Gal will go grey (mid to dark grey) over 12 - 18 months. Initially VERY bright. The energy absorbed changes accordingly, from sub 5% absorbed to ~35%. Zinc maintains brightness for longer, though still suffers some dulling. Say 5% to 15% over time. This can be avoided by coating with a product called 'Sharkhide' metal protectant, used to stop aluminium boats oxidising. For there reasons many councils will not allow zinc or gal roofing (visual amenity, reflection issues), while making the houses more prone to requiring summer aircon at the same time. Surfmist Colorbond starts around 9% absorbed. If purely for energy reasons, a light colour might be the only option. If going dark, I would suggest at least doing the 'less aesthetically important' sides and rear in a light colour. Your call. If you go all dark, ensure you have good roof space ventilation for the summer that can be closed in the winter, and lots of well installed ceiling level insulation. Spray foam is more reliable over time than batts, see Spray It Solutions or similar (they have the Formaldahyde free Canadian Icenene foam).

Succulents are fine and will thrive anywhere! I hope it turned out well.

well done to your husband for such a detailed plan... i suggest that you focus on the clothesline level by removing or demolishing the pond or simply filling with rubble and soil to make a raised garden or seat, long term plan to level the area shown as "stones" to make a fenced lawn with access from the deck but any change in level of more than 1m needs a fence so you should fence off the garden with gates across the steps on both sides...a treated pine log fence with chicken wire mesh to prevent any footholds for climbing would probably be the cheapest and consider enclosing a space under the deck over the raised floor to create a storage area for the ladder, gas bottles, mower etc...the walls could come out as far as the round steel post (if it can't be removed safely) and broken bricks could fill in the pond, try moving the clothesline over to the pond lawn to make a more open lawned area on the other side and paint everything except the house brick walls with a very dark paint to tone with the bricks.. consult the local nursery for suitable shrubs to screen the neighbours and unless you're a keen gardener convert all the small gardens beds into lawn or paving

Hi Jeannie, Looking good, you could add a mustard throw to blend with your cushions, black bedside lamps could add a stylish look but even white would look beautiful, I love this Kensington bedhead from Adairs in neutral, that way you can change your colour scheme whenever you desire and your bedhead always matches.