What a fantastic architecture. When you do the brick, if you stain it with masonry /concrete stain you won't have the same issues of maintenance as with paint. They will spray it evenly - through you will have to select a deeper color - either taupe (brown-gray) or a straight charcoal. Love your windows and the classic angled railing. I think a dark gray on the siding will make the orange brick jump even more. What bothers me is the white (railing, fascia, eaves) juxtaposed with the earth toned stuff. So I would recommend camel tones - for the siding - something like http://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-family/SW6108-latte/ and the hopsack next darker tone for the garage door. Use the lighter tan for trim that is now white - http://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-family/SW6107-nomadic-desert/ Use the darkest tone if you are painting concrete steps. If you think you will stain your brick charcoal, then the white eaves and trim are probably right, and you may not want to paint it tan now and then go back. If your brick were charcoal, then I would block out the rest in grays and blue grays - leave the white eaves, but take the railing and posts charcoal too. A blue gray door - like sw smoky blue.

There are different kinds of ivy and plant privacy screens that can be purchased which might cover your fence and gate and give you the privacy you are looking for. I have not used them before but the photos look very nice. If you picked a color to match your side or front bushes, it would look very nice and becost effective as well. You have a beautiful home. Good luck and please post photos of the final.

I'm looking for a vinyl flooring, for a bathroom renovation. Something patterned in an encaustic tile style or similar, grey or pale tones. Is there anywhere in NZ - a few found at Flooringxtra, but would like some more options - or suggestions. I would also consider a white with black design. The shower floor will be either in white - or possibly pale grey tile.

My suggestion -- start with a 'base' -- do the fence in charcoal , the retaining wall almost looks brick but I'm guessing it is wood , so maybe go the same grey as that tank wall or whatever it is , and do the white pipe the same ? And then decide the purpose -- a bbq , a table and chairs , a love swing , a spa pool , a water feature , a traditional garden , a rock garden , a desert scene , an egyptian garden -- you get the idea . One or all of those , or whatever suits YOU .