Thanks for the feedback, everyone. Thanks for the tip, Timandra Design & Landscaping, about avoiding stark white. That's a very neat finish on your windows, Melodie, but we have too many windows to consider changing the frames. Karen, painting the frames is not realistic for us, but thanks for the tip about Scyon Linea. I'd not heard of it before but it looks very interesting. Sharon, I'm fairly keen on some external window shading because we live in Brisbane and it makes a big difference to the heat in those areas. I like your idea of a solid grey awning, though, and agree that it might lift the '80s image into something more modern.

Thanks how2girl, yes it is similar. The basin I have posted has quite wide rounded corners and quite a fine edge to it which then seems to taper down gently. As its teamed with an Italian tap, wondering if its also from that part of the world? Any leads from International houzzers? - its really a very nice basin! generous and not too utilitarian.

To Australian Home Designer. Thank you for your advice but I'm not trying to replace the doors with a window. The double glass doors are on the study, and they open onto the very small balcony which measures approx 2M X 0.9M. The balcony has slate type tiles on the floor, there is a roof above and it is enclosed either side by concrete? walls. The balcony has an opening about 2 M wide by 1.5 high, which is what I'm trying to addres. The balcony is next to useless as it is and I could make more use of it if I could enclose it. I tried to add another photo to give a better idea, but for some reason I wasn't able to. So, I'm not trying to replace a window but install something in an open space to act like a window. As this area is considered common property (even though no one else can have access to it unless they walk through the apartment), I have to advise the corporate body. Chances are they'll ask for me to arrange for a by-law to be drawn up. It never ends does it? The other thing I should mention is that Council said (when I first approached them) that the developer would have used every available space to the enth degree. The developer has confirmed this with me. The block is almost 2 years old and all owners are the first occupants. Thank you for taking the time to respond. It is much appreciated.

i believe that awnings are usually more expensive and then you will have to choose a colour for handles that can add to the cost but you don't have to have the same style for every window ... it's such an important feature that you need to consider each window separately to make sure that the open awning doesn't encroach on outside paths etc or the sliding window won't be accidentally left open when it rains and some windows can be too narrow for sliding windows and awnings look better.. we have a combination of awning, sliding and stacking windows and doors and our awning highlight windows have electric openers to save having to climb on a ladder to reach the handle