I think it has the potential to look fabulous or look really tacky. It would depend on the house you use it in. I think having the height helps create that light airy feel... I have seen it used to enclose an external staircase and it looked wonderful, it created a feature of this lovely lightbox on the back of the house. I think used as a feature in a modern build it can really look good.

I love to change soft furnishings and some decorative items in our family room and master bedroom for summer/winter. In summer I have a lot of white/sand/soft blues with a beachy theme: blue glass, seashells - light and bright. Winter brings out the reds/orange/fuchsias etc. Some of the wall artwork is also changed. I just change the cushion covers, and things like bed linen/bedspread etc. Also the wall decoration behind the bed to tone with the new theme. I don't go out and buy new stuff as I find this method very refreshing ... and it seems 'new' each season! I should add that I have neutral backgrounds and furnishings so that I can do this easily. Even greenery and different floral arrangements enhance the respective themes.

shopping list on fridge for rest of family to write as they use stuff.. when I go shopping I just take either the list with me or take a photo of it and off I go.. when I do a big big stocking up I like my lists so I can cross off..

Definitely creating zones as mentioned above. Depending on body corporate regulations I like the idea of a timber removable tile that can add texture... here is an Australian company that you can buy and install yourself http://www.northernriverstimber.com.au/decking-tiles.html . (IKEA have timber tiles too see image) Pebbles could work to edge the tiles to finish off the space if cutting not desired. Another thing to consider is larger heavy furniture pieces to ensure no movement in high winds. Greenery would look good grouped into larger pots/planters (even if just placed inside in their smaller pots easy to take with you or replace) to give a lush garden feeling. Native grasses and drought friendly plants would work for this area.