If time and budget permit I would add horizontal screens (timber stain or charcoal/woodland grey) from the right pillar to the garage (hiding the down pipe) and from the left corner of the house (hiding the bins) Do basic landscaping, two narrow beds either side under the windows, bark mulch and simple plants e.g. Lomandra longifolia (a native low grassy dark green clumping plant) is common but easy spaced every 30 cm Valuers like safe and neutral schemes, so keep with the Woodland grey roof/fascia & Classic cream garage door and repeat this on the upper feature slats for now. Then add a warm complimentary colour for the front door, this is Dulux Rodham Then get a lush new plant for that pot too. If you keep it simple (KISS Principle) for now it will come together for sure :)

Hi Debbie, Just adding to your dilemma, until recently we had lovely offices in Sydney with each room having one wall of full height sliding doors, with wonderful day time views and night time lights. We installed very nice manual Roller blinds for when privacy was needed, but I still wasn't happy with the look either day or night. I love the lovely soft curtains that Mel n suggested but hubby wouldn't be happy as there would n't be any privacy at night unless they had a separate lining. So saying that I still think internal "Plantation" shutters that bi fold across the openings would really add something to your open plan room, I was also thinking sliding stacking panels, you could ask a local supplier to come out and discuss. These shutters are larger and easier to clean. I'am adding some more photos for you. On another note, I hope Debbie doesn't mind my mentioning this but Debbie suffered damage to her home at the hands of her name sake "Cyclone Debbie", when a very large neighbours tree fell down on her property causing a lot of damage, very hard to see your hard work ripped apart. You will get there again Debbie xx The large Plantation shutters look the best to me You mentioned new ceilings etc this could be done if you were having curtains Your view with undercover outdoor area added

Can I suggest that as most of your proposed project comes under the umbrella of landscaping that you consult an experienced landscape designer in the first instance. Someone who is experienced with pools and outdoor rooms. Also someone who has a network of other professionals that they work with such as pool builders, architect or architectural designer and engineers that may be necessary for the permits and build once the overall conceptual design is realized. All of your wish list will need to flow together and be cohesive to function well and a good designer will be able to work with your design brief and guide you through this first stage which is critical if you intent to carry the work out in stages. All the very best with your project. Lynn

Though I don't know for certain, I think the cotton/linen shades are removable. I wasn't able to determine this by my searches. This could easily be confirmed by making an enquiry to supplier before purchase. Alternatively, a handmade one could be made removable by making shade slightly larger than frame and making ties.