I would love the rocking chair too, but way too expensive for me, unfortunately!! Yellow could be good... hmmm, will have a look, thanks

Thanks for the replies! My wife suggested we talk to a local real estate agent, so i think that is a good idea... just that Im not sure how helpful they are likely to be if we arent selling yet :) As for saving for our dream house, I dont disagree, however if doing this up nicely over the next ~5 years or so while we live here nets us some extra in the eventual sale, then that of course will help us as well. Interesting thing happened today actually. I got a knock on the door and one of the older neighbours asked if he could take some lemons from the tree. I of course said yes. Anyway he was telling me he had lived in the street for 40 years. I asked him if the house had always looked like this, and he said no that ~30 years ago the old old owner did a massive renovation and pulled off the timber and put up the bricks and gutted the inside of the house. Interesting stuff!

Personally I cannot see what the problem is - I don't mind the presentation. It is not in your face wonderful. but it is never going to be. Its neat and tidy which is really important when it comes to home presentation. I don't like your idea re the bitsy garden at all. It will completely ruin the existing facade. Why not consider a line of pots - big pots running parallel to the wooden fence. The pots need to be all the same - maybe 5 in number. Tall and narrow in shape. Use quality potting mix and consider a native grass in all of the pots like Lomandra Nyalla. This plant will last for years in a big pot and they are tough. But take care of them because if you do this and dont take care of them,. then crappy pot plants are worse than not doing anything at all. Why not remove the lawn that you don't like and use a fine aggregate like Lillydale Toppings with a good base underneath. The effect that I have suggested is neat and tidy but also will give the area a professional, more modern look. If in doubt, leave as is! Alison

Awesome upholstering job! The cobalt blue really compliments the peacock print nicely, whilst also making the chairs more fun and youthful