solita - I would say in Qld, mould would definitely be your problem and canvas would be hopeless with the wind. My first thought was the plastic though, although I hate trendy for the sake of it they are really in and do look great. They roll up out of sight when not in use and with the zip fastening you can just roll down what you need. You would probably only need them to just past your railing. Any other type of awning would block your views and block the light. Do investigate them. Doesn't look like you were affected by Oswald? Pretty bad wasn't it.

Thank you all for your comments, photos and links. Thank you all for your comments, photos and links. This style of house is what I like but I only have a small budget -$5000.00. I have researched roof painting and read several forums where people have painted their own roofs with good results as long as they were meticulous with the preparation. I will remove the shutters and definitely engage the services of a garden designer. I live in Perth and we haven't seen rain for awhile. Seems sensible to get rid of the lawn. And I will further research painting or re surfacing the driveway and change in the future. But, where do I start? What should I do first to implement change? Thank you for any further comments.

Yes. It is difficult to describe one's style. Have no idea what style but you seem to like: 1. Having a clear link to outside greenery/nature (bringing outdoors in). 2 Lots of light via big windows. 3. Pitched ceiling. 4. Simplicity - square set cornices. 5. House to have a natural elements.. 6. Colour scheme: white/naturals/navy/black/splashes of timber in each room. 7. Division of living space by change of levels. 8. The simple design of house allows your artwork and nature outside to shine. (I like the same style as you, apart from the timber walkway as a must and I often struggle to know what to tell people in shop the look I am going after).

Hi Lauren, I agree with the idea of a gate/portico structure between the two buildings and this should come out proud of the two wall lines at present to create some impact. Also, large planters can add some character to the entry as long as they remain well watered but don't resort to fake plants if your not interested in watering or an irrigation system. Succulents, cactii or other drought tolerant plants will work if this suits your needs better. For colours, I would down play the white or off white features you currently have in terms of the garage doors, gutters and downpipes and even the soffits. Grey will work well with the brick and make it a mid grey so it is a similar tone to the brick so it doesn't stand out or you could go with charcoal too, which will modernise the whole look. You can then add some colour to the new gate in the protico to be the main focus. Is your roof blue or grey? I can't quite make it out in the photo. If it is blue then stick with a blue for the gate but it could be brighter than the roof but make sure the hues do not clash. If the roof is grey and you paint the other trims in grey as I suggested above, you are almost limitless of the feature coloure of the new gate. It could even be black. It depends on the style you end up with and the material. Also, if it is not protected from the direct sun, be careful how dark you go as it may peal with the heat. You could make the gate a timber feature as contrast in cedar or go for an antique 'moroccan' style door/gate!! The options are endless. Try to hide the dowpipes with the portico structure but don't make them inaccessible for maintenance. Also maybe do the portico in steel or something pretty modern and tie it in with one side wall, probably the house and not the garage. See image attached for some inspiration. Its a bit tricky with the hip roof overhang structure as I presume you don't want the expense of re doing that for the new entry so either have the portico below the eaves, be careful it is not too low, or if you can, put it at the same height in front of it so it hides it. Hope that helps and gives food for thought. C:)