I would use plants to brighten the space. The hardscapes are all good, they just look a bit naked and grim. It can be hard to make a space pretty but usable for the kids too, but its not impossible. You have a lovely sitting area to enjoy. Plant some lovely feature bushes in that gravel area. You don't need to completely hide the clothesline, but having something pretty and showy in front will create a boundary and the eye will be drawn to the plants instead of the washing. If you can't plant into the soil there, some large size pots will work. Maybe some medium sized (1-2metre) ornamental trees in pots, like citrus, a weeping ornamental cherry, or bay trees, moptop robinias are nice too. They will be compact. You could cluster some pots of herbs underneath or plant them and let them ramble a little. Herbs like thyme and rosemary and lavender will suit the gravel area and the heat and be hardy with kids playing around, the odd bike falling on them or crushing underfoot would be quite okay. bulbs in pots or planted around the edges of the lawn are great value low maintenance and hardy colour. You can get great seasonal variation in your view then. Online bulb stores like tesselar and garden express sell bulk landscaping bulbs at very reasonable prices. You can get hundreds of bulbs for $30-50. Bulbs are great hardy plants that won't be killed by the odd soccer ball either. The flowers may get knocked over or the leaves, but the bulb is safe under the soil. Cheap and cheerfuls like nasturtiums are good value colour that will self seed every season. Also, plant some very bright flowering shrubs behind the soccer net and against the far wall. Maybe some hibiscus? You need something to catch and entice the eye, plant some large flowering shrubs with larger or bright flowers or foliage you will be able to appreciate from a distance.

The floor will also be taken up and the couch will also be going!

Hi, We have just completed an extension at the back of our house. We are going to put a tv out on the wall on the right and maybe a low level unit and floating shelves on the wall. We were going to get a 3 seater and 2 seater. The dining area is a dark grey and kitchen is white. Would love some input as to colours for the walls and maybe layout of couches! Thanks a mil

Hi, what a lovely "canvas" to begin! My late husband loved wood. I think it is too drab and have changed mine for glass and various off whites as the rooms are non-square here and the house is old but takes modern too. My gut feeling is that the way forward is to choose an exciting "theme" for downstairs first. Would you consider bright and airy sky, or tropical, or geometric, or bookish, or carnival, or countryside, what about a space rocket on the wall for the kids - it can be covered when they grow tired of it? And as it is it has my pet hate - a good window - wasted - with a grim reminder of housework - a sink in front of it instead of one out of sight with a strip light over it!!!!