Thank you for some concrete information. Those samples could actually be different batches of the one colour. The flecks and shading are almost identical. Is the new version the low silica option following legislative changes? If so, you’ve been caught up in a change that was beyond the Manufacturers and your control. It would also explain the same name being used, something typically not done because it causes problems. PS you assumed I’m a guy. I’m not but I do have 25+ years of dealing with contracts, vendors and projects. Half my life is spent trying to get suppliers to do things they may not want to do, and it all comes back to the paperwork particularly the disclaimers and exclusions. I can’t see any resolution for you.

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 .

As a parent, this story touched my heart. What a beautiful way to remember his soul and to start healing. Gardens breathe life into the home. I wish that the family finds their peace.

Is that pic your actual place , or off a brochure ? The door is beautiful , the glass is great , I can't work out if the steps are polished concrete or marble , but basically it all looks classy ! And then that stacked stone looks like someone has run a picture through a black-and-white photocopier , and glued it on -- it looks fake ! Just a hint -- stacked stone doesn't have uniform crisp sharp corners -- and the grout lines should follow around corners too haha . Any sort of tiling may look as bad , or maybe better ; likewise powdercoated aluminium panels will look corporate ( not a good thing on a house IMO ) . If it was me , I wouldn't care if the 'allowance' was $60 -- I'd happily spend $6000 to go genuine ! It will make the whole place look better -- you only have 1 chance to make a first impression ! BTW -- is that $60 in total , or $60 a square metre -- neither will go far ? If budget really is that tight , how about just a plain render . Even thats probably more than $60 ! If thats all you can afford , so be it . But either at build time , or in future , if you have the $$$ , you could add 5 or 6 vertical 40mm x 40mm battens across the front of the column , same style and tone as the door , the full height ( maybe $600 ? ) and obviously referencing the door .