I like all the garden ideas ( it does look a bit sparse and 'rental property' look about it IMO ) , with a low fence along the front , a wooden screen a couple of metres in front of the door , etc , BUT when I looked at the very first photo -- the wider angle one -- the one thing you notice first is the yellow marker post on the left hand side of the driveway fence . So take that as a cue , and paint the garage door a bright colour to stand out -- primary or metallic or trendy , just one that you like , and personally I'd probably change the curtains ( or even dye them ) to the same colour as the garage door . Right now , everything is various derivatives of off-white and red brown earth brick -- needs a decent spot of colour to lift the houses look IMO . Another option would be 'natural' timber blinds , especially if you had them the same shade of stain as the screen and the front fence , but I'd still do the garage door ( and maybe the guttering ) your current favourite colour .

would also love to know the best method but best food safe products would be olive or other cooking oil and let the everyday knocks and bumps add to the patina over time

Look at the range of timber bench tops at Bunnings. Nothing better than a timber look, with real timber. https://www.bunnings.com.au/our-range/kitchen/benchtops/timber

@siriuskey not related to this thread per se but I believe all cabinetry with the exception of timber comes with white laminate inside (unless you order custom and pay for the inside to be painted). We just had black cabinetry installed in our lounge and the back of the doors are white. I was shocked so contacted everyone I know with new kitchens in dark colours and they ALL had polyurethane cabinets with white laminate on the back of dark/coloured doors.