Hi Sandra, Being in a marine environment either option you go with will require a bit of maintenance over time the salt air is pretty unforgiving. If you do decide to go with render make sure you go with an acrylic render it will last alot longer and avoid cracking much better than if you go with a traditional cement render only. Generally the cement render is applied and then the acrylic render is applied over the top this makes the cement render a lot stronger and more flexible. You can tint the acrylic render to the colour you wish so if you want you don't even have to paint it. Although some people still apply a bonding agent and paint it regardless. Good luck with your project I hope it turns out great.

Who says you have to have the same colour inside and out. I have double hung windows that are different colours. Yes, there is a 'seam' where the two colours meet but it's only really noticeable when the windows are wide open and even then only pedants notice.

We have done all of the downstairs open plan area in Caspar white quarter. Skirts done in same colour in gloss with vivid white ceiling & cornice. We had a4 samples of 4 Dulux whites: Snowy Mountains 1/2, white exchange 1/2, white polar 1/4. Moved the samples to every room with hubby & wrote down which we preferred. Tried them in north and south rooms in day and night light. CW1/4 was hands down the favourite. It looks great - crisp & clean with no blue, we love it. Photos were taken at night. Hope this helps.

gorgeous pictures. thank you all for your comments. painting is still underway. turned out to be a bigger job than any expected. but its looking good. very white. i have never lived in a white house! i will post pictures when its finished. since you hall have been so helpful though i am going to keep asking your opinion if thats ok. im trying to update. eventually we will renoved kitchen and bathrooms and new carpets. but for now just trying to go slow. atm door all have gold handles...keep them / update? and i have taken the handles off the linen cupboards and wardrobes. i bought 300mm graphite but not sure. any hints? https://www.kethy.com.au/product/pm2810