Sandra B/LegendaryFlame/MBDesign/Girlguides: thank you for the fence endorsement. It's been oiled again since that photo, so matches more closely to front pillars. I agree that we need to paint the side room a darker colour. I think based on all these comments I'll do the protruding front panel the dark grey of the roof (MBDesign, fyi, roof is brand new) and the side room the mid range grey that the the protruding front panel is now. Remainder of house remains the white grey. CP - I know what you mean with the fence being too imposing. If I had my time again I'd make the height lower. But great idea to plant something on the street side of the fence to soften it. I'll look into that. It feels like spring is almost in the air in Sydney - so time for the nursery's :) Sandra B: I'm not sure what you mean with the bit near the front door. Do you mean painting around the window above the entry? (per photo attached above)? Thanks again everyone: certainly made my thinking clearer having this input. Just need to decide on that panel between upstairs and downstairs window now.

Hi pallavi the cut out area would be great for the marble table. A large round mirror above it (i just bought one from freedom at a reasonable price). Maybe a hanging macrame pot plant in the corner (hanging from thr ceiling) where ur current plant is......this would be a vocal point as soon as people walk in. Yes a piece of artwork on the opposite wall would be nice to balance both sides. Hope this helps you alittle to get ur creative hat on and just go for it. the only problem is there is no storage as u wanted but you can always put a nice bowl on the console for u to store keys.

Hi there, I personally don't like the look of that rock wall with your home. It does nothing for it. I would get rid of it, you may even be able to sell the rock for a bit of cash. I would besser block a retaining wall in its place with posts and render this, then use your timber horizontally slated between the posts. Select a paint colour that works nice with your timber colour and carry the colour through to your house. This will also work in with your side timber fence. Also remove all the plants in the front, just because they are lovely doesn't mean they are in the right place or serve a purpose, you may be able to transplant them somewhere else in the yard. Plants: mop tops are a great feature tree and give lots of shade in summer. A hedge along the inside of the fence would look great, Lilly pilly's are good and Japanese box is tough as boots and requires little water once up a bit. Westringia, birds of paradise, hibiscus, viburnum, Murraya all take heat, depends on what look your after. My average temps in summer are 47 degrees and winter -3 & these plants survive. Yes I also agree with a path from the front to the door. Front door to house could have some timber posts added with an awning/patio to make it stand out. The timber would carry through from the front fence. Painting the brick can also give it a lift if you don't want to go modern with render. You could also paint the concrete driveway, there are some snazzy options available for this, plain or stencil. Best of luck! I'm sure it will come up a treat.

No I’m not in Brisbane. Bunnings generally have a limited selection of the more popular natives. Your best best bet will be a local independent nursery. They can order in and give good advice. A lot of native nurseries also sell online and deliver interstate.