Any luck choosing a color yet? Any pics you can share to get an idea of what you are working with?

I love my Plantation shutters. They keep rooms cool in the summer and warm in the winter and look fabulous year round.

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! :)

Hi Angela, this space has mega potential. For starters it has fantastic symmetry. However as the space is very long I would recommend you break it down into 2 zones. The front zone as the place for bride and bridesmaids to get ready and the end wall zone as the sleeping area. Divide the space with a set of luxurious pooling drapes, and keep the lighting in the sleeping zone dimmable wall hung bedside lights and and a conversation piece chandelier. Go for warm colours and a touch of gold. A high oversized shallow tufted bedhead will add luxe. A upmarket Bohemian theme could work well. The bridal preparation zone needs to be well lit, (daylight) bars, with floor to ceiling opposable mirrors, (side lit also). Remember this is a functioning space, there needs to be ample hanging for dresses/clothing, clear space, formalish seating (no bride or bridesmaid wants to get stuck in a low lounging sofa and need a hand-up. Have sideboard space for jewellery, flower holders etc and keep the colour palette very neutral, a blackwhite, and mid range neutral grey will work with any bridalware. If you would like any further advice you are welcome to contact me. As an interior designer I often work alongside a styling company that specialises in weddings and other events.