@hummerd, Yes I believe you about the skylight but we have a truss roof design, which puts the room ceilings some 3m away from the actual roof and so a skylight that actually opens can't be installed in this bedroom or anwhere else in the home unles we had a cathedral ceiling, otherwise it would have been a simple procedure. Disapointed that we can't use this method but it's not to be!! A tube skylight is our only other option but we were wanting one that allows you to open and close an internal vent situated on the ceiling, as well as on the roof, our daughter has one like this but they aren't made anymore. It seems they are now only vented on the roof either permanantly or with a motor that allows you to manipulate the amount the vent is open. Price has now jumped from a standard $200 to at least $600+ and rising but none of these tube skylights have an ajustable vent in the ceiling which we would prefer. We will have to keep looking and thanks for your thoughts. Cheers, Barbara

Although we have very deep eaves and lovely large decks, we don't actually have proper shade at our new house so that we can enjoy the outdoor living. Trying to resolve this. Thinking about a big shade sail further away from house where we have a big table and chairs, and perhaps decorative metal panels attached to either the roof or wall cladding on the west deck. The sun is harshest during afternoons to sunset and so far we cannot use this deck for '5 o'clock somewhere' drinks.

If you can put doors on the whole back area and deck or pave out to a functional size for entertaining - be sure to have as close to same height as inside and the whole width of the house if possible. You could do the pergola which looks gorgeous and makes a cozy feel. On top of the pergola you may be able to do a weatherproof retractable awning if you do not want a permanent covered area. That would make a whole area for indoor outdoor entertaining in all types of weather. You can still have a step down area to grass and plants at the rear. Travetine is great and easy to hose down. You do not have to concrete them down use pavers on a good road base. You would have to speak to the experts about how to get the right height - also be sure to have a slight fall away from the house.

Visit Bunnings or similar painting store. Purchase a concrete exterior flooring paint. Ensure that the existing concrete is cleaned completely, maybe pressure clean first. Then paint on with a roller as per instructions.