This is just like our Mediterranean house in Canberra. It was rendered white which never cracked or got mould on it, though I would prefer it to be done in a modern colour like our current home on the Gold Coast which is a rich sand colour with a heavy bagged appearance that has faded from a strong dark sand. With beautiful dark patterned orangey tiles all outside that reflect their colour on the walls during the day it is quite magical. Roof tiles also spray painted after being re pointed. I suggest you amplify the lovely quality of arches and don't go for what is trendy. But go with colour scheme for the house design. At our entrance there is a built up garden courtyard feature with wonderful iron gates and a large water feature in the courtyard that the lounge room looks out to and has the French doors that also opened onto the courtyard garden. Commence the courtyard wall to the left side of the steps and create a flat area at the gated entrance where we had a north single gate and a west double gate. The Pines were planted on the outside of this courtyard wall and gave extra privacy and blocked the westerly afternoon sun. The house always looked impressive, yet was just a simple presentation.

Hello, this is exactly why window treatment specialists such as ourselves exist! There are a lot of options depending on your preference for internal look. Some simple ideas such a dual roller blinds have already been referenced. You’ll have to meet with a consultant to see how two fabrics pair, especially if you’re considering one being light filtering. You can also mix treatments such as a dark roller blind recess fit to the window, and a light roman blind fit over the architrave which will give you a soft fabric finish. Alternatively white plantation shutters contrasting an exterior black window frame can actually look really stunning. It does depend on the style of the black framing you use. Feel free to post a picture of your style of window frame used and I can try to help you online Shannon -RPShutters www.riverinaplantationshutters.com.au

I'm not expert, & no very little about the rating systems. But have heard they're pretty opaque, & as mentioned may not really mirror real world outcomes. I'm surprised that overglazing the northside will result in too much heat loss. If anything, with the right sized eaves, I'd expect it means too much heat gain in winter (& shaded in summer) in the day. But as mentioned by Paul, it's important that you have thermal mass within the home, to absorb this heat. Which can then be released over time as the home is cooling down in the evenings. Thermal mass are heavy materials, like masonry, concrete, & even water. By absorbing heat, & releasing it slowly, thermal mass knocks off the peaks of daytime highs, & nighttime lows, keeping the internal temperature more stable. Without it a lightweight home can become too hot in the day (even in winter on occasions) & too cold at night. Thermal mass is especially important inland, where the difference between daytime highs & nighttime lows (called the diurnal temperature) is greater. So if you are away from the coast of definitely investigate whether you have enough thermal mass in your home. A north facing concrete of tiled floor will do it. It will greatly increase the comfort & energy efficiency of your home. Instead of aiming for the bare minimum when it comes to energy efficiency, resulting in less comfort, & much higher bills. More about thermal mass can be found on this wonderful government website, http://yourhome.gov.au/passive-design/thermal-mass

I'd avoid a light overall colour - we inherited a fairly new pure wool in a light beige and it's a nightmare to keep looking good. I'd give anything for my old house's slightly mottled berber, but I'm not sure that would suit the style of your house/room. I'd go for something that you like and which would go well with the type and colours of your bed linen. Don't go too dark either - I also lived with dark grey in a bedroom and it showed every minute light fluff from clothing (not to mention the white underbelly fur of the cat we acquired.)