1. Paint over bricks, either in a light grey (white-wash) colour or a mid grey/blue-grey... https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/resort-inspiration-tropical-exterior-perth-phvw-vp~4028776 or https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/bilgola-house-contemporary-exterior-sydney-phvw-vp~12387394 2. Paint the cladding/paneling on the side in a colour opposite to the one chosen in 1. above... https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/decarle-st-oak-park-contemporary-exterior-melbourne-phvw-vp~6535555 or https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/marbel-st-contemporary-patio-melbourne-phvw-vp~1520623 3. Reseal the roof tiles in a darker grey-blue or bluestone/slate colour, similar to this, but match the garage door colour to the roof colour (i.e. not that timber look) https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/ethel-st-oak-park-contemporary-exterior-melbourne-phvw-vp~6535879

I would look through the many images on this app under a heading like "cathedral ceilings " and find a picture or two that you like the feel of , then follow that design... The feel of the earthy wood ceiling and a stark painted white one is miles apart... Only you are going to know which one feels right for you.. For me I would keep the ceiling and floors wood , render the inside brick and then decorate... I love an earthy feel.. There is also real stone cladding you could cover brick with. Have fun :)

I’d paint everything that can be painted the same colour. The front door could be a earthy version of your favourite colour. You are lucky with your wooden windows which means you can pick one the millions of colours out there. You’re not limited to Colourbond colours but have a look at Woodland Grey which looks great with green gardens. Darker colours are more modern that lighter colours for your type of architecture but when you need your tests what was your preference.

Hi Nicko I wouldn't be planting ficus beside a driveway. The lilly pillies I've grown only have flowers/fruit once a year - if you see flowers/fruit as a disadvantage. (Ficus also drop fruit.) They don't mind a lot of pruning, grow quickly, are evergreen so will be a screen all year round, and have soft foliage if your car does brush against them. Some varieties have been selected to be narrow. Also look for psyllid resistant varieties, though maybe that's not a problem in Geelong? I've grown Slim Callistemon (a bottlebrush) in a narrow space, and that would be worth considering . https://www.ozbreed.com.au/plant-ranges/native-shrubs-groundcovers/slim-callistemon-is-a-great-hedge-for-tight-planting-areas-native-shrubs-ground-covers/ Kath