Looking at the shadows, I am wondering whether the wall with the plaques on it faces north. If so, can the height of this be reduced? If it is north facing, the room beyond the courtyard would be extremely dark in winter - miserable and cold. If this wall could be dropped so that it is 1.5 metres tall, possibly with a line of fastigiate deciduous trees on the far side to then provide DECIDUOUS height, winter would be lighter and the solid mass of the wall would be reduced. It really is a rather difficult spot. And the paved base of the courtyard only allows for pots unless you want to dig up the pavers and put in tree ferns etc. But then it looks as though the area would get the full blast of hot midday sun. I live in coastal SW Victoria where our climate is similar to yours. But we still get hot days during summer which can scorch plants that haven't acclimatised to this heat.

I would definitely try to move the handrail to the outside of the stairs, the wider the stairs appear, the more welcoming and functional they will be. I don't think I'd go with steel though, I would keep to the era which was timber, it could be painted or stained. I also like most of the ideas and in addition think that painting the rafters a light colour toning with your overall theme will make the whole area feel more expansive. Add a feature to the entrance by way of colour on the door, as suggested or some very sleek ornament on the wall as suggested or my preference would be to feature the risers as mentioned.

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!

Also you need what you use all the time at eye level you seem to have every day items on the bottom shelf. The middle two would be so much easier. I also feel it could be time for a big clean out. Empty everything from all shelves, I know its very time consuming but the only way to do it. Allow a whole day. Go through everything individually, put like items together. Keep baking items together, sauces, gravies etc. together, cereals together, snacks together. Work out if you need to buy some baskets or plastic containers for loose items that should go together. Once you start you will be on a roll. When finished you will wonder why you didn't do this before. Dont forget the timber steps, I think you can buy plastic ones also. I have also seen expanding racks that do the same. But I have found them to be a bit over priced. Don't forget to treat yourself after the good job you have done. Good luck