I can see three bays of open structure, effectively created by the posts. They outlook to a triangular yard without any dimension or perspective because of it's size. To address this the area needs to have defined function or form to improve it's overall look. With a tight budget, spend the money on practical high impact as you know, I suggest building two mobile units that consist of a treated pine box frame to he lower part with vertical frame on the back, to clad this I would use stained timber battens or merbau so the bottom box component will be either a box storage seat or a planter box. My preference is to say a seat. The frame on the back would extend two thirds the height of the posts, so it still retains a top window for light and frames the structure. Given these frames would be on lockable castor wheels, they could be in place to close in each end of the bays, leaving he centre open as a doorway to the garden. They could be moved when entertaining back to back to create a division, or at each end or an L shape at one end to create a lounge, making the spae versatile all year round dependent on weather. They also would not restrict installing outdoor OCD blinds if required. Now for the fun part. In one of these mobile units, the back screen should have a window sized open cutout, that will allow a view out to the garden beyond, I'm thinking the left hand side, to play on perspective, like looking through a kaleidoscope. On the lawn I would dump a few square meters of topsoil, and mound a Esther large hill at this end, planting an established tree, like a japanese maple with perhaps round edged garden beds to the perimeter, this will mask the size of the block. Use silver birches along the fence line, they grow large wNd allow lots of light through, the white trunks are beautiful features when base lit. Having a tree on a hill raises it to viewing point, and makes you Wang to walk out to a natural environment. Ground covers are good alternatives to a lawn, mosses and crushed granite paths that curve from start to end, all the wAy using colour and layering of height and foliage. Add a ceiling fan to the roof, outdoor furniture and close in the ends of the space, the bbq end i would say stud frame a solid wall here to screen the neighbours and provide an enclosed cook station, clad the frame with exterior blue boars or FC sheet, then paint it black and to finish it i suggest getting hold of some firewood, cutting the logs into 40-50mm rounds like tiles and adhering them to this board, it will create a stunning feature and cast glorious light over the wall. Its natural so will age well, withstand the elements and be a constant talking point, all for the cost of some basic framing and some firewood. Without a big budget you need some creativity to pull off a beautiful space that really impresses. The other end with a framed section of concrete rio, this is the perfect climbing frame for espalier or a fruit vine etc. Cushions to brighten up the mobile seats and potter plants in groupings along the house line. These mobile screens could also hang some small suspended pots for herbs for he BBQ end,

Our backyard is used heaps for entertaining! We also have a spa which is great in winter :)

Tell me about it, the ones across the road were going all day and night in the front yard, including revving up a motor bike they're not allowed to ride! my hubby wears flannie shirts when he's not in work gear. He likes ripping them, that's a trend that should end. of course, all Australian flag thongs (flip flops) are made in China!

Yes I agree not to paint or add an faux type treatments as over time they will deteriorate and the bathroom will look tacky. My suggestion would be to hang two large rectangular framed photos. Use a light gold colour for the frame and almost silver looking one but you can just see the gold. Keep the framed photos light and classical, not to busy. On the vanity add a tray the same colour as the photo framed or with a mirrored look. Use white fluffy towels and a Scandinavian style light colour timber towel rack. Possibly a gold colour pot containing a leafy green plant. My