I remember years ago being in a similar predicament and someone gave me some mirror tiles - I glued them on the the wall and thought I was very clever. They actually did look much better in my eyes. Try not to spend too much - I think everyone's idea of a shower curtain will all the bathroom colours in it would probably be the best option. You'll laugh about it in years to come and you will love the improvements you make over time. Enjoy the moment, unless you're selling soon your ideas will change after living there, so change when you can afford it - who cares it's YOURS. Good luck, it's so rewarding and so much fun. P.S. now we have a small bathroom, wall to wall tiles, dark grey on the floor and white on all the walls with a large grey tile up each opposing wall, tall mirror over the handbasin which reflects the opposite wall then a full length bath with shower over it. It works perfectly and looks great.

Hi Sandy, I haven't personally worked with anyone as some of our owners are still picking their jaws up off the floor stage with the requirements for engineering, specs, costs etc that they're up for - which is why I raised it in the first place. Let me comment on your points. EC's are LIABLE for the decisions make and the impacts of those decisions on all owners, the building and themselves so under their duty of care they're going to want the t's crossed and the i's dotted. They've got skin on the table that other owners don't have so are truly invested in what's happening and working with owners when and where possible. You indicated that you were looking for a design that would be sell-able to the EC - they'll automatically require that it's in keeping with the other buildings so that's already your starting point. Talk to them before you engage anyone to design so that you know how they think - they'll want to work with you and be on your side to improve the building and it's live-ability). I'd also suggest that you invite a nominated member of the EC to sit in on any briefings you give to designers/contractors so that you have a smooth run and have the EC as part of your solution not an obstacle to your problem being fixed. In your comment regarding precedent unless you know for a fact that the structures on the other buildings were put up after the completion of the original build - I'd argue that: If the shade structures on the other buildings were part of the original build then no EC within the buildings life have had to approve or reject a request for the structures and those structures are part of the building which makes it part Common Property and therefore there is no precedent. If the other buildings shade structures were fitted after the bylaws were set then you need to find out how the bylaws were done - exclusive to a particular unit or particular group of units OR as a blanket bylaw for all the apartments across all the buildings within the complex as this will impact on your costs. If by-laws (regardless of how they've been done) pertaining to shade structures on other buildings exist then the EC "can't reasonably withhold permission providing that criteria are met" but they can put conditions on it which is why its a good idea to talk to them before you talk to designers/architects/suppliers. If the by-laws don't exist then they have the right every right to say "you want it, you pay for the Bylaw change" (and how they elect to do that will be up to the EC and the Strata Manager not to you) or they could just say "no". Regarding your comments regarding building codes that's mute at this point - you, your fellow owners and the EC should be looking at product/design will be fit for purpose (ie., making sure that it's got suitable wind ratings, the structural integrity to deal with conditions and location requirements and impact of the specific product etc. and how it'll be managed long term. It's assumed that it'll be installed to building code and will be stated in their permission conditions as a standard clause.

Read this first from Consumer Affairs Vic: Complaints about your manager Discuss any concerns with your manager in the first instance. Many complaints or disputes start as misunderstandings and your manager may not be aware of the issue. If this fails, you can: contact the committee or chairperson and clarify the manager’s duties and responsibilities in the contract of appointment. The contract may also set out a process for complaints with the manager make a written complaint to the owners corporation or committee. Your owners corporation is required to have a process for dealing with grievances make a written complaint to Consumer Affairs Victoria apply for an order at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) if your manager is a member of a professional body, make a complaint about any breach of its code of conduct. The complaint may need to be lodged by the owners corporation rather than an individual. _____________________________________ So as a first step (absolutely free) why don't you write a formal written complaint to the Chairperson outlining all the steps you have taken etc & the threats you have received etc. Make the letter logical, chronological & unemotional & include all the reports, emails etc that you have. I would copy this letter to: a) the manager you have been dealing with b) the MD/CEO of Strata Plan c) all other owners d) Consumer Affairs Victoria e) all associations that they belong to - according to their website Strata Plan is an active member of industry associations such as Owners Corporation Victoria, REIV, NCTI f) CEO of the insurance company involved By copying all these people in on the complaint you make it very clear that you are serious & you are not going away. It also applies pressure to Strata Plan to do something.They won't like it & should start talking to you in a sensible way. I would state at the end that if a satisfactory consultation and resolution was not found within 14 days you would be left with no option but to lodge an application with VCAT and engage legal advice. Good luck!

@sirisukey. Yes my desk is under window as it is only a small room. It was running along wall under window but moved desk to right angles, facing north, so I could see door and out other window which did increase the problem with sun. I haven’t got around to buying a blind yet as it is a non Standard window size and I wasn’t sure if they were needed. Have windows on three sides and only need blind on the eastern window. Just moving some of my paintings to block the sun at present, It’s the old laundry we changed to study last year.