Hi Gioenne. Not really. We purchased "advanced" Lilly Pillies for along the back of the fence. They're about the same height as the fence (1.8m). We've also been keeping the interior blinds partially lowered / closed. At the moment, we don't have any outdoor furniture so privacy while relaxing or entertaining outside hasn't been a big problem. Once we have purchased some outdoor furniture we'll re-evaluate the situation depending upon how much the Lilly Pillies have grown. With all of the other "new home" expenses, we'll probably just entertain in full view of our neighbours!

Not sure how it would go in Brisbane but what about trying a conifer? They grow fast and very tall. You can shape them or leave them natural. They are plain and certainly not tropical. Maybe speak to a local nursery and find out if they would grow in the sub-tropical climate of Brisbane first, as they are usually in colder climates (Sydney and south). Leightons Green Conifer – Leyland Cypress http://www.evergreengrowers.com.au/shop/hedging-screening/leightons-green-conifer-leyland-cypress/ Your quite limited if there's not enough sun and you dont use bamboo or tropical plants. Many other screening plants or hedges wont get tall enough for that space and climate. I hope you find something.

The one thing we learn over the years is that everyone is different and have different thoughts and priorities when it comes to design. I agree with The Interior Difference on this one. For me, keep the deck off the master bedroom as a private outdoor getaway that extends the bedroom and offers a protective transition zone between the outdoor/public view area and the private tranquil bedroom. I also ask why you have 2 stairs? They are expensive little things and take up so much floor space on both floors. I also suggest that you revisit the ensuite/WIR. To me the ensuite is small and underwhelming for the overall size of this well appointed 5 bedroom with 3 ensuite bathroom home. Ditch the second stair and use that space for a powder room on the ground floor and place the WIR in this space while increasing your ensuite to the master bedroom to be a more opulent and luxurious scale that is in keeping with the home you are seeking. Keep the ensuite semi open to the bedroom so there is an easy flow of space. It will also give the master bedroom a sense of luxury and space. You can use shutters to enclose it if you feel that at times you may need more privacy on occasions.

tall shrubs would be great ..check with local nursery for suitable pittosporums or similar but a simple pergola made out of treated pine built across the yard with taller rear posts sloping down to lower front posts and with roof and back wall covered with black sarlon cloth would be the quickest and neatest until some climbers could grow..the black sarlon is see through close up but is a great block out screen from a distance and makes a great shade house for plants and people but you would need to check with your local Council to make sure that any structure is legal..you can work out the best height by standing back and have someone hold a broom up next to the corner post to see how high you need to go to block out the view up to the neighbours' gutters ..but, is that a back verandah on your house? as that height looks like it might be ok and the size of the pergola depends on how you would use the space underneath