Ok, the shop I'm referring to is called WallCandy & they have a branch in Sydney. Here are the details: Address:2 Danks Street, Waterloo 2017 Phone:(02) 9331 5884 Email:sydney@wallcandywallpaper.com.au

I really feel for you. I had a similar experience when a neighbour recommended someone she knew who was 'really good'! He was extremely lazy and, apparently, suffering from depression and he had split up with his girlfriend! He did a dreadful job which took a week - because he was too depressed to work on some days - he only did about half the job and I wasn't impressed. It has ruined my relationship with my neighbour because she knew him to be really good. She won't even come into my place - I assume she doesn't want to see the mess he created! To top it all off (I had paid him cash - fortunately only half of what he 'wanted' (not 'earned') so he wouldn't be paying tax on it )- I didn't get a receipt. He also took my house keys so I had to have the locks replaced. Such a mess and then, I had some tradies through a couple of weeks later for an unrelated job and they asked me when I was getting the place painted? When I told them it had just been done, they really didn't know where to look. I seem to constantly get ripped off, so I'm not getting much done any more - too expensive and depressing.

Your needs for your home should ultimately drive the decisions....it's tricky jumping in and out on these things, particular after a design process has already occurred, as the projects developed as a result of decisions over various aspects and prioritising of the various goals. Function should drive the decisions one way or the other - THEN we work out how to make it aesthetically/spatially balanced one way or the other..........whatever you do you need to have solid reasoning and justification for all decisions.............. regarding your carport structure, you may well come to the confident conclusion that open private outdoor space/landscaping is a better use of that area for your and your property and that's the best option for you. Be careful not to get confused by differing advice here and whilst all ideas can be valid, the risk is losing your bearing with your own goals. I could argue both sides, a real estate agent may say you're diminishing market value, but you as the owner may prefer a larger rear yard. Not right or wrong, just different priorities and perspectives...... Typically when it comes to this stuff, our instincts are the best compass........but be sure you have taken time to think through options and have the right info.....after years of doing this I can say instinct never fails, but less then ideal outcomes can occur by not trusting your gut Cheers PD

1 -- leave the existing lights , or maybe go bigger but in a similar style . I like those string ball ones -- you could possibly even have some fun and go for a bold colour , depending on the rest of your house . 2 -- wallpaper the feature wall in an 'interesting' burgundy or even reddish/pink pattern , maybe some scrolls or maybe with a fine gold stripe embedded . 3 -- if you want to stay white or any of the 19472 variations through to beige , add a large colourful abstract painting -- at least 1.5metres x 1.2 . 4 -- that 'roof step' where 1 of the lights is looks out of place -- I'd paint the 2 sides in a charcoal/real deep steel blue ( darker than the carpet but still showing some homage to it ) . I doubt it would darken the stairwell too much , but it would look more balanced and cohesive . The bricks are 'interesting' and doing anything with them could be tacky IMO , the stairs and floors are fine as you have worked out , it just needs a feature wall or focus .