Hi Folks. The windows are in and I love them. I chose black slim profile aluminium chamfered profile. I've been delaying posting a picture because, as you can see the front drive isn't done yet so the house isn't set off very well in its surroundings. To be clear, the windows we replaced were already Everest replacement windows from the late 70's early 80's I'd guess. The only original glazing we had being external Crittal doors that were ffffreezing, so they have gone and the Crittal stained glass windows by the front door and chimney breast, which we've kept, though they need painting black to match the new windows. We haven't replaced all the other non-original windows, but will aim to do so over the years, when the cash flow improves. I managed to persuade my husband to at least agree to all the first floor front elevation windows being replaced, so now they are all the same when you view the house from the street. The windows of a brick built sun room, front right, that you can partly see, are probably going to be removed, to make that area part of the garden rather than the house. One thing I would say is that we are having a bit of trouble with condensation on the outside of the new windows, which was unexpected and made me quite miserable at first. It turns out we're a bit unlucky, it's a known, but not extremely common, issue with such good thermal insulation in modern double glazing and it depends on the aspect of your house and the dew point. Our front elevation is west and exposed, so cold in the morning resulting in condensation and our view being foggy until the air temperature rises. I've attached a poor photo to show a mild version of what I mean, it can be a lot denser and we have far reaching views from the upstairs windows, so disappointing. But I've got over it. The main plus point is that the rooms with new replacement windows are so much warmer than the ones which still have the old ill fitting wood and aluminium windows. I'm also really pleased that we chose the windows to be black on the inside too. A neighbour up the road has black on the outside, white on the inside and I think it looks really odd when the windows are open. Finally, all the houses on our road are completely different, so there is no uniting feature that ties them together, our windows couldn't clash with the windows in the other houses as they are all individuals, though I suppose you could say they are all clashing, but as we are fortunate enough to be in a big plot with the houses set well apart I don't get that sense. Thanks for looking and all the advice. It was really helpful.

We have recently done similar. Our new grass is just appearing. I just cut back any weeds which appear back to ground level with secateurs. Then when the grass is long enough it can be mown - that will knock back and weaken weeds while strengthening grass. Once grass is established you can use something like SBK to weed kill without harming grass. Frequent mowing is the best defence against weeds.

I would just paint up to dado height. The 2nd photo has dado rails which you don’t need but just showing you the radiator painted and taking it up the stairs. I’d also paint the skirting boards and you want to paint around 1/3 of the wall height. I’ve used Little Greene intelligent eggshell which would be fine for dirty paws (oil can be a little stubborn) but think I will be trying Sarah’s Mylands recommendation next given how Matt it is.

Personally I’d stick with white planters and go for a very dark fence. I’d go for low maintenance plants like grasses, hebes and box balls and plant a few alliums or verbena for pops of colour.