That's a lovely home. I agree with the thread, working on one project at a time works for me too. And there's so much great advice on Houzz that helps. Here's one if you're using a builder for the renovation: https://www.houzz.com.au/magazine/10-things-to-ask-your-builder-before-your-reno-starts-stsetivw-vs~27072216 if you're hiring an interior designer: https://www.houzz.com.au/magazine/how-to-present-your-design-ideas-to-an-interior-designer-stsetivw-vs~28888655 and if you're doing it yourself - https://www.houzz.com.au/magazine/8-popular-decorating-styles-and-how-to-bring-them-home-stsetivw-vs~31606209 Happy decorating!

I found a pic of your brick colour - it should look good up against timber, as the houses below have something similar. White trim would look great as a high contrast touch against the heavier walls and roof tiles.

Nice pool, but a shame that your neighbours can see you through the fence, and therefore, you get no privacy. If you were wanting privacy of some kind, bamboo, tikka plant or even lovely conifers will look quite nice, also as a backdrop to your pool area. I would also place a beautiful urn or two strategically near the pool, to add character and colour. I would finally add an order of large stones for good effect.

I don't know how big the existing plants were that have now been cut to ground level, but consider that as the root systems of these trees breaks down, there will be subsidence. This will then affect the paving surrounding your pool. I'm just mentioning this so that you are aware of the possibility in future years - it takes some time for this to happen, depending on the size of the trees and the root system. If they were all palms, then the problem may not be so bad as they have a fibrous root system. But underground can be as big a problem as above ground. If in doubt about what to put in pots, something as simple as a Lomandra grass-like plant would look really good - as long as each pot has the same plant. If you can get Lomandra Nyalla - this is a really good one and hardy.