annb1997 - Yes, that is part of the reason I'm doing this project. The entire area will be lowered, re-graded and some drains installed (the garden edge is kind of temporarily in place for now, got a great deal on the plants so they had to go in). It's a bigger job than anticipated as it also means the air conditioners (x3) need to be de-commossioned and re-installed at the new levels. John, I like the idea with regard to the tank, but we get allot of bitey critters and I don't really want to give them anymore areas to hide out in.

there are way too many colours going on here. Your home is a traditional style and yes the cream and green are traditional colours with the reddish brick however why did you put grey around the windows??also you have red scollops above the grey and it doesn't do the house justice. What colour was there before you painted the grey?? considering grey is a more modern colour I think you were attempting to modernise the externals. in saying that the roof would have been better to paint charcoal the cream in white and then the grey and then the driveway would be done in a grey stain. but if you leave it the way it is and cover the red scolloping above the windows the same grey and the bricks below the windows near the ground grey as well then get the drive way restained to the reddish colour of the bricks on the house and then it would blend more and look inviting.

Hi Robert, take a look at DeckCell - this could be an option for you. https://nexgendecking.com.au/products/diy-deck-cell/ . Available in 50mm and 30mm.

Hi there, I’m looking for advice on outdoor pool tiles/ pavers- Hubby has picked an outdoor alfresco tile that runs into the pool area- I’m really worried about having tiling around the pool area- even though they’re outdoor tiles- are they actually non slip? I’m more inclined to go for a sandstone paver or travertine paver. I’ve never tiles used around a pool and am worried about potential slips with young children- the sales people at the tile shop and our interior designer say it’s not as issue. Help. Thank you