Didn't know anyone still did the free making on curtains anymore, but Spotlight do have a lot of sales on ready mades - it is just getting the size. Most of Spotlight's ready mades are thermal backed too, which could be practical for you, they do make a difference keeping the cold out, but I like to have a sheer behind as they do block out light. I liked the idea of a nice rich cream brocade and there is usually quite a bit of choice in that sort of thing. Loved your outlook too, looks lovely and peaceful. I do like colour through my home but not that much and I weave 3 or 4 colours through the house to tie it all together. Maybe Bunnings had a sale of wrongly mixed colours :)) I think you have done a great job downstairs, you have created a simple backdrop to let your furniture and furnishings shine and set the mood. No, I was talking ceramic tiles for the bathroom, I just had my bathrooms done and had the option of laying tiles over the existing tiles to save costs. I would only do it as a temporary solution, if you think you might redo the bathroom totally down the track, but I know others who have done it to save costs and the step hasn't been a bother, I guess it would depend on the tile you chose. I ended up with a bit of a step anyway because the tiles I chose were quite thick. Just trying to think of options for you. There are also outdoor carpets that might work, they used to be quite patterned, but if you like Persian, you might find something along those lines. Trying to think now where I have seen them. I'm wondering if Bunnings might have something.

Thanks everyone for your further comments. No problem about it being an old post, always nice to communicate with people about design solutions/problems. Jilly, I posted some photos on 1st January 2016, they appear further up in the post. Garden Beet Pty Ltd, and Morel Construction Ltd, both of your solutions look great, but our problem still remains the western Queensland sun which is pretty vicious on anything that will either wilt, fade or break down. It was quite a difficult challenge to come up with something that was affordable, workable and durable. I would love to have had plants because I believe they soften large "hard" exterior areas, but we have decided that we will do that with pots around the pool area. Still have that to do, even after all this time. :) Thanks everyone for re-igniting this chat. Jilly, hope you find something that works for you.

Thanks for response, great website I can see myself wanting to spend too much time on there :) I'm thinking of having a crack myself now as brother in law has a drop saw and said he can give me a hand. If it's a total disaster then I might look to a site like that but probably can't afford it. I was thinking a carpenter could knock it up quickly from scraps rather than an artisan but perhaps too specialised.

I want to become an IDstudent for multiple reasons. I recently finished high school and during my final two years I did ATAR hoping to get into Uni for interior design... but then I messaged the owner or 31 interiors (A past student of the interior design institute). She told me that she didn’t go to University or tafe and instead did the interior design institute online course. After hearing her recommomdation I quickly looked up the course and fell in love with the structure of it, and how detailed it was. When searching for a uni/tafe it is very hard to understand what is actually included in the course and what you will be learning, however with IDI the whole course was laid out and it had everything I wanted to learn about before becoming an interior designer, in extreme detail. I also love how there are advanced modules, this is essential to expand ones knowledge. I would much prefer working online as I am then also able to maintain my casual job and enjoy time with my family and friends too, while i work towards the career i belong in. I have always loved interior design, most of my family work in careers that are to do with housing. My sisters a painter, my brother in laws an electrician and my dads a carpenter, so i have always been around houses... and I always used to imagine the beautiful interiors that could become of them after my dad has finished putting the roof on top. Youre always pushed as a child to be a mainstream teacher, doctor, lawyer.... but i never fitted into any of those fields, the arts were more my style.... and when I found the interior design institute I felt complete because I knew that was the only pathway I wanted to take to become an interior designer.