Great choice with the Travertine, my joey just renovated her pool area with it and it looks amazing. I agree with Jenny Torrisi that glass in the archways would make a huge difference. Synthetic turf would be one idea for the courtyard, but it does have to be properly laid. Otherwise if you could extend the Travertine to that area, it would also look amazing. It would contrast well with the plants you have there, and you could add a cantilevered umbrella and couple of large shiny blue pots would add some colour and extra greenery. My big concern though is with those palm trees - quite frankly I find them useless, they provide very little shade, no greenery at ground level and the fonds drop off them indiscriminately and can cause serious injury if someone is in the wrong place when they drop. Lower growing plants in that area would make a huge difference. There used to be a market for established palm trees, not sure if it still applies. As far as the brickwork goes, dark coloured bricks absorb heat, which would make your pool area very hot and the solid walls would do nothing to allow breezes to circulate. I am really anti painting or rendering bricks as that means ongoing maintenance, but would the budget run to cladding the fence at least in a light coloured timber, I think it would give it a more modern look and appear cooler. There is definitely no room for plants, even in pots, but if you are artistic or know anyone who is, you could also attach a waterproof sheeting to one wall and paint a tropical style mural on it. https://www.google.com.au/search?q=tropical+external+wall+murals&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjns-ih0IHQAhVGjZQKHdBHAnkQsAQIQw&biw=1366&bih=638

Wow. So much potential! I would definitely paint white, re place the back splash, and remove the pot holder. The old saying of 'you have to spend money to make money' wouldn't go astray here. If the budget allows....i would consider new flooring. Correct me if i am wrong, however the flooring looks to be cork. This particular style and colour is very out dated. This could potential be a factor with the buyers. it looks like it could be a descent size home, perhaps buyers see the amount of extra $ that needs to be spent?? just a thought. Looks like a lovely home with a lot of potential. Good luck with it all.

Thanks for your replies. I don't favour any particular style, I'm afraid I can see good things in all styles, but I love the colours of Morocca and Mexico and also love Balinese. I thought that with white walls I could bring plenty of colour into furnishings etc. I really like white white, am not fond of creamy whites at all. If anyone can suggest a colour I will get a sample pot and try it. I know the floor tiles restrict colour choices but they will have to stay unfortunately. We live in the sub tropics so would like that reflected, also love indoor plants. I love sleek modern kitchens with plenty of drawers however ours is a bit boxed in to make look sleek, am considering getting an upright stove so where the oven is could become more bench space. The dining room needs to cater to 8 minimum but am looking out for a nice extension table for there.

Your kitchen looks like it may be original with the house and has had a number of makeovers since it was built. It looks like a builders kitchen, and probably not the highest quality with hinges and runners starting to wear out at a guess. You can't apply a two-pack finish to old doors that have been painted (and repainted) before and expect a perfect finish. I wouldn't buy new doors and drawer fronts in such an old kitchen, but look at upgrading all of the knobs to handles and repainting to work with the materials and colours that you won't be changing, such as the benchtop and flooring. Many kitchens have a life span as things wear out and technology changes. All of the little jobs and upgrades that you have described will be fiddly and expensive due to the labour content. Don't waste too much of your money on upgrades to this old kitchen but save up for a new one. A well designed, new kitchen will make better use of the space, and be designed to give you the storage you need, and house the appliances that you want to make cooking a pleasure. Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls