I have miles of decking at two houses. All timber when put in the Australian sun will suffer. When building our beach house we decided to go for Spotted Gum and let it grey. Why fight it? We applied Cutek, and will on a regular basis. At our main house we have lots of Merabu or Quilla. Will not grey the same, and leaches lots of red stain. Cheap, but would not use again. What ever you use, use a good quality oil that seeps deep into the wood not a traditional stain/or top finishing product.

My favourite is the Curved edges - Carpenter Street. It creates a sense of wonder, almost cocoon-like. I can't wait to get in there and experience it for myself. I also like Beach canopy - Cozy Outdoor Living Room - yes, the view, but also the way it makes me feel. How hot does the Summer Classics - Club Woven aluminium decking get? Looks great and low-maintenance.

I love Julie's ideas of succulents , especially the pics with several different ones in the same pot . As far as the grey , I wouldn't -- you look like you like colour and excitement , so I'd go yellow on the pots -- a similar or slightly brighter shade then the cushion on the couch or chair to the left . It would tie it all in , and make that lovely mat look more like a feature too IMO . Without knowing 'the bigger picture' ( what else is 'happening' around that wall ) , just what I see I'd be inclined to add a light either side of the door too -- stick to the same shade as the joinery ( personally , I'd go for a 'clean rustic; style with say 15 squares each side ) , or if brave ( and assuming the guttering etc is probably a similar charcoal as your door joinery ? ) , go for the same yellow as your pots -- add a Wow !

without the plan of upstairs i'm not sure that my suggested changes to front wall will be suitable but instead of reducing the rear deck, taking space off the front porch would allow extra space for the kitchen without changing the front set back and, unless there's some special reason for the extra toilet could you consider different access to the downstairs bathroom to have a more private toilet with included handbasin with or without the extra sink in the dining area?.. there's enough space for extra storage for utility and dining area with a table for two in the kitchen and extending the floor of the deck to the rear and side fences would allow more outside sitting area