Hi Blufitch, Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. The four coffee tables are lovely, but I would probably opt for one of the two top ones. That being said, check the measurements first as these round tables might be significantly larger than your existing Ikea table. Re the potted plant, a taller one would be better, or you can put this one on a plant stand or even on a ceramic stool. But if you feel a mirror would be too much due to your mirrored splashback, leave the plant as it is and hang a framed print above the plant. It doesn't need to be big, but it's important that it s not too small so it doesn't look too "lost" on the wall. It's hard for me to judge the size from here, but a 70x40 frame might be ok. You could have only the yellow canvas above the couch, but you would have to bring in a few more brightly-coloured cushions or throw onto the couch, to compensate for the empty wall. Alternatively, you could also hang a large mirror above the couch. If you decide to do this, I think it would be best to move the canvas back to where it was, and hang the mirror in front of the window, so it reflects the natural light around and gives more depth to the room. The large Ikea Stave mirror (in white stained oak) is very reasonably priced and would work great. Just double check it fits first (it's 70x160)! Tell us how yo go! All the best, Nelly / Twinkle and Whistle

Thanks everyone for your further comments. No problem about it being an old post, always nice to communicate with people about design solutions/problems. Jilly, I posted some photos on 1st January 2016, they appear further up in the post. Garden Beet Pty Ltd, and Morel Construction Ltd, both of your solutions look great, but our problem still remains the western Queensland sun which is pretty vicious on anything that will either wilt, fade or break down. It was quite a difficult challenge to come up with something that was affordable, workable and durable. I would love to have had plants because I believe they soften large "hard" exterior areas, but we have decided that we will do that with pots around the pool area. Still have that to do, even after all this time. :) Thanks everyone for re-igniting this chat. Jilly, hope you find something that works for you.

Gal will go grey (mid to dark grey) over 12 - 18 months. Initially VERY bright. The energy absorbed changes accordingly, from sub 5% absorbed to ~35%. Zinc maintains brightness for longer, though still suffers some dulling. Say 5% to 15% over time. This can be avoided by coating with a product called 'Sharkhide' metal protectant, used to stop aluminium boats oxidising. For there reasons many councils will not allow zinc or gal roofing (visual amenity, reflection issues), while making the houses more prone to requiring summer aircon at the same time. Surfmist Colorbond starts around 9% absorbed. If purely for energy reasons, a light colour might be the only option. If going dark, I would suggest at least doing the 'less aesthetically important' sides and rear in a light colour. Your call. If you go all dark, ensure you have good roof space ventilation for the summer that can be closed in the winter, and lots of well installed ceiling level insulation. Spray foam is more reliable over time than batts, see Spray It Solutions or similar (they have the Formaldahyde free Canadian Icenene foam).

We're going through this at the moment. We have way too many primrose windows and doors to ever consider changing them, so we're embracing them. They suit the house, which is a tan coloured brick with a red tile roof and apricot tiles like yours. We like native Australian colours and are considering some of those (muted greens, beiges, and blues) for our living and bedrooms, but we are struggling with the main wall colours, which we want to be light. Our approach is a trim colour that provides a way to transition from the primrose aluminium to a warm (not yellow) white , and what we have so far is a Resene Double Pearl Lusta for trims with Resene Half Pearl Lusta for the walls. I actually have Half Pearl Lusta on the walls of my office at work and it's a great, warm (not yellow) white that I think will suit the primrose and the tiles. I've experimented with Dulux Berkshire White for trims but they're too bright and white and clash too much with the primrose. I think the big lesson with primrose is that you have to embrace it and not fight against it. It's never going to look any good with really stark whites and monochromatic furniture. Embrace the warmth! Once solution I've found is to also change door furniture (including hinges) to black, because it goes really well with the primrose. Black door furniture and fittings, primrose aluminium windows, and a warm (not yellow) white actually look really good together and provide a solid base for experimenting with other warm, muted colours for feature walls, rooms, and statement furniture.