While I agree that the steps do not currently match the house and were an add on, I don't see why you can't make them work! Add Saltillo tile to the tops of each step, in keeping with what you already have. Then add Talavera tiles, in random patterns if you're funky, all matching on each layer of riser if you're more of an orderly person, or in the middle, which would be to have each riser contain the same pattern all the way around the whole step, but having each step in a different pattern. (I would make them match somewhat) Then, have a welder fabricate hand rails to continue from your upper porch rails, down the sides of each step, so elderly and young folks can still access your stairs. It will also keep the flow and the beauty of the steps in tact. Then, you might consider adding a few scattered tiles elsewhere on your porch to help tie in the whole look, like a Talavera tile-topped table, or maybe a row of tiles above the front door? I can't really see the in the photo if that would work, but there are tons of Talavera tile ideas that would dress up your lovely home! [houzz=] [houzz=] [houzz=]

The retaining walls are what I like the most. IMO you need to identify what it is you don't like. Is it the style and/or colour of the retaining walls? Is it that they are just too overwhelming for the space? Is it the proportion of hardscaping to greenery? Is it that you don't like the space but are not sure why and thought that because the retaining walls seem most conspicuous they must be the cause? I am not saying that because some of us like them you should also like them. Each to their own. I agree with the concerns that the retaining wall would have too much movement for rendering to work. You would need to remove the wall and replace it with something you like, as suggested above. But it's a big job so I think it's worth having a good think about what exactly you don't like about the space. I don't think the pavers go well with the walls. Perhaps replacing the pavers would work? (What colour is the house? I assume it is to the right of the picture?) Perhaps growing more cascading plants would soften the appearance of the walls? Perhaps growing something taller to hide the fence would make the space more pleasant? Give it some thought. If you decide it IS the walls you dislike you'll probably have to replace them.

hi yes batches are different from batch to batch, but the finishers, toner, and self levellers, grout, are all different and have differing impact of the finish. Two of my Grandsons work in the concrete polishing industry (have for years)and come across this problem every other day. They are so very used to fixing up concrete pourers blues. I do know of some extreme difficulties (some over forty years old under carpet that have had the same problem) that have given my boys a hard time. However, at the end of it, using the right gear, you can literally see your face in the reflection plus the reflected image via the window.

making a mould and pouring the concrete would be your best bet in getting the look you are after, you can buy the smaller ones but I think the large one you may have to do yourself or have made, lots of info on making them on Pinterest.