done - good achievement

Great achievement, it looks goid

if you want to change that big sofa on the deck, get something made with pallets .get on my Pinterest Francoise Coadou- Porter and check my page pallet creations, loads of ideas

Great job Ange.. It looks beautiful

Very nice.

I think you have done a great job and came up with the best solution, well worth the effort you put in. I think you could have a ledge on top of the board painted in the darker colour. We have always lived/entertained outside and have found that a wide railing/ledge has been so handy and as I mentioned before great for pot plants and decorative pieces. I wish you many relaxing hours on your zen porch