Hi guys - some great suggestions here! I agree - it looks a bit tired but that's because creams and terracottas aren't the current 'it' combo whereas greys are. I see you as having 2 options - either work with it OR change it. Depending on budget: Less expensive option - work with what you've got (don't fight it). Embrace it. Rock it! * paint gutters same as roof (as per constanceandlulu) * paint drive similar terracotta colour (they come in heaps of stencil options, choose one you like). This will just make the whole scene look more polished, considered and finished. * replace fence on left and grow climber along that (if possibel) * fill in the area that you can see leading to under the verandah - either through greenery or timber (same colour as stringer/treads) * focus on making the garden amazing (Timandra has some great ideas!). Maybe even bring in plants with orange flowers such as birds of paridise or cliveas. One of the secrets about making a room 'work' is to restrict your palette - it allows you to mix a range of styles successfully (and therefore 'rock' the creams and orange tones). You can apply this approach to the exterior too! It's mainly about drawing the eye to where you want the focus! Wishlist (more expensive) options - would involve a complete change of palette and perhaps go with the suggestion of greys: * change roof and gutters mid to dark grey such as Monument (black gets too hot) * render brickwork and paint a pale grey * replace 2 x cream garage doors to 1 x dark grey * change window frames, doors, balustrades to black (you could replace balustrade with glass, but I feel that the vertical lines actually add interest to a fairly simple facade). If you want an alternative colour than black for these, then go white (but make the render not such a pale grey) * replace drive with pavers OR paint to mid-dark grey * add some colour via the plants (a jacarandah in the front would be gorge) General thoughts on garden *hedge along front of garden, plant more trees along right fence line and eventually get rid of the palms (I agree about the issue of adding height to the 'scene', but they're not nicely located) * you have so much great space here, I think it needs to look inviting - bench under a tree, oversized pot/water feature, some sort of focus. Several different coloured leafed plants (ie purple leaf, yellow green foliage, deep green etc). I hate weeding, so I love the idea of 'living' mulch - like ground cover ivies etc. * agree with Timandra re getting rid of rest of garden and review Hope that makes sense and is helpful. Good luck! Let us know how you go ;-)

I agree with several other commentators. I love the look of your house, arches & all. Retro is in! I would pretty much leave as is & concentrate on cleaning concrete & landscaping. You will be amazed at what a difference good landscaping will make to the street appeal. With the right colors in your planting you might even come to like the look of your home like most of us already do. In a busy world the last thing you want is more upkeep & I think you would be making a rod for you own back if you render or paint the brick. And keeping it true to the era could add to its resale value. The only things I would change is the color of the garage doors & facia to either Dulux Natural White or Antique White USA whichever you prefer & the gates black if you want to be safe or a bolder contrasting color. As for the window frames I keep tossing up between the black & the white. Maybe black window frames with black gates would look good. Good luck with it all & look forward to seeing the finished result. Cheers Jenny

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When it comes to setting out picture frames, you have a few options. One idea is to create a gallery wall by arranging the frames in a visually appealing pattern on the wall. This can help balance the space and draw attention to the frames rather than solely syncing them with the sofa. Another option is to consider other focal points in the room, such as a fireplace, shelves, or even a statement piece of furniture, and arrange the frames around those areas.