Could you divide the entire width, not length, just width between deck and pavers into three equal wide steps that have the same structure as the deck?

Yours is the style of home that can truly be transformed with the right colour. Your house is already a light colour and it doesnt do justice so Id suggest going for a deep colour on the walls top and bottom and making a bold statement - unfortunately this would require repainting the roof as well but I think this would be well worth doing as pale green is going to be very restrictive to the colour you paint the outside. With every second house at the moment seeming to be painted grey Id suggest a different bold colour in blue tone - such as a navy blue, dusty blue or teal-blue with off white/cream for the trims, window frames, garage door and staircase. This colour combination looks stunning with a light silver colour roof (which is available in dulux roof paint) You have a couple of awnings already so Id add another one on the other side over the LH window and front door as they are very close together - this will help balance out the front of the house and add further interest and character. Paint your front door a contrasting colour as well to add further street appeal. Adding some plants up high in the form of window boxes under the front windows, and one under the side window with the awning, planted out with trailing plants (especially silver toned such as variegated ivy, white flowering geraniums, and silver dichondra) would look amazing! Best of luck

We're currently building and have out down blackbutt. It's only been laid, still to be sanded and top coated. We plan to just finish with a satin waxy product. I'd have to ask hubby what exactly it is. But we don't intend to stain. We've seen this finish on 2 recent builds and it looks fab. A small pic of ours. I can take a larger one of the entire open plan room if you wish. This was just one I had on the iPad :) We love the blackbutt. We originally chose as it was cheaper than spotted gum. Ours is standard grade so has more knots, etc than the higher grade. I actually prefer the feature of the standard grade. We have kids and a dog so hopefully will cope ok.

Wall paint in charcoal, sandstone tiles to replace decking. Use genuine stone and seal it before and after laying. Could keep the right hand side decking to break up the expanse of same material.