Ozbern: we had a similar dilemma, lovely backyard and then they started tearing down bungalows and building four story townhouses all around us. I built a single depth pergola along the back property line, the beauty of this is not only the privacy, but it brings the scale of the yard down to make it feel more intimate when we are outside. We also added a 10' x 10' (little over three meters) pergola right up against the house where we had a wall of windows. Will try to find that photo too. We have coral vine now growing in it. Dies in winter, comes back in spring. You can always do more contemporary details if this is too casual.

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

Hi Angela, this space has mega potential. For starters it has fantastic symmetry. However as the space is very long I would recommend you break it down into 2 zones. The front zone as the place for bride and bridesmaids to get ready and the end wall zone as the sleeping area. Divide the space with a set of luxurious pooling drapes, and keep the lighting in the sleeping zone dimmable wall hung bedside lights and and a conversation piece chandelier. Go for warm colours and a touch of gold. A high oversized shallow tufted bedhead will add luxe. A upmarket Bohemian theme could work well. The bridal preparation zone needs to be well lit, (daylight) bars, with floor to ceiling opposable mirrors, (side lit also). Remember this is a functioning space, there needs to be ample hanging for dresses/clothing, clear space, formalish seating (no bride or bridesmaid wants to get stuck in a low lounging sofa and need a hand-up. Have sideboard space for jewellery, flower holders etc and keep the colour palette very neutral, a blackwhite, and mid range neutral grey will work with any bridalware. If you would like any further advice you are welcome to contact me. As an interior designer I often work alongside a styling company that specialises in weddings and other events.

I am blown away from down under by the help that you all have freely given .... thank you sooo much indeed. who would have thought after a year of anguish that I would be put out of my misery! If I do go for the atlantic for chairs I will bring in plum touches and vice versa. Will now need to go and find some plum that closely aligns with your suggestions. Thanks for saying we can keep table! It is a good solid NZ made oak one ... chairs were all the rage back about 18 years ago! Now need to go! I will put up a pic of a rug that was quite nice but rather expensive so ... might be in an hour or so. Thank you so much again.