Hello there. I would definitely recommend the one on the right for 2 reasons. 1) The one on the left would be a nightmare to keep clean. Imagine trying to get in and around all the curly bits. 2) I don't think that a tap should be a big feature and call all the attention to it. It should blend into the surrounding space. Make a feature of your lights, handles, kitchen stools etc instead. Hope that this helps you. Carmen Darwin

Hi Polly, I live in SE Qld, so completely different climate from you. Where I live, Lomandra are incredibly hardy and will grow in shade or sun. Westringia are also hardy, They will take part-shade and adapt very well to being clipped to size. I'm also happy with my dianella. They are really great for getting green 'lushness' in shade. I grow quite a few grevilleas. The hybrid ones flower all year round and give great colour to the garden - and the birds love them. I also grow leptospermum, melaleucas and callistemons in areas where my drainage isn't good enough for grevilleas. I also like Chrysocephalum apiculatum as a ground cover. According to the experts it grows in Melbourne. Where I live it's very long-flowering and spills onto paths nicely. I'm growing a few lilliepillies in shady areas, but we had lots in our last garden so I wanted a change. We have no lawn at all in our garden. No kids or dogs so don't need it. There are so many wonderful natives. Our local Bunnings actually stocks quite a few, or you can find a specialist native nursery that will have an even bigger selection. They can give you advice on what will grow well in your situation.

Option 3 has a terrazzo-look tile which references the previous and original bathroom. The concrete look tiles will date, and look quite daggy in ten years time. Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls

I hate to say it , but the roof is only part of the problem IMO . That yellowy cream on the weatherboards looks dated ( look how clean the white Cape Cod deck chairs look in comparison ) , but then so does the window trim and the blinds . So while normally I'd say go dark charcoal ( maybe Monument ? ) and lighten the weatherboards ( maybe a Surfmist or similar ) , but then the windows will look out of place . So all I can think , on a budget ( i.e. not replacing the windows ) would be go a darker blue on the roof ( almost a royal blue/purple mixed with a charcoal ) and follow through to the door , then a lighter surfmist or similar ( off-white with a blue tinge ) -- or even a pastel blue to really get that vibe -- on the weatherboards -- that way the windows and even the blinds will look okay -- almost like you planned it to be retro but ironic at the same time !