I actually don't know much about EER star ratings at all. Interesting stuff, thanks!

If time and budget permit I would add horizontal screens (timber stain or charcoal/woodland grey) from the right pillar to the garage (hiding the down pipe) and from the left corner of the house (hiding the bins) Do basic landscaping, two narrow beds either side under the windows, bark mulch and simple plants e.g. Lomandra longifolia (a native low grassy dark green clumping plant) is common but easy spaced every 30 cm Valuers like safe and neutral schemes, so keep with the Woodland grey roof/fascia & Classic cream garage door and repeat this on the upper feature slats for now. Then add a warm complimentary colour for the front door, this is Dulux Rodham Then get a lush new plant for that pot too. If you keep it simple (KISS Principle) for now it will come together for sure :)

Suzineedsahouse, what is the era or character of the house you have moved into, because perhaps that will influence design style regardless of size? Also, if you have been knocking out walls is it likely to be more open plan?? I moved from a small 1960's era granny flat into an as-small Art Deco 1940's apartment and found I went with more classic furniture with the second place because it just suited the aesthetic of high ceilings, floorboards, wide skirting boards, fireplace, ceiling roses etc. Having said that, I live in a block of 6 apartments, and I have seen the other apartments decked out completely differently (all of similar layout), from really modern, to mid-century, also one with a real retro art vibe, and they all looked great and seemed to suit the space fine. So maybe go with your taste in the end??

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