Ah but cloudpants what are you making it real in comparison with? Who's to say that not painting them wouldn't look far better? Before you say anything....I made no comment either way...and yes it does look really good!

Art-deco was popular in the first quarter of the twentieth century, whereas this home was probably built in the last quarter of the 20th century. I would not categorize it as art deco, even though it has some art deco influenced lines. Without seeing more of the home I would guess that it is more post-modern, and possibly built in the late 1980's, early 1990's. Post Modern architecture often "borrowed" elements from architectural history, and this home has borrowed some art-deco style. Houses from this period were commonly rendered, often with horizontal banding, made a feature of the entry, and incorporated quirky, playful, architectural features that today seem a little irrational. elements.

Cast a block of concrete, make up a frame to size of base you need, you could tint it if you like, this would be a fast and easy alternative to raise it to the height required add the appropriate holes for the pump and electrical requirements before the concrete sets, have seen this done and it works a treat.

Thanks for your thoughts here Julie. I agree the darker colour does create a more dramatic and elegant look. I think I am more concerned that the portico being such a large imposing structure may end up looking too dark. Most of the time with something completely different its more a case of it growing on you I suppose and I would need to replicate the same colour with all my wood beams on eaves down the sides of house, gutters and pergola. I been told to keep it simple with one colour for everything. would you agree?