You can put a timber cap on top of the gyprock wall, the same width as it, and paint it to match. I've done this detail a lot - and it gives people somewhere to hold onto as they climb the stairs. It's also easier to clean and more durable than the gyprock itself. You can also have it in timber to match the stairs or floors to make it a feature. Here's an example to show you ... Hope that helps, Regards Amelia, Undercover Architect www.undercoverarchitect.com

Do a google image search of "nuts and berries architecture", "sevitt and Pettit", and perhaps "Sydney school architecture". Your house has been inspired by those styles/movements from late 60 and 70s Australian architecture and you should be able to find images of sensitive renovations that inspire you.

yes oklouise, I hear all that - absolutely yes it's all about clients understanding/working out properly what they need.........and it's great to be able to seek comments/thoughts on Houzz from a broad range of backgrounds/experiences......the issue though is when it gets into territory where (from my perspective) clearly experience and professional skill will help resolve the problem most effectively (such as on this particular one) that it's therefore appropriate to suggest this the advised way to go.......I suppose I see frequently here capacity for designers to be able to "cut to the chase" most effectively, but of course this needs to be done in a manner underpinned by a thorough understanding and establishment of what the client needs in context, and yes very often the client will require more time to work this all through.........I however still see our role as relevant in that part of the process though, and not necessarily having to "wait" for that to happen, because ultimately as professionals in this position (i believe) have a responsibility (as part of our role as a consultant) to educate people appropriately and thoroughly so they can develop the skills to be able to consolidate their decision-making most appropriately for themselves and the project - by the end of the journey, I find my clients are rather quite the experts!..........this however involves a collaborative approach, egos are shelved and an intimate working relationship, which is very different from the approach (that some designers work to) which is essentially selling a "product" or particular end result, rather than a service....significant difference, and again, horses for courses ;)

You will need more than paint to improve the street appeal. I would be looking at landscaping and reducing the dominance of the driveway for starters. The skillion roof and proportions of the garage are letting the house down. Darker colours to the external walls of the ground floor, and lighter colours to the first floor, a pop of colour to the front door with contrasting fascia and gutters is a good place to start. So many options - had you considered engaging a Dulux Colour Consultant? https://www.dulux.com.au/services/colour-design-service/overview?gclid=Cj0KCQjw9fntBRCGARIsAGjFq5GGzJjF0faI9t6QkOmn2JbmvGh4my69Y26mKS3jdtjaueTYKPMT5DQaAoVcEALw_wcB&cid=ppc|google|dulux.com.au_main||||||||||DCDS+-+Brand+%28Australia+Wide%29+-+EM+%28DLX%29|||Brand+-+Colour+Consultant+EM|&ef_id=Cj0KCQjw9fntBRCGARIsAGjFq5GGzJjF0faI9t6QkOmn2JbmvGh4my69Y26mKS3jdtjaueTYKPMT5DQaAoVcEALw_wcB:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!4713!3!381677047809!e!!g!!dulux%20colour%20consultant Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls