I would try the Woodcliff Lake, it has a warmer tone than the lighter greys.

There are different kinds of ivy and plant privacy screens that can be purchased which might cover your fence and gate and give you the privacy you are looking for. I have not used them before but the photos look very nice. If you picked a color to match your side or front bushes, it would look very nice and becost effective as well. You have a beautiful home. Good luck and please post photos of the final.

I would clean up first. Especially the stuff growing in the paving. Then get gardening with pot plants and start experimenting with different plants and the positions. See what you like and if you can keep it alive! Our house has the sun setting over the back fence and we've done a few inexpensive things to reduce that issue (most expensive were outdoor blinds around the verandah) but for most of the year we just don't want to be out there. It is hard work to keep the plants going in summer, there is a lot of sand due to the difficulty in keeping lawn alive and it is just bloody hot. So, that's why I'm saying clean up, start gardening small and see how you go before committing to structures that might not address the real issues you have with the yard. Just my 2 cents! :)

has anyone completed a garage to bedroom conversion and can share photo's please?