I might be old fashioned but to keep my pillows clean, I use a pillow protector and then at least two old, perhaps non matching pillow cases most of us have in the linen closet and then I put on the pillow case that's used for the week. When I do a wash, I usually remove all three pillow covers, especially from hubbies pillow, as he tends to sleep deep into his pillow and hence there can sometimes be superficial stains or stale smells that don't permeate through to the pillow protector. I am quite fussy and still iron my pillow cases but it's certainly not necessary for these extra covers as their sole purpose is to protect the pillow. I have seen some horendous yellow stained pillows that are still being used and have ended up like this because they are not protected from normal every day use. As for how often I replace my pillows, if they do eventually have any type of stains regardless of how long I've had them, then I will purchase a new one but it could be longer than 2 years as I feel my pillows are clean. My pillow is also a very expensive type being a chiropractic pillow with neck supports, so I do all I can to protect it and keep it as long as possible. My theory is, if the pillow has no smell or visible stains, no need to replace it unless you want to.

I have saved pillow cases from sets now gone, purchased pillow cases from opshops or even new, usually in a white colour and I use at least three to maintain the freshness of all my bed pillows and I then put the cover on matching the sheets for the week. You could instead use pillow protectors but I find you need at least three if you want to keep the pillow looking original, especially if you have a partner that snores or drawls, gosh that sounds grose doesn't it but no one can control what they do when they're asleep!! The extra cases can always be bleach washed or washed in napisan when doing the usual change. It's a method my mother taught me over 40 years ago and it's a cheap alternative to having to replace expensive pillows or having manky looking pillows in a short space of time. I also have a contoured pillow for good neck support and they are over $100 so protecting them for as long as possible is imperative. I don't buy cheap twin pack pillows, I try to buy good quality med density pillows for my guests, although most people who regularly sleep away from home tend to take their own favourite pillow anyway. I only change or replace our pilows if all my protection fails.

Before replacing your curtains as this can be quite expensive for such a large window, if they are in good condition, add a band of extra fabric to the bottom in what ever suits you, your existing curtain track can then be moved up to the ceiling for good looking full length curtains without the large round eyelets, could save you a lot of money, I would look at replacing/removing the sheers cheers

I like all the garden ideas ( it does look a bit sparse and 'rental property' look about it IMO ) , with a low fence along the front , a wooden screen a couple of metres in front of the door , etc , BUT when I looked at the very first photo -- the wider angle one -- the one thing you notice first is the yellow marker post on the left hand side of the driveway fence . So take that as a cue , and paint the garage door a bright colour to stand out -- primary or metallic or trendy , just one that you like , and personally I'd probably change the curtains ( or even dye them ) to the same colour as the garage door . Right now , everything is various derivatives of off-white and red brown earth brick -- needs a decent spot of colour to lift the houses look IMO . Another option would be 'natural' timber blinds , especially if you had them the same shade of stain as the screen and the front fence , but I'd still do the garage door ( and maybe the guttering ) your current favourite colour .