As a minimalist I would forego all plants, put in a low wall and use slumped glass or preferably glass block. This would let in the light and also make a cosy seating area in winter. I've found glass block to be a wonderful insulator on a west facing wall - warm in winter, but keeps out summer heat too. This would also extend your living area, keep out flies and mozzies, and prevent you seeing that awful roof next door. You could also take the shadecloth off the windows leading on to that deck, which would be a bonus. I'm not a fan of shadecloth, and would always look for an alternative solution

Hi, we are extending upstairs over a older red brick home. we have Ironstone windows, gutters, roof. We are going to render the extension but don't want to go lighter like a Dune colour but more of a medium grey. We will be replacing our posts and garage door with timber (also have a timber gate) so I feel like we can get away with a darker grey upstairs render. Do you know a good medium grey that goes well with Ironstone? Initially I was thinking Simone Weil and maybe even Guild Grey if it's not too dark?

I think your concerns are valid. Too much red. The roof does not look original to me, it looks painted already. If it is in good condition (pointing is all good, no broken tiles, no leaks)- it would be a straight pressure wash to clean, then a repaint. Perhaps get a couple prices? Late 70's, early 80's- this roof could of originally been brown, charcoal, green or even blue! I'm personally not a fan of 'adding' maintenance, so would avoid rendering, bagging or painting any of the brick (house or fence). If you have the budget, change the windows. You won't regret it- it will improve aesthetic, functionality and your electricity bills. There is little to any price difference between timber and commercial aluminium. Both would allow for a thicker, more defined frame, vs what you currently have. As for colours- by losing the commitment to all the red- will open up lots of options. Just depends on the look you want to achieve. PS- can't believe an air con installer would put those units there!!...when they could of gone around the corners, with conduit coloured appropriately and along the top of the fascia- you'd barely see them!...so dodgey!

Do you plan on replacing the existing windows ? Are you happy with the garage door, do you want a colour that will blend with it or do you want a complete change ? I suppose you need to decided do you want to blend in with the street and the surroundings or would you like to be bold and stand out from the crowd. is the garage door & window frames black at the moment ? It's hard to tell. Maybe you just need to change the cream to a timeless grey as suggested. That way you could save the expense and the hassle of new doors and windows. If your in Northern Aust I would go a shale grey on the roof as dark roofs can be hot. You could do all your trim black to match the windows & g-door