Hi Deco Everything that I have collected part from the dining set which was an investment has been from garage sales. So I am quite happy to part with everything... I think the most expensive was $10.00. My problem is that I cant focus because you are right. I just have too much going on in different styles. Going with the style of the dining table - where do you think I should head with rug choices from everything I am reading - it says I should zone out the room?? I am staying away from leather couches and heading towards a cotton fabric. I really just want the space to be comfortable. Thanks for the tip about the ideabook. I've been collecting here and then, but mainly watching how people solve their dilemmas. I look but don't comment much.

Thanks for your comments, for this project at Roseville, the frame for the decking was treated pine, and the top decking and the side screen was treated pine size 90mm x 22mm, we used decking oil (intergrain) Ultra Deck marine grade,( you can find it at Bunnings) with a (Merbau) Tint, this gives the timber a hardwood look. if you want to use a hardwood timber, I recommend using (Merbau) it comes in 90mm x 19mm and 135mm x 19mm. The decking is looking to the backyard Garden, nice view,

I like the look of the outside of the house , and initially I wouldn't change the yellowy beige colour . What I would do is get the concrete block retaining wall either rendered in the same colour as the house , or if the budget ran to it -- get a genuine stone facade . As far as gardens to soften the look , I'd stick to the meditarreanian theme , and do a couple of 2 metre tall green leafy plants in wooden round planters ( half wine barrels or similar ) , and maybe a long , slim garden ( 4 or 5 metres long by 40cm wide ) with marigolds or similar .

Great suggestions by dreamer, I think a dark colour for all your trims would look great, even the eaves, we painted our eaves same colour as our trims and I absolutely love it, it gives a really edgy stand out look, try with colour swatches to give you an idea, along with your fence to highlight the entrance it will look fabulous. So many colours to choose from, sample pots are worth it to get your desired look.