If you seek a modern look for your house, then I can recommend our Ebony range. These bricks are very smooth and have unique dimensions. Alternatively, if you want to mix things up and put some really stone like looking bricks in as features, then our Tierra range will work for you - thinking the Toledo or the Bilbao. They will be the colours that suit. These bricks are really unique. Handmade, incredibly textured and varied. Have a look at these options and see if it helps.

apennameandthata i don't know... vertical is more shed like style, while we still have a colonial style base and veranda. Dust will be an issue here (although its not so bad in that particular spot on a river, good protection from trees) but pressure wash will be regular practice anyway. Thanks for all your suggestions and I will take all on board, especially sandstone ideas. I don't this I want this house to look pretentious, but how can I describe that, I am after some subtle "wow" factor or something a bit different, but it must look like we knew what we are doing and YES, I want it to look like high quality build and not a transportable house or kit home. The house rectangle is so simple that I worry it may have that boring factor in its looks and that is why I am looking for some ideas. My problem is a tendency to overthink but I hope I will find a balance at some point :) At this stage I think: galvanised tin everywhere (or that zincalum), rusty steel posts, aluminum windows with timber look, sandstone features around main door and sandstone chimney. We had a big flood last year and the spot never goes under water, its on high grounds even though it is only meters from the river.

How about a more contemporary wire rail system as shown below. Also a lovely green grey upstairs may work. The one below is Taubman's battle green full strength - computer colour of it is not accurate.

post some photos