I have just taken a couple more pictures (excuse the untidy house) from the stairs. As you can see it's an open plan area that isn't that big but very high ceilings also in wood (Macrocarpa) with dark wooden beams. The house is surrounded by bush so quite a dark house. I initially considered a darker wood similar to the beams but not sure if that will make the house appear smaller / darker...I'm really not sure what to do!?!?!? Thanks

I would embrace the element, but I would get rid of the wood chips. I'm thinking back fist sized river rocks. Then I would get a tallish flowering tropical such as hibiscus and add a few ivy plants to grow between the rocks. Additionally, a small water feature might be nice. For me, the bigger problem with the entryway is the door. You have an obviously contemporary home, yet you have a -very- traditional door. I would want a wood door with some sort of art glass element in it. The wood would of course need to be stained to match the existing woodwork. The door will be some big bucks, but it would remain regardless of flooring changes. These two doors are not specific recommendations, but examples of the type of entry door I have in mind. Best wishes!

The colour of the exterior will be 1/2 grey friars, roof grey friars and doors shale grey. We have built a new garage which has created a walkway. Any suggestions for paving. Was thinking a blue stone? Will it go with those colours? Also some kind of porch from the front door with steps down to walkway. We have this long garden which I thought we could plant out, but I am clueless!! Any suggestions would be truly wonderful!! What would you do?

My viewpoint is that I'd sooner have the fridge at the 'other' ( right hand end ) of the kitchen , away from a window , and have it 'along' the wall , but that depends on space , doorways , etc . Having said that , if the window already stops where it does , it's a reasonably clever use of what would otherwise be an underutilised area . In the above pic , I assume there is a door just out of sight , beside the fridge ? If there isn't , I would have been inclined to have the cooktop there , instead of the fridge , but thats just me .