The setting is quite tropical, so a darker scheme with white trims has such a tropical holiday feel. You may consider using a concrete face brick for the lower section. This will be modern, and eliminate the need for painting, while still creating contrast with the upper level. Try a colour for the main house like Resene Evolution, or Quarter Evolution, both would be perfect for your style of home. The colour scheme that we recommend for you is our Rainforest Board which includes everything you need to bring the look together! https://www.bodoboards.com.au/collections/paint-concept/products/rainforest-paint-concept We would love to see updates as you go.. its going to be great!

The roof will be a dark grey/charcoal colour. The gutters are an off white colour, windows are white and we have cream brick all the way around. I am unsure what colour to paint it. I want to keep away from green because my house is surrounded by a sea of green. My husband thinks a light grey along with a new timber front door.

There is a lot of paste and size residue still on the walls. Washing and scraping helps but it still feels like it's there. Would a good sanding be sufficent or do I need to wash all the paste off before painting?

What a lovely space! I would suggest an earthy deep green on this wall and possibly repeat this hue somewhere else in the space….either via cushions or art or another wall. the lime green pot does not work in this earthy natural space….it’s too loud. Maybe paint it the same green as wall. Keep the space calm…..timber, rust, deep greens