Hi Beccikiddo, I'd highly recommend against wallpaper in a fireplace recess (due to heat on paper etc) However that's not to say you can't find something that would be suitable. I would like to suggest that we (Brick Slips) are the leading UK supplier of brick tiles and slips which we supplier and produce from real genuine clay bricks, thus giving the same look as you require. Take a look at our public website https://brickslips.co.uk If you have any questions, please drop us a line or email sales@brickslips.co.uk 0844 567 8811 Kindest regards, Brick Slips

I'd suggest trying to clean brickwork and repoint as then it is maintenance free for the next 50+ years. If painting you may have to repaint every 5 years or so. What brick cleaning products are you using? Don't advise on sandblasting as it's a destructive method, it strips off the top 2-3mm [if you're lucky] of the brick. Have you looked into acid washes and / or soy gel paint stripper, Franmar Chemicals etc.? When your extension is finished will it be easy to get on top to repaint the brickwork? Access, health and safety issues to consider. If you really want to use paint then a mineral masonry paint will probably be the best solution, Kiem paints etc. Hope you get it sorted.

You could consider matching the existing white render to whatever is used on your new extension. If you chose timber cladding, I could suggest something lighter, maybe a larch/Douglas fir/oak(/Marley board as suggested - as budget allows) with a protective UV oil coating (most people do not like the weathered timber look). You could then wrap this cladding over the existing area of white render across the corner and wrapping the garage also. This would give a very modern look that ties the house together, and given the area of the garage is actually fairly small (once the garage door is discounted) the cost would be minimal. If you are set of replacing the windows, ensure you pain the garage door the same colour. This is a really cheap change but again will help tie all together. However, for the cheapest option, just using white render on the extension, will also work. This negates the requirement to over-clad perfectly serviceable finishes on the rest of the house. N.B. Any changes to the front of the house may require a re-submission to the council for amendments.

I did find Hardie cladding online. I like your plan. You might want more of the cladding once you see it on the front of your house. Now you attached the pic, duh, it's obviously Australia. What colour cladding were you considering? Which way does the elevation face which is to receive the cladding? Southern hemisphere everything is opposite to the UK.