This is just like our Mediterranean house in Canberra. It was rendered white which never cracked or got mould on it, though I would prefer it to be done in a modern colour like our current home on the Gold Coast which is a rich sand colour with a heavy bagged appearance that has faded from a strong dark sand. With beautiful dark patterned orangey tiles all outside that reflect their colour on the walls during the day it is quite magical. Roof tiles also spray painted after being re pointed. I suggest you amplify the lovely quality of arches and don't go for what is trendy. But go with colour scheme for the house design. At our entrance there is a built up garden courtyard feature with wonderful iron gates and a large water feature in the courtyard that the lounge room looks out to and has the French doors that also opened onto the courtyard garden. Commence the courtyard wall to the left side of the steps and create a flat area at the gated entrance where we had a north single gate and a west double gate. The Pines were planted on the outside of this courtyard wall and gave extra privacy and blocked the westerly afternoon sun. The house always looked impressive, yet was just a simple presentation.

Keep the brick, please don't paint or render. Both eat into your budget (rendering in particular is not cheap), and will mean more ongoing upkeep (render still needs to be painted on a regular basis and with a two-storey house, that is a lot more work). Our house is rendered and we would never have it again. Whenever the house moves, the render doesn't, so is prone to cracking or, over time, pieces even falling off. Even subtle movement can cause hairline cracks, which means regular patching and painting. Quite frankly, most people render an older house to make it look modern, but when rendering becomes passe (which I think is already starting to happen), then the house will look dated again (and render is almost impossible to remove once its on). Also, if you're in an area prone to termites, termites can get in between the render and the brickwork and you won't see the telltale signs of "mud" at the access points to let you know they're there. As far as the rest of the house goes, I totally agree with what Timandra Design recommended.

There's a lot to take in . It is pretty quirky , but it has potential to be interesting . I'd leave the brickwork as it is , and the windows are windows -- you say they need replacing soon -- they seem okay to me . I'd quite like darker brown timber windows , but I don't know of many people that have 'reverted' back to timber -- I assume it can be done ? The back door is easy -- its screaming out for a deck in a darker wood ( or darker stained ) , but even then you could have fun , with seating built around part of it , or even a barbeque or similar built unit on the edge -- in a similar light brick , or stone . Personally , I wouldn't do a pergoda or similar over it , mainly because of the studio -- it takes away too much sun and too much open space . Likewise , a modern terrace with glass sides would look out of place . The entry door IMO is not too bad -- it works . The concrete steps let it down -- black or charcoal outdoor tiles would lift it , and look good . A stainless handrail would be the go too -- it'll look out of place until its 6 months old and starts to look 'aged' . The addition to the right needs darker mortar to make it look integrated . The roof looks okay and period in that green , so depending on how much can be reused , maybe stay with that . Or go charcoal , or even orange would suit . The shipboards in crisp white . That leaves just one thing needed -- some colour ! An orange roof with bright orange gutters would lift the whole place ; green with an almost fluro crisp green gutter colour likewise ; charcoal roof with bright red gutters ! Just enough to lift the look , even for people who don't like much colour ! I'd also do the main body of the gables in the same colour as you chose for the gutters , or maybe 1 or 2 shades down .

Hi @Puddle, there are many good comments and ideas for you to consider in this thread, i have been in the process of renovating a 1976 model on the southside of Canberra. I have lived with my wife in Canberra for 6 years and have been in denial of our climate until recent years. It is alpine cold in winter and insanely hot in summer. The things i recommend spending money on are Windows - Get the best you can afford, double glazed glass in uninsulated frames, or double glazed window units with high air penetration should be illegal. Good windows keep winter heat in and summer heat out, its also very peaceful in a house that is well sealed. Solar panels - This was the first thing we had installed when we moved in, we are lucky to have a north facing roof space, wife works at home most days and is a high energy user. We enjoy a fully electric home, heating/cooling, cooking, hot water. Gyprock is cheap, Insulate your walls, floor and ceiling! strip all external walls and insulate, it is also easier to do windows if the wall linings are being removed. Once complete it makes life inside much nicer. Unless already renovated the wardrobes in bed 1 and 3 are likely chipboard, not sealed or insulated and a massive heat gain/loss depending on season. Building a comfortable, functional and energy efficient home in Canberra is much more than wall locations and paint colours, initially spending money on getting the "building envelop" to a high quality, (well sealed from air transfer and insulated) will allow you to install ensuites and move kitchens with the remainder of the budget. I have a problem with people saying there is a "Canberra tax", i am a professional tradesman and there are many other professionals in Canberra getting paid more than other capital cities, This includes the public service and its "consultants". Canberra has a high cost for all services underpinned by the public sector. Everybody deserves to get paid appropriately for their work. A client should always feel comfortable with the tradesperson they are dealing with, if not keep looking until you find the right fit. Enjoy the process!