I'm not that keen on it. While I love traditional homes, this one doesn't relate to Australia at all. It's not our venacular and seems particularly American. Jacuzzi? I thought we all threw those away in the 80's?

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.

Oh dear, I've been through all these 'trends' .. Terracotta : the 90's , tiled my whole house in terracotta Cork : got rid of lots of cork tiles, walls and ceilings in a house that we bought and renovated - in the 90's Jewel Green : had an awesome jewel green suede lounge from Freedom - in the 90's haha !! I would love a jewel green velvet lounge but I'm never going terracotta again !!

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.