The new windows look fantastic Laura! With a QLD summer well on the way no doubt you'll be patting yourself on the back extra for these new windows. On that topic, just wanted to ask if you had thought about how to keep that classic Brisbane sun out of the house to reduce the heat? If you wanted to keep the airflow going I wanted to suggest some wooden venetians perhaps? Alternatively, block out roller blinds, but considering the airflow venetians would be more convenient. Some inspiration for you below :) These are DIY install blinds you can purchase and have cut to size at Bunnings.

totally agree and would not like to any of the above lollie pop colours, Using White & black trims is classic and ageless and works beautifully with the bricks and terracotta roof. The brief is to keep the budget in mind, and I agree with not rendering or painting the brick especially just the front. Other than what is already planned, I'd concentrate on painting windows and trims and as mentioned replacing the gutters and down pipes, making over the driveway and clean up and plant the garden. Something that might make the house look a bit more up to date is how the carport is filled, will the wall facing the street be board that's rendered , timber, cut metal sheets or 50's concrete blocks painted or not. When you used to fly into Sydney it was a sea of red roofs now they're all monument and the walls similar. cheers

Thanks Tracy, that looks great. I'm confused a little. I don't quite understand the "don't paint the bricks" sentiment. I understand that there is maintenance involved, potentially needing to re-paint the house every few years. Not sure how that is different to having to repaint inside every so often or if we had weatherboard, etc. As to the shutters, more than happy to change that. We are thinking we remove them and also replace the windows as well. They are the same brown aluminium frames. Perhaps going a thicker, modern black frame, with double glazed windows as well. We like the shutters in that they provide some safety as well block out the light. But we hate the look of them. Otherwise it is painting the shutters, which seems like quite a difficult process as they are powder coated, and lots of nooks and what not to get in and paint.

Luxaflex Silhouette blinds would be a great option for you, you get complete privacy at night but have the option of privacy during the day as well while allowing full light. Unfortunately, they are also VERY expensive. Although you want to roll the blinds totally out of the way during the day have you considered the aspect of your rooms? Rooms facing East will have morning sun pouring in which can be very glary even in winter and of course rooms facing West will have all the hot afternoon sun making your rooms like ovens. Rooms facing North will have the sun in winter which of course is not at all unpleasant. As well you need to consider sun damage to your furniture and furnishings. Taking that into account, I think a normal block out roller blind would work well and maybe a double blind with mesh where sun might be a problem. There is a blind company I can highly recommend located on the Gold Coast but I'm not sure if they service Brisbane - No Bull Blinds. I had no trouble with their blinds at all and their service is excellent, nothing is too much trouble. You are getting close to Christmas now so you may find many companies are closing their books for pre-Christmas orders.