Sorry I am so late coming to your site - you are an inspiration to all, homeowners and advisers alike. For your planting advice, I suggest you call Merrifield Garden Center to see if they will come out your way. They currently have wonderful garden centers in Merrifield and Fairfax (both in Fairfax County) and a new one in Gainesville, but they may come further south to wherever you reside. (www.MerrifieldGardenCenter.com) Even if they don't send designers to your area, they are worth a trip to see their huge selection for a day of pleasure and inspiration, or to pick up some plants. Most of my clients are in the Fairfax and greater Washington area, but I am currently living out west below Front Royal, VA on the Shenandoah mountainside - wonderful views. cascio.offsite@gmail.com

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! :)

i changed my setting to OZ as i was told there are not a lot of kiwis here on the forum to give advice:) hopefully some wonderful aussies can help me:)

HI there! I saw your comment on the midcentury modern/Hamptons story so thought I would trot on over to see your post! What a gorgeous little entrance you have there! That panelling is so smooth, is it real timber? Usually it is done in knotty pine and can be way too in your face. I have a lot of off white painted knotty pine VJ boards in my midcentury house and I love it. It is a shame about the gap left in the parquet, although i think it is a bit much with the timber on the walls. Would you consider laying some terrazzo on the floor of the entrance hall? that would look fabulous and bring some light into the space. Is the carpet coming up? I would get a beautiful big pot and add a lush plant again - it is a great way break up all the geometry in the hallway. Without seeing your space in person and knowing more about the house and the people living in it. It also depends on your budget, but it would be wonderful to keep the architectural integrity of your home. Check out the US publication, Atomic Ranch, and you will get some great ideas! If you are in Melbourne, you are welcome to give me a call - but standby for lots of good advice coming from the rest of the Houzz crew! www.pleasedtobijou.com