With the beautiful brown brickwork you need paint colors in more earthy tones. Cool greys and blues may clash. If you are in a hot coastal climate and want to keep the white make sure it is a warm white. A good field color could be the tan in the walk way brick. Mossy greens and dull golds could also work. Test color schemes with good old Crayola sketches to see if you like dark trim and a light field color or vice versa. Consider a bright pop of color for the door if the rest is very neutral creams and tans. Add lattice and screen to the sides of the foundation to keep critters out. Add shrubs and flowers. You need a tree or two. The porch begs for a swing or rocker.

Location is everything, I do love my house though but I often think if it wasn't where it is would I still love it as much and find its flaws quirky..and the answer is no, but it is where it is and it is where I want to be..so love, love, love

Lose the mirror ball. I think the hanging chairs are even a bit too much... perhaps two would be enough. It would be lovely to get out of the pool and lounge around in one of those to dry off.

Not sure how it would go in Brisbane but what about trying a conifer? They grow fast and very tall. You can shape them or leave them natural. They are plain and certainly not tropical. Maybe speak to a local nursery and find out if they would grow in the sub-tropical climate of Brisbane first, as they are usually in colder climates (Sydney and south). Leightons Green Conifer – Leyland Cypress http://www.evergreengrowers.com.au/shop/hedging-screening/leightons-green-conifer-leyland-cypress/ Your quite limited if there's not enough sun and you dont use bamboo or tropical plants. Many other screening plants or hedges wont get tall enough for that space and climate. I hope you find something.