I agree with the suggestion to grow hedges or shrubs on either side of the stairs. I would suggest replacing the existing pots on either side of the top of the stairs which much larger "statement" pots with some interesting, tall and narrow architectural plants to create an artificial "doorway" and somewhat "grand entrance" onto the deck. I would potentially compliment those pots with some smaller, rectangular planter boxes around the edges of the deck (with much shorter, but complimentary plantings) to enhance the feeling that it is an outdoor room (and to prevent anyone from accidentially stepping off the edge of the deck). I would also re-arrange the furniture so that there is a clear thoroughfare from the stairs to the timber doors. And I would consider creating a faux entry feel by removing the blue box/esky (?) against the wall between the window and door and replacing it with a small, durable/outdoor "console table" and then hanging an appropriate outdoor artwork or even a mirror above the table. For example: http://www.bigw.com.au/home-gifts/home-décor/arboreta-mirror-107699.htm This might help the space to feel more like an "entry". You could even go for the obvious and add a "welcome" mat outside the door and/or a painting with "welcome to my/our home" (or a similar phrase) on the wall. For example: http://www.target.com.au/p/wall-words-hello/56300024

Love all the wonderful comments above. The only thing I would add is: really consider what you want to use this room for... What do you want the room to do? Welcoming guests? If it is welcoming, then think about what makes you feel welcomed when you walk in - that ahhhh feeling.....maybe plants (a bonsai project would work well in that light), some family photos instead of a mirror, coat hanger behind door, buffet table (where you stand your G&T chrystal set on a nice sliver tray). Or is it a Staging ground for getting out the door? Then perhaps the mirror, some sort of rack for bags & hats etc, a bench for sitting and putting on shoes, cork board for reminders etc (it is possible to have these all behind a thin closet so closed doors hide any clutter). Whatever you choose, I just find it helpful to keep the rooms purpose in mind.

Definitely requires wallpaper or paint. I would probably go a textured wallpaper like a bronze /gold weave wall paper. It will give the area deapth and frame the space to make a statement. You have the furniture and space for it. Large art or a mirror. I would possibly keep it rectangular or squarish. A rug would soften and fill the space but would have to be selected carefully to ensure no tripping hazard. Maybe something patterned (replicated through abstract & lines like the legs of your table, with a pop of colour and upgrade the vase of flowers to reflect this colour. Basis of design is replication whether it is colour, shape or pattern.

Afternoon Houzzers…..we are revisiting our thoughts on our extension after this summer. We now realise we want the new space to be our primary bedroom with ensuite and clothes storage. We will convert our existing downstairs room into a Bunk room/kids playroom. Downstairs will comfortably house 2 families. Upstairs..we still want 3-4 metres added to the existing living…for more seating, activities, board games WFH space etc….the rest of the space will be our bedroom and bathroom. ..(we can not extend to the East) The room will be west facing and looking into our garden . The garden views are beautiful and I would like to capture them from the bedroom and through the living room (aspect and window requirements are drawn in Pink) The blue pen outlines the proposed extension…I feel it may need to be a bit bigger. I have a dilemma in that I want all that BUT I do not want to see my bed from the living room..when the door is open to catch the view….. Playing with the plan,doing cut and paste and I can’t get it right. I would love some fresh creative eyes to help me work this out please. We are on the Mornington Peninsula. We are in a flood zone, and have height restrictions, so we will not be able to build underneath the upstairs room..we hope to use it as a carport/outdoor room . I really appreciate any further input you may have. ……just trying to send updated plan..standby