Hi everyone. Sorry for this late reply. To 94236633. The balcony is many metres from the ground so I could not risk pots on the ledge. I like the idea of a sculpture so I'll keep my eye out for something suitable. Thanks for your input. To Mel N Your idea sounds lovely but it's not suitable for this space. We have loads of balcony space on the north facing rear of the apartment for sitting about. Thanks for sharing. To Julie Herbert The white pots look good. You inspired me to try a temporary fix by moving some existing plants out there until I get my act together. It is an improvement on all the grey. Thanks for the inspiration. To Oskuee Your pics look terrific. Since your post (and Julie's) I now have a tall pot with a slender jade plant, a smaller potted jade popped on top of an upturned plastic waste bin, and the white pot I've also raised via a black waste bin. Didn't cost a cent, just a bit of muscle in transferring. Some colour would be good but as I said this is hopefully a temporary fix. If the window project doesn't eventuate I'll re-think the area. Thanks all for your thoughts and encouragement.

Yes oklouise, understand about the skirting(now), I figured out the skirting boards technique after the fact, a little late I guess. Apparently it was one of the things missed at the local stores where the "advice" comes from the professionals. I was invited by one of the "professionals" to sit down at a table(where the apparent consultation happens for whatever project one has), and wasnt informed of that. Among several other things. He was very convincing though, I must give that to the "pro" at that supplier.(holme depo'). In fact, the "pros" at the local suppliers are like, I dont know, as experienced at these sort of things as I am at flying the space shuttle. I guess I could offer an astronaut advice that he/she try, "give a LOT of gas before take off, once it's in the air, try auto pilot, it will keep shuttle floating smoothly, eliminating the need for any button pushing till ya get back into earths atmosphere". But obviously I am only guessing at that. And I assume if I worked at the local coffee shop by the flight school, where I were to be around "flying" people, I'd possibly develop a knack for the language, then if I were to put forth the effort, I am sure I'd be capable of convincing(carelessly), anyone who stopped there for coffee that they could hop in a plane and fly, no problem. Especially if my job selling coffee depended on that. Well, that's the sort of thing the "professionals" do at the supply stores here; )lows, H-D, AZE, etc). Not to mention half are younger than anyone I've ever known to be dignified with the distinction of "professional". I would think time on the job doing the actual trade(flying) would be factored into that category. So, although I actually appreciate your advice, not really what I was looking for. But thank you for taking your time to try to help. It's just that I feel the "go to local supplier, seek the professionals" thing can be used for just about anything on here.

but are there opening windows in the bedroom?.. assuming that the bedrooms all have other doors and windows you could remove the French doors and fill the openings with framing and painted plasterboard and/or consider bookshelves or storage from hallway or bedroom sides but depends on available space

Another question I have is around the placement of the light switch. My husband and I have very different opinions on this. I think it should be hidden and placed inside the room, but he thinks that unless it's right next to the door (i.e. like a bedroom light), then it should be placed outside the room. I just don't want it to be in plain sight. Any thoughts on its placement? If we placed it on the outside I think it would be to the right of the front door.