Thanks everyone for your further comments. No problem about it being an old post, always nice to communicate with people about design solutions/problems. Jilly, I posted some photos on 1st January 2016, they appear further up in the post. Garden Beet Pty Ltd, and Morel Construction Ltd, both of your solutions look great, but our problem still remains the western Queensland sun which is pretty vicious on anything that will either wilt, fade or break down. It was quite a difficult challenge to come up with something that was affordable, workable and durable. I would love to have had plants because I believe they soften large "hard" exterior areas, but we have decided that we will do that with pots around the pool area. Still have that to do, even after all this time. :) Thanks everyone for re-igniting this chat. Jilly, hope you find something that works for you.

Thanks for this suggestion. I need to be as snug as possible in the cold winter months here in Beechworth, ( the rest of the year is glorious), and I'm looking for the most effective insulation for the windows. I believed cellular blockouts would achieve this, but then thought Double glazing + blockout might be "over the top". I can't see draped curtains being so effective; perhaps I might settle for the blinds, and add some curtains for decorative effect. I can pay $3000.00 if they will achieve the insulation I need.

The depends on the look you want to achieve. If you want an ultra modern look, then installing from the ceiling is the best way to go. If you want a more classic or traditional look then install the rod just below the cornice allowing enough room for the brackets/rod etc. 50mm below is good. That way you can opt for a decorative rod. I prefer s-fold from the ceiling than on a rod but it all looks great in the end either way. All the best with it. Here is some photos of some drapes we did with under cornice and on the ceiling.

I bought this "rubber tree" at Home Depot years ago. At least I think it's what we call a Rubber Tree. It's been growing tall but can't support its weight. One summer I brought it outside where the wind strengthened the main stem enough to keep it strong. The next summer it was too tall to ever support itself no matter how much I tried to strengthen the main stem. I topped it to keep it from growing taller until it got a stronger stem. This is actually two trees next to each other. I wound the together hoping that would help. Neither of them are branching out, only growing taller. Ideally I want this to grow tall and then bushy on the top. My home is 62 (F) at night and 68 (F) at day. We have lower humidity in Colorado. It has plenty of light and the window is west facing with south windows as well. I used Gritty Mix, with Foliage Pro fertilizer and water once a week. In the photo it's leaning against the wall to keep from bending over, otherwise it can't support its weight. Any ideas? Thank you!