Could you put something in your loungeroom - something like a side table or hat stand - that creates a kind of vestibule? If you face the back of the lounge to the door, that can help create a separate space, too. (But you did say that you can't move your lounge) Please ignore this Christmas parts of photo!

Sandstone looks amazing and would give texture and a real wow to this amazing entrance (you lucky thing). The only thing is that with the colour tones i think you may need to stick to a blue stone. Slate is nice but a pain to keep or pull out later if need be

Hi Jessika, Ivy is the perfect choice for your hanging baskets, you could add pansies during the colder months and petunias mixed with the ivy in the summer, gorgeous, do you have any large garden centres near you, they will be able to advise a suitable tree, in Melbourne we have a great nursery called Gardenworld that has a fabulous range of plants and great advice , I am like you I love gorgeous gardens also, check out Paul Bangay and Peter Fudge for inspiration .

My front door just has the usual eaves for weather protection, however, the stained timber door still lasted about 25 years. When I got it replaced the builder suggested that a painted door would last longer. A decorative door doesn't cost much more than a plain flat door, and I think a plain flat door will show every mark and ding. My door has 4 glass strips, looks good.