Australia has nice examples of painted and rendered Art Deco homes. If it was a different kind of brick I would say keep it, but I think painting/rendering would really brighten the place. I love the windows. Although all pics here don't exactly match your style, they are all of that era. As mentioned in above comments, there are mix of landscaping styles that suit from conifer/gravel/grass to cottage rose garden to an Australian native garden. Do what reflects you and how much time you have for your garden.

I'd take out those bitty little windows and put in full width glass bi-fold door going out to the new deck over the garage. I'd also put in put in seamless sliding windows to the left (looking at the photo) which would make your view even better as well. Painting the exterior would transform the house as would removing the current garden and replacing with a more attractive design making sure it won't interfere with your view down the track. Nothing you're thinking about is cheap to do so I'm assuming it's your 'forever' house? If not a lick of paint and landscaping will enhance the appearance greatly. As is it kind of looks like a cruise ship to me, if you're quirky you could make that work for you. Darker colour on the ground floor, lighter on top with nautical features. You could keep the little windows/cabins then. I have a vivid imagination haha. Good luck with whatever you decide, show us the finished product.

Thank you so much, Julie. I thought you would be interested in the end result, given how much encouragement and advice you so generously gave me. :-) I do love it. It has made such a difference and I think (fingers crossed) the landscaping will give it the finishing touch. We are reroofing the pergola, so will post photos when that is completed. The gazebo looks great after its facelift, too.

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