Try a mid-century modern rug like Hemphill's Rex Ray Area Rug Collection or Jaipur Traverse Caracas. I looked up 'mid-century modern rug' and chanced upon these on Houzz. I like the muted colours which would soften the cream on brown. The mid-century motifs would highlight the mid-century chair. Good luck!

Flufftop, there have been many good suggestions in this discussion. You already have two 'WOW' factors in your front yard...your lovely cottage and the tree. Whatever you do needs to link these two with the remainder of the garden and that's not an easy thing to do when you have a variety of ideas coming at you from all directions. Walk around your neighbourhood, go to Diggers for inspiration but also go to your local nursery and ask if they have a garden advisory service. Another option is to find a local garden designer (www.aildm.com.au) and have them visit your garden. They have the knowledge to tie all your ideas and thoughts together. They will suggest ways to incorporate all, or some, of your wishes into a unified design which can be implemented immediately or over a period of time to suit your budget. It will cost you a fee for an hour or two ,or more if you get a plan drawn up, but will save you money and disappointment because you'll be eliminating guess work and mistakes. Best wishes Arthur

I'll also add that possums and parrots love eating them (and making a big mess underneath them). Used to drive every member of my family who had one mad. You wait months for the buds to form, then one pillage from the critters and that's it. So if you are in an area with those issues, maybe go for something else or be prepared to put in place lots of protection. Don't remember if anyone mentioned that magnolias come in dwarf varieties, as well as different colour and fragrance strengths. I believe that dark pink one is called 'port Wine' magnolia. Due to their sculptural shape, they go well with Art Deco and modern house designs.

Hi, I believe it is a China Doll Padermachera sinica, they are usually grown as a house plant due to their attractive foliage, planted in the garden they can grow quickly and get very large if not managed.