Sorry for the delay coming back to you all and thanks for all the input so far! We had our second baby just after posting this so have been distracted since :-) Thanks for all the suggestions and photos I think you are all spot on and I just need to get rid of the terracotta and brown as much as possible. I've got some colour test tins from bunnings so when I can I'm going to try out the following scheme and will post back: Windows - Really not sure? Black/White/Silver? Roof - Monument or Woodland Grey Garage doors - Monument or Woodland Grey Gutters - Monument or Woodland Grey Fascia - Shale grey Eaves/poles - Shale grey Downpipes - Monument or Woodland Grey Driveway/Tiled area - Respray or stencil in some sort of mid grey (the tiles are all cracked anyway). Something like attached. Back paving - Adbri Eurostone in Zurich - http://www.adbrimasonry.com.au/homeowner/paving/see-all-paving/euro-stone - photo attached Couple of questions: Can you paint split face block work and it sticks ok? I didn't think you could if not will render I love exposed aggregate but didn't think you could recoat in this format? It doesn’t seem that common in Sydney compared to Melbourne. Really not sure on window colour and would love some ideas? Other things: Definitely planning on getting an awning once new pavers are down Windows I will get quotes to replace but if too expensive will get a specialist painter for now Zurich is on the right. It's a light grey paver with an exposed aggregate. Available in 400 x 400 and 600 x 400 Cheers, Frank

Very exciting to be building a new home! I would include a second sink with your layout. This will stop your guests coming into your pantry to fill up a glass or the kettle etc. particularly as you want to keep the mess hidden. I personally think it can be handy to have two sinks as this is often a pinch point with two cooks and with clean up vs prep for next course or coffee and tea after dinner. I think you are right about the window seat not being as desirable without the northern sun. Bedroom 1 or 5 could be a good option if you could imagine yourself sitting there with a good book. In terms of kitchen planning guides you can google "planning kitchen work zones" or similar. A couple of Houzz articles that are worth reading are: Kitchen Planning: Zoning Beyond the Basics https:/https://www.houzz.com.au/magazine/kitchen-planning-zoning-beyond-the-basics-stsetivw-vs~54574000 Forget Kitchen Triangles – Work Zones Are Where It's At https:/https://www.houzz.com.au/magazine/forget-kitchen-triangles-work-zones-are-where-its-at-stsetivw-vs~33838673 Good luck!

as always depends on budget but i'm wondering if a steep gable roof at right angles to the main roof with a raked ceiling and solar roof vents would allow better ventilation with enough headroom for a ceiling fan and adding some panels of transluscent insulated polycarbonate closer to the house would help avoid the overshading ...we've used a diy double layered polycarbonate and there are insulating products available eg Arcpanel and, to improve light inside the house (or under a dark alfresco roof) consider Solar Skylights (not hole in the roof) like Arcol or illume brand that we use with excellent results for a modest investment, DIY installation and no risk of roof leaks

Yes pressure clean thoroughly, then make up a concrete slurry, apply with a trowel, add texture with a those cheap green scourers. I would paint the rim around the pool in Colorbond basalt, (nice against the blue tiles) All the rest, including the edging on the path in colorbond Windspray. Will make the path looker wider, will be easier to paint and more modern. Then I would paint the fence in black or monument. Maybe choose Berger jet dry non slip.