Hi Harriet, We are alumiumium windows supplier from China and have more than 10 years experience for Australian market, we have all certificates and can deliver windows from China to your doors by our forwarder in Australia. We produce stacking sliding doors with slimline, please see below pics for our project in Alexandria and Terrigal in NSW. We will use nylon rollers for costal homes so that they can not be corroded by salt. Our website is www.aussiewindows.com And you can reach me at anais@ebahouse.com if you are intersted. Thank you.

As someone who bought a brick house recently, a major reason for the decision was the low maintenance of unpainted brick. So, no, don't paint the brick! The facade above the brick looks heavy and dominating because it is so bright white and all one colour. Why not go for a more retro look, break up the solidity of the overhanging facade by painting the vertical trims a different colour? Pick a colour that compliments the brick and keep in mind that colours were more adventurous in the 70s. Embrace the fun of the beach and the retro look without going overboard. Leave the brick as is, paint window trims to contrast and catch the light., maybe add shutters in the same colour to make windows look bigger and add more to catch the eye under the eaves. And paint the front door a fun, bright colour. Citrus colours catch the light and pop, but check they don't clash with the colour of the brick. You need contrast and brightness. Our blonde brick house was built in 1960. We painted the front door, the awning over our sliding doors and our garage door all the same colour: bright citrus orange (the garage door has 2 horizontal white stripes). The result was an instant uplift. We then had the roof restored and painted a terracotta colour (concrete tiles) and cleaned the eaves. The house looks fresh as a daisy and so much more attractive. The paint cost about $100, and the roof cost $6000. Money well spent! Then we worked on the gardens. We took out tall plants close to the house and replanted the gardens with more attractive flowering plants, going for colour. It all looks much more inviting now.

What's under the deck? Do you have access for maintenance? What's the structure set into the left, is that where the palm was? Plantings soften outdoor landscaping. If they are no taller than the fencing or strategically placed, they shouldn't block views. If you are restricted to pots you need to consider weight and ensure the deck is strong enough and is maintained in good condition. Could you please add the other pictures to this thread so everything relevant can be easily found in one place? Yes, looking at that palm probably best to have removed it. It needs something similar but definitely different to bring back the greenery. Which direction does the deck face? Are you thinking about shade as well, or purely aesthetics?

https://www.houzz.com.au/discussions/6228334/design-advice-for-coastal-outdoor-deck