On your paint problem I can't be much help. This usually happens because of damp -- please get a damp expert to make sure that there isn't any damp lurking in your walls. I had this once when I had pipes leaking inside the walls. I didn't know that. The other alternative is something like painting before the plaster is dry or some kind of chemical mismatch. I do know you will have to scrape all the mucky powdery stuff away and start again, at least on those areas. Don't try to seal and prime and repaint until you know exactly what the problem is and how to fix it.

I agree that there is too much going on, however some of the suggestions are costly and in my opinion don't completely take care of the problems. I like the design approach it is fresh and updated. I agree that the chimney cap is out of proportion and just needs a simple band at the top. In order to make the exterior remain timeless over the years, Now Sit Down for a minute, I would make all of the exterior the white color. I know you love red however this will tie the different components of the architecture together more than any thing else. You can still have high gloss red doors and red tile pavers on the ground. It would also be very classy the use white tile in place of the brick look. You could even mix gloss white tiles with matt finish tiles to give an interesting sparkle when you ride by. I like the wrought iron upper railing, but the vertical blocking on the right side looks too heavy. So I would continue the same railing around the corner and back toward the house until it connects to the other balcony railing. This also ties the house together. It would look much more classic to not have a grid in the tall window and instead have a solid piece of glass down to the transom and then from there down be solid glass as well. Glass block in the courtyard column sections with back lights would look unbelievable. I would arch the closed in section on the second level as it would show up more there than the window being arched does, so save the money and don't arch that window. I would either hang a long contemporary light on the right elevation to dress it up or insert a long strip of glass block lighted from the interior to achieve the same effect. I charge for renderings, because I list the materials as well. Best, Leo Dowell Interiors.com

Adding taupe or beige to the walls, in most hues, would blend in too much with the draperies. I love the lavender in the bedding. It would pull the room together if you were to choose a grey paint that had elements of lavender or berry and silver. The color would be subtle, neutral, relaxing as well as refined. This slight shimmer will pull out the subtle nuances in the marble. As the headboard is already so interesting, it would be too busy to add anything too ornate on the wall. To open up the room and increase the light, you could hang a mirror. I would select an Art Deco style with metallic accents to continue pulling together the room. The marble is lovely, but combined with the sleek lines in the bed and bedding it creates a very smooth appearance. To create warmth, it is necessary to add additional texture. I would add a soft, plush or high pile area rug by the bed. How nice would it be to step out of bed on to that?

What is your climate? And any activities you want for each terrace? Dining? Kids' play space? A water feature of some sort would be lovely. Could add some fake lawn (putting green even!) for part. This product has come a long way!