I recently saw this episode of Ask This Old House where they demonstrated painting tiles - especially as a solution to get one through till an entire redo is possible. http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/tv/ask-toh/video/0,,20902001,00.html Looks like you are doing a great job!

Personally , I think that to give advice , you'd need to supply more information -- what the neighbourhood is like , your favourite colours , the plants in your garden , and the likes . I quite like the colours there , but I'd do the front door , the gutters , the window sills and those cap pieces up the pillar supports in an orange or teal or red or similar to add some Wow and excitement , but thats just me .

Swimming pool season is upon us, rather late I might add this year, you may be considering painting your pool. There are a few things to consider is what the previous coating is and the appropriate preparation that is required. When we quote pools we generally only get to inspect them with water in them. We will always put a clause in to assess what the actual condition is like when empty, like when we found a good portion of the surface was very drummy and subsequently we had to remove a lot the surface and replanted, always be mindful of hidden costs when pool painting, they are not always straight forward.

It is a peaked roof with Macracarpa beams that look out of date now. Dark deep wine coloured carpet with similar shades in the curtains. what would u suggest to paint the beams? alabaster like the ceiling, or quarter linen like the walls.