As you are only looking for ideas perhaps a starting point would be a modern, square style of entrance that you could get ideas from. I couldn't find what I wanted exactly for a photo, but I think if you took points from this photo and adjust to your budget it might suit?? Eg. I think if you can get a nice wide door with a bit of glass on either side, it would really present well. Raising the height of the concrete at the front door with decking tiles or stone tiles depending on your style could really enhance. Concrete pavers you could even make yourself! They can be smaller or larger and if scaled right to the proportions of the house can make it a little more formal. As you have the driveway on the side, I would put a screen on the left and emphasise the left column making a feature of it as in the picture. The column on the right does not align with the entrance, I would not emphasise that column? But perhaps hard to gauge from one photo. If you went for wood this might be an idea.

we think you mean 1800 mm wide (left to right) and 460 mm deep (ie front to back?) why not make a newspaper paper cut out for the sizes you're considering and then add different size and shaped basins to see how it feels ...one important point to consider is not only would a deeper basin have more counter space which is usually good, it will also use up floor space which can make a HUGE difference for opening doors and architraves around doorways and for shower entry and standing and walking room so check the size and shape of the room first and then see how everything fits together although i'm hoping that if you are aiming for an 1800mm wide vanity that the room will be quite generous...btw if you like curves you may like to consider having a vanity cabinet made with curved edges as well as adding a curved sink

Sorry, I can't send photos at the moment as we are having our kitchen renovated and all the lounge furniture is stacked and covered. Our house was built in 1960 but everyone thinks it is a seventies house because it looks just like them. We have been progressively renovating and the kitchen is the last thing to do. We actually bought mid century modern style furniture from the Modern Furniture shop in New Farm/ Fortitude Valley in Brisbane, and a parker dining suite from an antique shop. (My partner hates clutter.) The area in our house that is the same as the one where you have your TV actually has had a set of internal stairs cut into it going down, and we have a piano in the remaining space with our buffet up against the balustrade. We did have our dining suite in the same space as you have yours, but it is an 8 seater, so we swapped the dining and lounge furniture and put our 2 seater sofa, 2 armchairs and oval glass coffee table against the wall opposite the kitchen. We use both more now because the dining space is bigger and the lounge space is cosy and inviting. We have a large area downstairs which we have turned into a combination mancave/TV area/ entertainment, casual dining and summer living space as the concrete floor keeps it cool and comfortable. What I love about a big space like this is that you can change it around if you find it's not working for you as it is, or if you just feel like a change. Having to keep to the TV points reduces that flexibility a bit, but maybe you could consider swapping around the dining area? It's just a matter of figuring out what works best for how you like to live, and trying out different configurations might help you do that.

Is the first pic you posted an older one , maybe off the for sale ad ? It looks several shades yellower , but the gardens are quite different too . So that leads me to conclude it is fading on its own account -- that makes it easier IMO , just do nothing and it'll fade more ! Buttery yellow and brown were 80's , and pretty naff now , but instead of black , I'd go a Japanese Black -- a bit more matt , even blue hues there too -- more interesting , again just my opinion . The terracota does look slightly out of proportion , but lighter walls , darker trim and the orangeness of the terracota for interest would be my go , but then I'm not a fan of too much white on walls -- I'd prefer the 'relaxed casual' of a beige , jap black and terracota to crisp whites . I also assume that timber and the area to the 'right' of the stairs is the area closest to the street ? No matter what you do ( I'd go Jap Black stain on the wood , but do what YOU want ) I'd look at a bark garden or rock garden , with probably cactus and flax and reds and yellows and greens -- the timber looks too much in proportion to the render in the picture , so i'd soften that ( basically hide part of it ) . I like the character and it can get even better -- a great base ! Well done !