Hi, we are extending upstairs over a older red brick home. we have Ironstone windows, gutters, roof. We are going to render the extension but don't want to go lighter like a Dune colour but more of a medium grey. We will be replacing our posts and garage door with timber (also have a timber gate) so I feel like we can get away with a darker grey upstairs render. Do you know a good medium grey that goes well with Ironstone? Initially I was thinking Simone Weil and maybe even Guild Grey if it's not too dark?

All good colours I have Dune and medium brown bricks (boral mocha) and love it Boral colour consultant (free) suggested dune or basalt for my bricks but love the dune fades into sky. Plumber accidentally put windspray downpipes instead of ironstone and windspray clashed horribly with bricks as has blue base so go dune or basalt with your warm toned bricks - dune :)

Yes, the retaining wall blocks should be a darker colour than the house paint to anchor the look. At the moment they are distracting from the house, and you want to make them less of a feature. Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls

Yes, it would be good to have some images. Don't forget under the eaves - this section adds such a welcoming feature and leads to decisions of front door selection - have a look at www.axolotl.com.au for innovative ideas in outdoor features. Colourbond Paper Bark is an older colour, but with everyone colouring their houses grey or charcoal at the moment, you will have something different - yyaaaayyy. Don't ever make an apology for the ideas you choose - just think outside the square for the next decision.