How stunning that is, agree 100% a glass balustrade with no railing, no alternative really, I would not jeopardize that view to save money. You ave one for ow so I'd just get the glass done when you can afford to without compromise. You and any future buyers will thank the stars you did.

Your home is lovely, my thoughts are if you are hesitating about the dado rails, maybe consider turning them into an elegant and timeless feature, by converting them to wainscoting? (I sense from your question that you are not a devotee of the Victorian style :-) I also agree with what the others have mentioned about changing the colours to something more neatural like a shade of grey that you like or a dusty blue, and leaving the lower half white. For a more updated look, you could look at updating the pendant lights to something a little more classic, (to your taste of course) and if budget permits, changing to carpets to perhaps a hardwood floor. All the best, I hope this helped. Ive attached a picture and link to an example. http://www.charmingzebra.com/2011/07/wainscoting-success-sort-of.html

Thanks for your comments, for this project at Roseville, the frame for the decking was treated pine, and the top decking and the side screen was treated pine size 90mm x 22mm, we used decking oil (intergrain) Ultra Deck marine grade,( you can find it at Bunnings) with a (Merbau) Tint, this gives the timber a hardwood look. if you want to use a hardwood timber, I recommend using (Merbau) it comes in 90mm x 19mm and 135mm x 19mm. The decking is looking to the backyard Garden, nice view,

siriuskey, i am not a big fan of glass balustrades. It would've been an easier option to be honest! And still keeping an open mind about it. We have hard wearing and low maintenance plant in the box, like agaves and other kind perhaps. We are learning from our neighbour whose planter above garage (but theirs is on the deck, different to ours) has gone wild due to the selection of plants. Maintenance? did mean something else?