Great products!

On closer inspection I've determined the north facing windows (30º west) don't need extra shading, but the easterly kitchen & laundry need exterior vertical drop blinds, the morning Queensland sun has plenty of bite. The south & south-west bay windows need partial angled exterior blinds, but will include the south-east bay for symmetry. One westerly Master window sharing a corner with a southerly ensuite window I considered a small shade sail, but as there is a garden bed there I think maybe a horizontal slat panel as a frame for climbing plant, hinged for maintenance access & climbers rooted at the hinge side(s). Finally a fixed decorative screen outside a westerly garage window near the front door.

I can't really comment on those specific colours as digital photogrpahy isn't accurate enough to tell the differences. Both Ceaserstone and Silestone have good reputations for being durable, family-friendly work surfaces for kitchens. However they are not indestructible - so if you put something red hot from the oven directly onto the surface there is a chance that they will crack from heat stress. The plain colours tend to show every crumb and bit of leftover food, but the ones which are more like terrazzo with a fleck pattern running through are really good at disguising crumbs. If you are looking for toughness and better durability then you should consider the Dekton surfaces by Cosentino, which is like the next-generation Ceaserstone (and a lot more expensive). Best of luck with your considerations, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls

Hi all, I'm back again! We're almost there and just trying to decide between using axon sycon cladding or weathergroove for the vertical cladding. Would really appreciate your thoughts on whether the axon would look too modern for the house? We're keen on it for durability, low maintenance. We're thinking of the narrow board, smooth and painting it a colour similar to this https://www.haymespaint.com.au/index.php/explore-colours/colorbond/view/12/4941 I've reattached the external photos.. the plan is to replace all the brown cladding and leave the brick as is. Any help would be great. I'm very much a novice! Thank you 🙂