Hi Jimmy South facing can be challenging, not only in getting natural light into interiors, but also because any additions you add will put your garden in more shade. Some work can be done to ensure that the interior is well lit naturally - as has been suggested. Be aware that the garden space will need to be designed also to deal with being shady and cool. I'm not sure where abouts in Australia you are, and if cold and damp winters are an issue. For example, this home faces south, and I designed an extension that popped up over the existing house with a clerestory window to bring northern light into a double height void within the new space. We got great light internally, but the garden was always in shade - so grass and plant selection was made accordingly. I know you're not planning something this significant, but think about strategies you can use to bring northern light - or even eastern light - down into your new extension. Perhaps you can extend lengthwise into the garden and pull it back from your eastern boundary, to get some morning light onto an internal concrete floor and provide some natural warmth in winter through thermal mass. I also recommend if you're planning lots of glazing (even skylights), that you look for ways you'll prevent heat loss in winter, and heat gain in summer. Skylights such as Velux sky windows are great for top lighting (you could again look at arranging your roof so that you can face the skylights east), and you can get them double glazed, with blinds in them for shade when required. Best wishes for planning your extension. These brick homes can be modernised so well, it's a lot of fun to see their transformation. You can see a late 1960s home that was my own renovation project here - we had a lot of fun and the transformation can be quite dramatic when finished. Regards Amelia Lee Undercover Architect www.undercoverarchitect.com.au amelia@undercoverarchitect.com.au

Spartan Lady It is a lovely piece - is it a mirror? The proportions of the wall & existing feature are important - the photos you posted don't give a wide enough shot to be able to make a sensible contribution!! However..... Is it possible to hang the piece on both hooks, thus eliminating the need for anything else!! Instead of centring the piece over 1 hook, move the piece slightly to the left & allow both hooks to support the mirror/ art piece Will you be placing any furniture near the mirror? That is going to make a tremendous difference as it will take some of the attention from the mirror Perhaps a chair in the corner or a console with appropriate styling Let us know what you decide

I wouldn't. Your wall has enough interest with the recesses, the cabinetwork and the fireplace. It doesn't need the feature wall treatment. Feature walls are now so common (and tired) they are no longer a feature. Just because you use a contrasting colour to the rest of the room it doesn't make it a good feature. They have had their time, they have had their place, lets move on... Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls

Please excuse this quick dodgy recolour , but just wanted to show the difference some kind of contrast would add to the effect of the exterior. Whether it is painting the roof (because it is such a big part of the facade), rendering or painting the bricks or refinishing the windows in black or white, something to let the architectural features is the key to sprucing up the outside. I think someone mentioned adding a verandah too. That would depend on how much light already comes through the front. I can imagine one of the windows on the side being transformed into french doors leading to a lovely flagstoned garden. I love the black and white interior photos someone posted above too. anything to bring some contrast to all that mud coloured brick. What an inspiring project to have ahead of you, so many possibilities! I wish this were my little house :)))