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 think it depends on the style and atmosphere you want to create in the room. If the room is a formal, traditional one like your picture, then one large showy pendant would look great. However if it is a modern or contemporary room then two ( or more) smaller pendants would be a nice feature. It would also pay to think about how much light you are expecting from the fitting, especially since it is a cathedral ceiling. Do you need the ceiling lights for good general lighting or just for atmosphere. Do you have any photos of your room so we can see a bit more?

Sorry, don't think it fits, The prongs on the light give it a more circular shape but you have this over a beautiful oblong bench. Always rectangular or oblong over rectangular. And the dark ends of the bulbs will create shadows, not so good in a work space. Used to work in lighting for a few years and it always comes down to what makes you happy. I would have tried to steer you in a different direction, Hope this helps.

Without knowing any more info , I'd say its near impossible for anyone but you to know what colour/s to choose -- do you want the house to blend in but have its own style , or do you want it to stand out ? What colours are your main furniture items and even kitchen etc ? For xxample , if keeping the beige walls , how about doing the eves and gutters and garage door in a tangy ( bright , but not glaring ) orange -- this would work with the existing colours and not require a complete repaint . BUT if your kitchen was mainly various shades of , say , green and teal , and your lounge suite and duvet covers were mainly blue hues , that may 'feel' funny , clashing with the exterior ? Of course , blue and beige exterior may not work with the brown aluminium , as youve recognised . Another option ( a bit hard to tell from the pictures ) is that a light grey ( repaint the beige ) with mid-charcoal base boards may work with the brown aluminium , then a bright colour on the gutters and front and rear doors to suit -- anything from sea blue to bright yellow , orange , red , even white or off-white would probably work .