Thanks kirstensomers, first up I'll take it that North is to the right of your first picture. A few other thoughts pop to mind: You're being very kind to neighbours if you put a bed along the pool fence as I figure you can't actually see it much from your house. I would suggest letting the pool fence run to lawn. You'll get enough sun to do it as it's facing east. You have to mow that verge anyway, and it would be great for guest parking! You could focus your efforts and $ instead on doing both sides of your lovely wide driveway. I would never usually say this but I almost feel as though the tree closest to the driveway should go. It doesn't provide useful shade in that position. It partially blocks the view from that balcony. Also, the two trees on that side make the garden seem very unbalanced. A single remaining tree could claim its rightful place as the magnificent feature tree. If you went for the chop on one tree it leaves you with a nice amount of space to plant beds on both sides of the driveway and allows for better views if that's what you prefer.That's option 1. For option 2 you could of course take the opposite view and decide to balance out those two trees by planting one large tree on the other side of the driveway! It all hinges on whether you prefer looking into the tops of your trees or prefer looking at whatever you can see from your house. Personal choice for sure. Either way, the driveway would get morning and midday sun. The sun would reflect off the concrete. I'll bet you score the sea 'breeze' there too. Tough gig. I'm with Timandra Design and Landscaping as this is the perfect environment for natives and those that act like them. As to plantings? Option 2 is easier. What type of trees are they in the picture? Plant one of them then under plant with hardy dietes or agapanthus until the shade grows in. Option 1 opens up other possibilities. Modestly sized trees would seem to be the go. Rows of Callistemon King's Park Red marching up both sides of the drive attracting all the birds? Olive trees for their silvery foliage? Once you have decided the area and height for plantings you can go to some fine nurseries that specialise in natives and their mates. Nice way to spend a couple of hours! I hope you have much fun with your garden. It's so exciting to put in all that work then watch your efforts multiplied by nature. Good luck!

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

Hi Cecblake, Once your satisfied with your layout, you can firmly stick the postcards onto paper and fix or wrap it to the wall with a good quality double sided sticky tape, a generous strip across the top and bottom to hold it in place. Then apply the pre drilled Perspex over it ensuring you have left a 5mm border around the outside edge of the paper and screw it in (screwing into a stud or using plaster board screws if not) Perspex prices vary depending on the thickness, size and quality. It is a durable and flexible material but avoid using it in a high traffic volume area, for example foot level as it is prone to scratching. Look at some affordable examples in your local hardware store to begin with, I suggest a 3mm sheet which can be easily wiped clean, keep the postcards protected it can be replaced later with higher quality if your satisfied with your look. (Tip : apply the double sided tape straight onto the wall firmly, only removing the second strip when your ready to fix your paper to it. Also do not stick onto the Perspex, this way you can easily remove it or replace it later if you choose and still keep your postcard template undamaged.) Finally, Yes that was one of my works :) Enjoy!

From what you have said, I think smaller separate pieces such as couch and chair(s) rather than a large sectional is likely to work better in the space and still allow for traffic flow. However, if you still have lots to do then don't rush to make large purchases. In the meantime, if your current sectional looks better pulled away from the wall a bit, then perhaps you could rotate the side table so that the long side runs parallel with the sofa arm instead of the wall. Would that help to stop it blocking the doorway and resolve the 'not quite right' placement?