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

Thanks :) Yeah decided to go with tile. So sand cement is ok over existing tiles if I prep them first? Only problem is, the new pad can only be about 30mm at it's thickest (leaving up to 15mm for tiles) otherwise it'll end up being higher than the hallway floor. So I either need to make the fall shallower or not bother with the waste and make it all level. If I made it level, could I use levelling compound at that thickness or would deck mud/sand cement be the best option? Also, should I be putting in mesh for strength? (I know I should (and will) ask the local hardware what they suggest, but it's great to have suggestions from the Houzz community also)

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! :)

You are correct the place does and always will look a bit sparse when you only have blinds. The question with curtains is sometimes dependant on what climate you live in and I am not sure where you are so I am going to say. If you need curtains for heat go for a quality curtain to the floor with a fabric that is not stiff (as I discovered I now own after buying curtains off line for my spare rooms). The expensive curtains I brought for my living room have a softer texture and hang so much nicer. As I need Curtains / Roman blinds for heat I have backing fabric etc on the expensive made to measure ones, where as the cheaper ones are just thermals. If you only want to add a curtain for looks and do not require it for heat I would recommend going with a lovely sheer / half see through fabric that drapes really well, this will add a point of interest and you can colour match or add a loved colour to a bare - white on white - cream on cream - colour scheme.