These 4 photos showing some window tinting done to add to my priviouse article . A house in Penguin Tasmania overlooking the sea with privacy an sun problems using a dark neutral based film showing one sheet of glass done an one with out with the second picture showing the glare reduction on the floor as a comparison . This demonstrates little reduction in quality of views overlooking the sea but offers many benifits to the customers with out having to close blinds / curtains etc. The other two showing the full reflective film on a commercial shop front with views from both inside and outside as a comparison . ( please note; taking photos facing windows will often result in misleading picture quality due to any glare present , thus resulting in misleading darker looking window views than what normally results from using most tinted films .) The actual light reduction difference between these two films is approx 9% with the reflective being the darker of the two and comparable to a popular dark grey low reflective shade that's also widely popular . Any one requiring some unbiased comments regarding this subject are quite welcome to call me . Although I live in Tasmania , I do offer my services not only Australia wide but also overseas if the need arises . As to the life expectancy of these products . As these are manufactured world wide , the quality ( or lack of) plus the degree of experince and willingness of the installer to make sure they want to try an do a good job ; can make a Hugh difference to the last -ability . Therefore, take care on choosing the film and installer ; and don't buy on price alone. Gary. Protek window tinting (Tasmania )

Hi I'm getting pretty much what I think your after. It's from Markilux and one of the exterior conservatory blinds. I had a tough courtyard to cover for BASiX requirements. It has a cassette that the blind rolls into. And runs on tracks fixed with a post in my case. It's not installed yet so no photo but here is a link to the manufacturer. http://www.markilux.com.au/external-conservatory/w2/i1004595/ The downsides of this type of blind is I can't use it in the rain. I had to have it run flat and its large, but if you can have it angled for a run off, I think you can use it with rain. The other option I looked as was a soft Roman style blind that hangs on wire tracks. And it can be pulled over the space. I think there is motorised options too. Good luck!

you already have a gorgeous deck area i suggest building a simple open pergola across the whole space with sections covered with retractable blinds for shade, parts covered with translucent sheeting for rain protection and other sections left open but PLEASE attach the rafters to the highest possible point on the wall of the house (not just above the window as prev) for a more open feeling and so any leaves, grapes or flowers hanging down don't smack you in the face!

consider a comprehensive front landscaping solution that takes the attention away from the building to the garden/external elements, with repetitive and layered planting. If you want to go further bagging the brickwork and/or just painting it with a contemporary grey would certainly give the whole thing a significant makeover. This photo/project below was a 60's cream brick monster that we managed to tame/control a few years back - you could do get similar result with yours with just strategic cosmetic and landscaping investment - good luck :)