Are you asking about colours for the outside? I would create a contrast between the doors and windows and the cladding/siding. One option is dark grey windows with off-white cladding. Another would be white or off-white windows with a mid-tone cladding color. Blue-grey or green-grey cladding would make the cabin fade into its surroundings more. Get some pots of paint and experiment! I struggle a bit to find any images but these may help: http://www.newquayplastics.biz/images/custom_made_grey_pvc_windows_%26_blue_glass_1a812.jpg?width=792&height=294 http://dellacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Cloud-Street-Residence-exterior-patio-with-Gunmetal-1602-Paint-timber-siding-and-stone-pavers-walk-way-also-light-wood-patio-timber-deck-design-ideas-1024x681.jpg http://www.timber-cladding.co.uk/media/images/gallery/large/shepperd-hut-rebated-cladding-03.jpg

Thanks, I hadn't thought about carrying the corridor on to outside wall & option of a window but it would still limit space in rest of room ( would leave about 2.5 m width). I do like option 1 but just have a couple of concerns about the layout such as the study / bedroom 4 being in an odd location which might be better used as a utility with outdoor access plus I'm worried the new kitchen will be dark with the new utility blocking light from the front window. Plus the new utility won't have outdoor access. Other than that, I'm happy with it but indecisive in case there's a better solution!

Hi original poster! I know it’s 7 years since you asked this but would love to know what you did. We are not in a similar position with a similar looking house at the back but even steeper. I know that a full extension and lowering the internal floors would be ideal but we can’t afford that and need a 5-7 year fix. Please let us know what you decided and why ☺️

Hi - we had a similar problem as sloping gardens can be the norm in South Wales! We originally had wooden decking - which as everyone has said has maintenance and slipping issues - but changed to composite decking after about 10 years. This is terrific as it's non slip and so easy to brush down. The only thing you need to be careful with is rust which can mark it. Having said that if you love wood there are non slip solutions that are quite effective. With regard to the sides we have glass and covered metal supports which not only stop small children flying off the edge but also add a decorative finish. The beams underneath the decking raise it to the same level as the patio doors so it's quite seamless moving from house to garden. The beams are protected by the decking so they just needed a top up coat of something that smelled disgusting when we replaced the wood with plastic. There are two steps down to the garden and again we've never had any problems as they are quite wide and deep. Oh! And I have had a number of cats living here and expected to find corpses of the rats someone else mentioned...nothing just the fattest spiders you've ever seen. Yuck! Good luck with whatever you decide to do.