While I agree that the steps do not currently match the house and were an add on, I don't see why you can't make them work! Add Saltillo tile to the tops of each step, in keeping with what you already have. Then add Talavera tiles, in random patterns if you're funky, all matching on each layer of riser if you're more of an orderly person, or in the middle, which would be to have each riser contain the same pattern all the way around the whole step, but having each step in a different pattern. (I would make them match somewhat) Then, have a welder fabricate hand rails to continue from your upper porch rails, down the sides of each step, so elderly and young folks can still access your stairs. It will also keep the flow and the beauty of the steps in tact. Then, you might consider adding a few scattered tiles elsewhere on your porch to help tie in the whole look, like a Talavera tile-topped table, or maybe a row of tiles above the front door? I can't really see the in the photo if that would work, but there are tons of Talavera tile ideas that would dress up your lovely home! [houzz=] [houzz=] [houzz=]

It’s the wall colour that doesn’t look nice everything else is fine. Repaint the wall it’s easy and you want regret it , use neutral colours but not light go for darker and for the corner I would plant giant bird of paradise either in the huge pot or if possible in the ground but keep it well away from the wall to give it space to grow and give you tropical look and feel. If you are using pots you can have few of them they won’t drop leaves in the pool.

Love the photo posted by Dr Retro of brick house with dark joinery. I would paint the boards on second level above front door, say Resene Ironsand as well as downpipes that sit in front of the brick around the house. Also paint the barge board in Ironsand on the roof line and also around the top of the square roof above the front door. Under the eaves, and front door paint a light taupe colour like Resene Quarter or Eighth Pravda. Paint the pillars (if that's not a stain on them) the Ironsand again. The garage door also back to Ironsand if possible. Ok, that's all very dark.. paint your front door a super vibrant colour! Turquoise, fire engine red or bright orange. Remember to ask about cool colour technology at Resene with the dark colours as you live in a hot climate. We all have different ideas but that's the vision I see. Good luck.

You have a lovely traditional looking home, and repainting it in today's fashionable, contemporary colours may look a bit odd. In addition you have that large expanse of terracotta red brickwork to the side, which you haven't mentioned, but will still impact on the appearance of the house from an angle. I would be looking at colour schemes that work with colours that you are not going to change such as the stone and brickwork. The scheme that you currently have complements the existing architecture, and there are other traditional schemes that will work, that aren't green and cream. As always the only way to assess the suitability of a colour is with samples. A professional can source A4 sized samples which will help you assess the suitability. Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls