Thanks for the ideas - I realise that only looking at flooring as the 'link' between inside/outside is limiting. We will have a brick boundary fence that will connect to our inside brick (but don't want brick pavers, too small and busy for our small space). We will also have a timber pergola that links to our beams/doors/flooring. So perhaps it's not essential that the pavers 'match' the flooring. I do like Travertine, and certainly large pavers are the idea. Also that pic that Swaneee posted - I would never have thought of that as 'slabs of cement', but it looks nice - where do you get that kind of thing, and what sort of cost? PS: I never said twin boys, it's one boy and one girl - but just the same in terms of pebbles being out!

If you can put doors on the whole back area and deck or pave out to a functional size for entertaining - be sure to have as close to same height as inside and the whole width of the house if possible. You could do the pergola which looks gorgeous and makes a cozy feel. On top of the pergola you may be able to do a weatherproof retractable awning if you do not want a permanent covered area. That would make a whole area for indoor outdoor entertaining in all types of weather. You can still have a step down area to grass and plants at the rear. Travetine is great and easy to hose down. You do not have to concrete them down use pavers on a good road base. You would have to speak to the experts about how to get the right height - also be sure to have a slight fall away from the house.

The period and style of your home suggests gravel as the medium of use. Grey, not blue and fine. Some products have clay 'fines' amongst the small gravel that enables the product to compact really well when laid properly. You can push prams etc over it without a problem. Paving and concrete cause drainage problems with runoff warranting drainage to accommodate excessive run off. Gravel and aggregates absorb the water. The cost is much cheaper but also looks totally better. The sustainable alternative is always about thinking differently.

Divisive? I’m not too sure how two positive comments ( and no negative ones ) about that crazy paving story add up to be divisive, but since you’re conducting a poll I’ll throw my hands up for the affirmative. Love crazy paving outdoors, and by continuing the same effect inside it’s bound to further help blur that ‘fright line’ between what is house and what is garden. It is,however, labour intensive and many would balk at the price of laying it compared to regular format tiles.