I would avoid grey tsunami too and I love the colour of the red bricks which I would focus on highlighting instead. I would take out the dull dark green bushes in front of the wall and plant a 'Starburst' Honey Locust which has brighter, lacey, yellow-green leaves. This variety is very user friendly as it grows quickly, leaves decompose quickly and it is very 'dry' tolerant once established. Or have a look at the houzz article 'Dutch Houzz: A Run-Down Nursery Estate is back in full bloom (photo 2) [https://www.houzz.com.au/magazine/dutch-houzz-a-run-down-nursery-estate-is-back-in-full-bloom-stsetivw-vs~60914085?utm_source=Houzz[(https://www.houzz.com.au/magazine/dutch-houzz-a-run-down-nursery-estate-is-back-in-full-bloom-stsetivw-vs~60914085?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u2489&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery10) for how to complement red brick with colour. Your brickwork looks like an orange-based red rather than a blue-based one while the garage door and guttering looks blue-based which is why the clash from the street perhaps. I would paint those and the wood fence instead of the brick.

Keep an eye on your bromeliads. Now that the tree has gone, they might not like so much sun and will need to be moved. Maybe under your front window? The stone edging screams 80's, I agree with removing it or growing something to cascade over the top. Stump removal can be expensive. Maybe attack the multiple stump clump with shovels and an axe to get it below ground level. You could put a birdbath or sculpture on top of the large stump? Even a large decorative pot? Clumping bamboos grow quickly and could add some softness. I like the previous suggestion of grasses too. Good luck with it.

Rachael, you’re very welcome! It was fun to draw up. As far as layering photos, I wasn’t suggesting you cover one photo with another, (what is the point of having beautiful photos and memories then! Lol) rather, overlap the edges of the frames (both are quite wide from your photos) so that they are connected without obscuring the images within. Hope that makes sense! What a difference just painting that back wall makes! It really opens up the room now. I think the few bricks around your fireplace now is a very charming feature. It keeps the charm of the original while bringing the rest of the room into a fresh new era! Well done! I would suggest running a long extension chord for your tv for now while you try out a new layout for the space if there are no powerpoints on the far wall, just to be sure you like the arrangement. Can’t wait to see updated images of your new space!

Normally , it is me saying red , orange or yellow for the front door , so its actually great to see just about everyone else suggesting that here ! And although I agree if you are keeping that door ( and it is a nice door ) then the bold colours would go great , and it probably doesn't fit your Kung Fu scheme haha , but how about a similar door but in a really nice solid 'strong grained' timber with a rich mid brown stain ?