Thanks for your reply. Not sure which wall you are referring to? We can't block the bedroom that is next to the front door and we don't want people walking directly into the lounge. We also want the deck to be private. Do you mean to have the gate and doorbell outside in the open?

What a fun space! Love the pillows...I agree with above, lower all the frames, but not so low little ones can reach. The art should fall at eye level about 5'4" for walls and for behind the sofa not more than 12" above it. Then keep the width about 5" inside the sofa length on each side. Your frames are small so you need the close together for impact. I would start with some pretty curtains for the door and large window and then a simple Roman shade for the small window- since your girls play there you don't want anything they will grab hold of. http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/query/how-to-hang-a-photo-gallery

I'd get a signwriter to do a bespoke sign that doesn't look like a mass produced one , with something like 'Our main entrance is this way' or similar , say orange lettering on a 40cm square white powdercoated alloy sign , and a squiggly arrow -- or maybe get it on a varnished wooden sign or similar -- spend $50-100 rather than $10 . Fasten on that left hand front beside the garage door . Not a complete solution , but it will help if done right .

I don't know what its composition is, but it feels cheap and nasty. It has turned fluffy at the bottom from moisture, and the actual door itself is a strange sort-of rough texture. I would love to be able to smooth it all over with something and paint it. One step further, I'd really love to be able to make vertical lines down it to resemble the third photo I've attached - what tool(s) would I use for that. Can some clever person(s) advise me on how to get started? Thank you so much!