Thanks Orangecamera. It's still a work in progress and mud everywhere Sorry we did look at having the steps' off set' but it didn't seem to go with only three steps and a small area. And about the zen well the cats are doing that for us much to our disappointment (it's still like a litter box to them). We went to the garden supply place still not knowing what kind of stones we were getting. We stood in front of all the bins (there where many). We even looked at mixing some. The grey stones had a bin more the size we wanted but we ended up getting the golden fleck. It was a little smaller, which was a shame, the bigger ones were so mixed in their grading it looked too messy. So this is what we finished up with. It was seagardens that got me thinking away from grey and nwduck mentioning the drainage. So this has really helped. Also everyone seem to think the wooden steps needed to go a lot lower. Next it's figuring out where the large river stones should go

Wow! What a beautiful home :-) It's got lovely clean lines, but these can also look a bit stark, can't they? Have you considered Espalier or something similar against the walls between the garage doors, etc.? That would add some softness and colour (as well as fresh fruit!). For the front garden, you've really got a lot of choice for such a lovely aspect. If you were after a more 'finished' look, then perhaps consider a front (picket) fence with smaller natives and a bigger grevillea or similar as a feature. For privacy, perhaps a hedge of lillypilly. Or for a more formal look, landscape with sandstone to create tiered beds and plant out with smaller natives, lavender a herb garden or a mixture of all three. Enjoy!

As you rethink adding a fixed window, consider either a fixed window that is the long horizontal kind over the shower/tub surround and/or an octagon one with stained glass for the dressing room. https://www.google.com/search?q=images+for++octagon+windows&biw=1366&bih=673&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0CCIQsARqFQoTCOaJ69fb28gCFcYVPgodogsLDw You could add a couple of pairs of shutters to create a pair of faux windows that look as if the shutters are closed. If you don't want a window that opens on that wall, you might consider having a fixed window and shutters that are louvered to let in some light while protecting your privacy. You might also consider a faux gable with a faux window, perhaps functional as part of the venting system for the bath.

Create a front porch across 2/3 of the front of the house by extending the existing sloped roof on the right side of the house ( except create a balcony behind and between the existing vertical columns). Alternately, create a balcony and porch just around the two existing vertical columns, extending the porch beyond the two existing columns. Use the balcony rail and the porch columns to create the Mediterranean look you seek (arches) -- the effect would be striking. You'd then need some huge planters or cut some holes in the pavement to create a greenspace in front of the porch and/or use hanging baskets. http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2015/3/7/0/Barron-Custom-Design_Shore-Vista_53.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.853.jpeg http://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/d94192130c498e54_4-8517/mediterranean-porch.jpg http://www.ebby.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/25586526-0.jpg