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=]

Hi Nathan - I suggest you use what you have already. if the soil is poor, plant something that likes poor soil like nasturtiums. The leaves and flowers are edible and peppery. Ferns are good in damp areas too. These would have a deep water effect around the deck. Desert plants are lovely with coloured gravel - no spiky ones if you haven't much room. Maybe put down fake lawn so no mowing. Nail up a large mirror to enlarge the view of plants and flowers etc Strong mesh to hold up two vines - clematis, passion flower, mexican glory vine, pandera or a prize-winning table grape trained up the washing line. I did this with an old rotary line so we could sit underneath in the shade and eat grapes :) I would wash the fences very evenly with white or coral lime wash. Cheapish to make. i would experiment with beetroot juice and curry powder (the strongest stain-makers) to get the shade of coral. Cheers Hooley D

Hi Houzzers You have all been so kind with your design advice, and helped us come up with this design. I think we are nearly there, and are pretty happy with the result...we still ended up with the door into bedroom from hall....but think it will be ok.....may swing the door the other way...will put doors on bathroom and sitting(not shown) I like the 2 dressing areas we have created either side of our wardrobes, and the seperate toilet. Very happy for any other input on this design before we send it off to the builder!

How can you possibly look at this home and think it's ugly. It's not. It's a gem in the making, but right now it's unloved and uncared for! Get rid of the things that are eyesores (the succulents and spindly plants and any plant that isn't thriving - clean back to nothing so you get a clear look at what you've got to work with. High pressure wash the the whole house and concrete surfaces (please use recycled water) then start think about replacing the polycarbonate roof over the patio or lining it,and replacing the screen with screen blinds to remove "birdcage look" and create a more polished look. Paint the gutters, window frames, brick and lower part of the house to match (pick a colour that works for you) and the garage door to match the siding. Currently you've got a red roof, white siding, black window frames, brown garage door, tan brick, grey lower house brick/material, and what looks to be mission brown guttering - so it looks "bitsy". Reduce the colour pallet to 2 colours - it'll bring everything together and make it look more cohesive (remembering that your roof will be the third colour in your pallet). For the garden - you don't really need a landscaper if you're prepared to put in the hard yards. You've got a fairly steep slope think about drought tolerant low maintenance plants such as lavender, lomandra and agapanthus that you only need to periodically prune- for plant selection make nice with your local nursery staff - they're excellent for advice and helping determine the best plants. Think about making your life easier and put in irrigation (drip irrigation works a treat on a timer). Good luck.