Thanks for all the great ideas everyone and sorry I didn't explain the polycarbonate a bit better :) This is along the lines of what we'll be using... http://www.psp.co.nz/building-brands/corrugated-sheeting/suntuf-polycarbonate The area is an absolute sun trap and we're hoping to use it as an extension to our living space, especially on rainy days! I've just sent my husband out to get a few pots of different stains for is to try - darkest brown (cedar) and a lighter brown (rustic oak) both by Cabots + the black we already have. Hopefully we can decide between one of those! I probably should have mentioned we will have black aluminium pool fencing running along the top of the second retaining wall - so the real question is do we keep everything black (pool fencing, horizontal fence, retaining walls and pergola) or do we go with a dark (or even light) brown for the pergola and retaining walls.... We just keep going around in circles at the moment. Decisions, decisions! Thanks again :)

I'm finding it a little hard to see the detail. Can you enlarge the top 2 plans?

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.

I am having my house painted at the moment. My chosen weatherboard colour was Dulux Mt Aspiring (with Okarito windows and Castlecliff door/accents). When the painters started on the weatherboards I thought the Mt Aspiring was too white - so asked them to change to Double Mt Aspiring. I am now regretting that decision somewhat. They have now painted all four sides and the colour is perfect on 2 sides. The problem is the front looks a lot darker as is is just about always shaded from the tree lined street. My question is - would it be feasible to have just the front repainted in the single mix and leave the other 3 sides as they are? Is this a done thing or not advisable? Appreciate any thoughts.