The stone is from YDL Stone called Kalala Shan. I wanted caesarstone calacatta nuvo but that would have broken the bank! This one still has that marble look I wanted but it's actually a warm base more off white, goes well with wood and the trouble I am having is which grey to put it with in the bathrooms! I was thinking light grey with off white...where did you get your tile from?

No worries, Emma. I envy anyone who can picture an outcome from a 5x4cm colour swatch. I can’t. I need a bigger, more realistic visual clue. We’ve been through the same mind changes with selections too, including whether to render or not. We were fearful of creating lifelong work, fixing potential cracks in the render and repainting. In the end, we decided to leave it alone, and have an unassuming (or even deceptive) street look that makes everyone go ‘wow’ when they walk through the door because inside is not what they expected from the outside. We’ll see how the house dates in the years to come and re-visit the idea of rendering at that time. But like you, my main prob is the colour of the window frames. I’ve spray painted some internal frames. They look heaps better. Just gotta get motivated to do some more!

Don't cover the bricks with bagging, if there is no need. Once the brick has been covered there is no turning back. As Kate has suggested, square up the verandah supports, with timber. Then landscape, landscape, and landscape.

Your brick is very dark, have you decided on your mortar colour? I would consider matching your cladding colour to your mortar colour if you are using a light coloured mortar. So much depends on the design and style of your home. I would probably avoid matching the brick colour as you will need a good contrast, so don't go with Monument or Domino! It is impossible to tell without knowing what your house looks like. Have you considered engaging a colour consultant as it is a big decision and there are over 4000 Dulux colours available. Best of luck Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls and Dr Retro Virtual Visits