I couldn't tick one or the other of the boxes – I think the choice has to be made contingent on so many variables. In fact we have painted timber, double-glazed bifolds (with a fabulous retractable pleated fly-screen) at the end of the dining room leading out onto a terrace and a painted timber, double-glazed slider (with a timber-framed sliding fly-screen) on the other side of the kitchen (but on the same axis) opening onto a raised timber deck. Each works really well in terms of function and aesthetics but they would not be interchangeable as the different locations determined which was more suitable – but they have been made by the same highly skilled window craftsman and have given us nothing but pleasure. And on a hot, steamy evening with both open we have the most wonderful cross ventilation.

Practical functional easy to clean kitchen ... I would bring colour & style in with things like bar stools & kitchen appliances ... It looks as though it connects into a living area ... That is where you can bring in your personality ... Great space along the top where clock is ... Again another space to colour with your style with art work ... If you have a free wall add in a kitchen type piece of furniture, that has open shelving... I think it is quite neutral & easy to inject personality without major changes to what is there.

This is a nice simple style of home that's not going to date too badly. I agree with the above suggestions except for painting. Once you paint you can't go back. You'll always have to paint from then on. A simple timber front patio would look great (floor only). Modern landscaping, stencilled driveway (if budget permits) & then the widened entry (if budget permits). I think the most important element is the landscaping. Mass planting of only a few types of plants will have a great effect. Ask nursery staff for advice. Take a photo with you. Good luck & have fun :)

Not exactly - lots of experience with climbers over structures, but not right next to the house like in your photo. However you could get around the light issue by planting a deciduous climber - wisteria or clematis for instance - which would let winter sun in and block summer heat. (... eventually.) Plus, considering that any kind of solid or transparent roofing material will cut light to some extent, a deciduous climber could well be the most light-friendly option. You can always thin them out a little as they grow, and the light that does penetrate will be unfiltered. The shade that plants provide in summer is always superior to the shade from solid roofing anyway :-)