This is the house...cheers

We get great views from the front windows so thinking about replacing the railing with clear glass. We like to sit outside on the right hand side to enjoy the views- the covered area to right gives shelter from rain and almost goes the full length of the house. The area directly to the right, seen in photo, is only enough room for outdoor table and chairs. The inside of the house will be moderneised is neutral and latte tones so was thinking of same tones for render. We will remove the iron security gate. Do not want to change the colour of the facures and gutters as they do not need re painting. We are thinking of just repainting the garage door rather than replacing it to save on costs. We are replacing the front door with double doors.

I've only had a quick look, but I reckon I would go with a light grey render either side of the 'chimney' on the top story, with a dark grey on the actual chimney and garage on the ground floor and light grey to the left of the arch.

Would probably also add a soffit to the balcony to cover the exposed beams (white area in photo) and then paint the railings and face something lighter (maybe match the light grey?)

For the arch you could potentially cover the top in timber battens the same way the two upper story windows are (cool windows by the way) or if you are rendering then could frame the top up and blueboard/render although could cause maintenance issues in the future.

If you got really serious and didn't have a great view to the street or wanted more privacy I would even consider modifying the balcony railing into a slatted screen type setup that goes up vertically by your upper story pergola and ties into street side in a 90 degree, and also follows the pergola/roofline upwards (pink section) providing some privacy and covering the view of your pergola sheeting.

Personally, I like the brick. I wouldn't touch it. I might give some thought to changing the covering over the deck to the right of the picture.

"Woodlark" House · More Info

And you're right about squaring up the front door. Other than that, I wouldn't try to "modernize."

you could render and clad the rest that way it can be two colour rather than rendering with two different colours..

I love these..next project for hubby..to clad part of the back of our building..they come in colorbond colours for ease of use..

I agree with jmm1837 about the brick. Why would you bother rendering - there's nothing wrong with the brick! Everyone asks about rendering - I can't understand why, because the fad won't last and then everyone is left with the ongoing maintenance, when they could have just left their beautiful, natural bricks alone.

As for the arch, this looks to me like it is a supporting arch. I doubt whether you would get away with changing this without council approval. And what's wrong with the arch - its part of the character of the home. Why change it?

I like the face bricks from afar. Any chance of a close up?