Air condition is called aircon, the combo air conditioner & heaters that you hang high on a wall are called swingers. Countertops are called benches, yards are called a gardens, closets-wardrobe, bonus room-rumpus room, hardwood floors or any wood is called timber. Living in the country is living in the Bush. Carpenters are called a Chippy, electrician -Sparky, brick layer-bricky, plumber-dunny driver. Downtown is called CBD. Neighbor is spelled neighbour. If a room is painted and decorated in updated colors & pattens they are called “Fresh”. If a house is updated in higher end-sophisticated materials it’s called “smart”. Fittings-are basically light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, appliances. Color is spelled colour. Picture rails are still pretty common. Queenslander-is a traditional style of home in Queensland that has a bungalow/Victorian/country/cottage feel. “security screens” are popular on windows & doors-which is a metal lattice. Full fences around your property are also popular.

Hi Debbie, Just adding to your dilemma, until recently we had lovely offices in Sydney with each room having one wall of full height sliding doors, with wonderful day time views and night time lights. We installed very nice manual Roller blinds for when privacy was needed, but I still wasn't happy with the look either day or night. I love the lovely soft curtains that Mel n suggested but hubby wouldn't be happy as there would n't be any privacy at night unless they had a separate lining. So saying that I still think internal "Plantation" shutters that bi fold across the openings would really add something to your open plan room, I was also thinking sliding stacking panels, you could ask a local supplier to come out and discuss. These shutters are larger and easier to clean. I'am adding some more photos for you. On another note, I hope Debbie doesn't mind my mentioning this but Debbie suffered damage to her home at the hands of her name sake "Cyclone Debbie", when a very large neighbours tree fell down on her property causing a lot of damage, very hard to see your hard work ripped apart. You will get there again Debbie xx The large Plantation shutters look the best to me You mentioned new ceilings etc this could be done if you were having curtains Your view with undercover outdoor area added

Can I suggest that as most of your proposed project comes under the umbrella of landscaping that you consult an experienced landscape designer in the first instance. Someone who is experienced with pools and outdoor rooms. Also someone who has a network of other professionals that they work with such as pool builders, architect or architectural designer and engineers that may be necessary for the permits and build once the overall conceptual design is realized. All of your wish list will need to flow together and be cohesive to function well and a good designer will be able to work with your design brief and guide you through this first stage which is critical if you intent to carry the work out in stages. All the very best with your project. Lynn

Californian Bungalow, brick so probably Sydney not Melbourne, but the casement windows are throwing me off as is the unusual porch design?! You've got a gem! ; D Otherwise the architrave shape and any other remaining original interior features could further clarify for you.