You should be able to do three panels in those windows up into that arch with horizontal louvers and fully functional. Your shutter maker just needs to line vertical posts up where you have vertical mullions! giving that center shutter something to hinge to. Here are a couple of similar windows I have done. It's a partial arch but it's the same concept with yours

I agree with Wild Infusion. You need to find out what the cause of the water penetration is before you cover it up - this will only keep breaking down as the water is coming in through the brick and pushing out behind the render. No matter what product you put on the wall it will keep bubbling off over time. You need to see if the soil is above your slab line. If the wall is retaining soil on the outside there is a fairly good chance the waterproofing membrane has broken down (if it even exists). It it isnt retaining soil then the surround ground may have been increased in height and may now breach the damp course. Another problem that you could look at is the down pipes and storm water system. Check for cracking of fitting and joints you may have a water leak that is causing an excess of moisture in the area. Call your local Master Builders office and ask who the best person is to look at this problem and if they can suggest anyone in particular.

Hi all, it's now 2020! I'm at render stage and would love it to be white but the renderer I spoke with this morning said to think long and hard about 'white! as it gets dirty very easily especially taking into account the recent dust-storm, not to mention the ash and smoke from the ongoing bushfires. I would like to know: how your respective white renders are coming along in regards to appearance, staining and maintenance; and what type of render and render finish do you have? I am looking at a sandy Rokcote acrylic render. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!!

What a cool house design! Off the top of my head, I think I'd be inclined to paint the brick surrounding the sliding door (1st image) and either paint the pillars or clad them in same timber as the ceiling just inside that same sliding door (1st image). I'd be tempted to leave the large wall as bigreader suggested simply because it's such a magnificent feature. If you live with it for a while then still not loving it, then paint it. While I like the chandelier, it doesn't really suit where it is, as Warren pointed out. If you wanted to change, best to consider if there are any other electrical changes you want to make and get an electrician out only the once. As far as paint colour goes, do you know what the current wall paint colour is?I'd paint to match the wall colour and complement the carpet, but important to know if you like the current colour or want to change. Also it would help to know what your own plans for the interior style is. Do you want to remain true to the 80s with just a few tweaks, or change it completely? About the balustrade, do you want to change the colour of it as well? Is it also made out of glass (couldn't quite tell from photo)?