I just moved into my new kitchen. I have a prep area that is nestled at an angle between a large (wide) 4 drawer stack on my left, a corner stack in front of me with 3 drawers and to my right a trash/recycle pullout. All of these are covered by one solid piece of granite so a smooth work surface for any chore. The stack in front of me holds prep tools in top drawer, ms cups, ms spoons, whisks, micro-planer, beaters, garlic press and a variety of spatulas and small specialty utensils. Next drawer down has ms cups large, nested bowls for mixing, hand mixer and potato ricer. Bottom drawer has colanders and gravy separator. Directly to my left I have utensil drawer, then knife drawer, then spice drawer, bottom drawer is baking dishes and casserole dishes, all within reach. To my right is top drawer with baggies, saran wrap, foil, parchement etc. Below that is the double trash/recycle pull out. So far it works great, I can stand in one place and reach everything for prep or serve. Hope this helps.

Several underdeck systems for that.

I would not rely on the floor surface of the deck for waterproofing. A tile surface that has the waterproofing embedded below it is bound to eventually leak and will be more of a pain to replace when it does. This is especially tough if you want that surface to remain level and not have a decent slope to drain. You are much better off having a roof, be it a true membrane roof or something like the deck system that was noted above, below standard decking. Though I would also be sure to screen off any openings into the space between the deck and the roof or you are bound to get critters living up under there. Also be sure to detail it so that water isn't getting between the storage structure and the exterior wall of your house.

I like Grover’s idea a lot, if that plant could grow there. Otherwise, I’d plant ornamental grass(es) .... it would be a nice balance with the ones on the other side, and would provide interest without overwhelming the small area. You could do one med size grass and add a few interesting stones, for example, placed in a natural way. Or an odd number of smaller grasses. I’d keep it simple. I wouldn’t do the planter box idea (no offense to Beverly) because your house is boxy and square enough already. And it would cut that area in half, in an awkward way. I know planter boxes were popular with this era of houses, but that’s not a good spot for one, IMO. I do agree with her about the shutters.