Thanks for the ideas - I realise that only looking at flooring as the 'link' between inside/outside is limiting. We will have a brick boundary fence that will connect to our inside brick (but don't want brick pavers, too small and busy for our small space). We will also have a timber pergola that links to our beams/doors/flooring. So perhaps it's not essential that the pavers 'match' the flooring. I do like Travertine, and certainly large pavers are the idea. Also that pic that Swaneee posted - I would never have thought of that as 'slabs of cement', but it looks nice - where do you get that kind of thing, and what sort of cost? PS: I never said twin boys, it's one boy and one girl - but just the same in terms of pebbles being out!

Can you take out one of the garden beds (front left) and do a smaller deck area to transition from the upper deck down to the paving. I think you need a much lighter colour to provide light and contrast with all the tropical plants. Agree yellow and orange are not helping create a relaxing outdoor area. You already have warm colours in the terracotta tile around the pool so a colour for the walls that cools them down, look for neutral tones in lighter blue/greys to reflect the pool. You can see the difference in the photo above which looks much lighter than in your photo with the dark brick and terracotta orange on the walls which just seems to suck the light out. Large pots can be in your favourite pops of colour to great interest and contrast. Good luck with your project.

annb1997 - Yes, that is part of the reason I'm doing this project. The entire area will be lowered, re-graded and some drains installed (the garden edge is kind of temporarily in place for now, got a great deal on the plants so they had to go in). It's a bigger job than anticipated as it also means the air conditioners (x3) need to be de-commossioned and re-installed at the new levels. John, I like the idea with regard to the tank, but we get allot of bitey critters and I don't really want to give them anymore areas to hide out in.

Gum trees are provide a stunning canopy to any garden, but as with any large tree close to your home, you need to be mindful of its health and possible future limb failure. Sudden limb failure in Eucalypts is the result of periods of dry weather, impacts on a tree's root zone and subsequent moisture stress. I recommend creating a beautiful native garden in this area with groundcovers and grasses that are suited to the sunlight available. Make sure the area is properly mulched (organic mulch is best) and that you water the area during periods of hot weather. It's also worthwhile having an arborist look at the tree every 12 months of so to make sure it is still healthy.