With all due respect, kinda looks like you have a drainage problem with the ground sloping towards the house. This happens commonly as all those shrubs are going to collect dirt around their roots and raise that part up a bit. You have to be diligent on hacking back or treating whatever encroaches on your space. Is only reasonable considering how small a yard that it. I have a similar side yard. You are not limited to just the walkway, but solve the drainage problem and the other hardscaping ideas first. Do you want to sit our be out there? Or just look out the window at it? Also, can you if at all possible work out a deal where you help your neighbor prune out some of those weeds and shrubs? I really like Doug's idea of some kind of low retaining wall there. Staking out your territory, so to speak! You will also probably have to play around with grade and drainage. A french drain or dry well is a possibility, along with maybe some rain barrels if you want to use the water to water some raised beds or planters. Where does the walkway lead, to the front yard? I like the idea of installing an arbor leading to a tiny, hidden harden. I have one at my house, bounded by a wall of big arborvitae. Can be done.

Beautiful. You might consider an awning over your patio door. https://www.ebay.com/itm/40-x-80-Door-Window-Canopy-Patio-Awning-DIY-Overhead-Door-Clear-Decorator-/192387040987 Especially like the materials you used for the steps and landing/patio as well as including the fountain/bird bath but do take care not to decorate to the point of adding clutter your space. Potted plants flanking your door could add a welcome vibe. You might add other plants and/or wind chimes with posts that can be mobile: a wide holiday tree stand can also hold a4"x4"x6' post for hanging brackets and solar lights to be put where you want them when you want them. Since you have multiple sections in the southern sun, you might consider which one you could add the shade of a pergola over it (or gazebo by it) without blocking the sunlight to the other sections (likely the western most area) and decide if a small pergola or gazebo would suit your plans for the use of the patio. While cushions could be stored out of the sun when not in use, as you choose your furnishings, so please remember that the southern sun will bleach/fade the color fabrics and even furnishings such as wicker whereas your black metal furnishings could easily be repainted as needed so you can avoid making decisions you might well regret. Even if you prefer new furnishings for your summer use of your patio, your metal furnishings could be repainted and set in another, perhaps shady, area of your yard with their legs on individual pavers with their tops at ground level. Your view from your patio will matter so consider what you can do to improve any areas you might prefer looked better even if it is only adding a green hedge visual around the edges of your yard. Pick shrubs that will look good year round. If you are in Zone 7, consider Aucuba or Camellia or the type of Abelia bushes that keep their leaves year round and provide color and/or blooms. Looking forward to your after pics.

Try for a variance, keeping your project and driveway as modest as possible. i think your odds are good even if the problem was self inflicted to an extent. In general most boards are sympathetic to homeowners especially if your project is not ostentatious you may have better odds if you represent yourself instead of hiring a firm. However you should have your arguments in order and have a thorough understanding of the process. ive gotten 2 variances. The first thing I did to prep for our first application and hearing was read minutes of zoning board hearings nationwide. that is helpful. Remember you have to argue that your lot characteristics make the rule not apply. It’s not just that you are personally inconvenienced but there is sone characteristic of the property that invalidates the rule. in my area And in your shoes id maybe hire someone to look over the application. But I’d do the hearing myself. i definitely have noticed boards are kinder to lay people than pros. I never hired anyone just did it myself, but your situation may be trickier. i live in an area where the zoning boards are notoriously strict. And yet reading the minutes most variances are granted.

Start by thinking about the sunlight. What is the best place to sit for reading, so your book is nicely lit by the sunlight? Go from there in deciding where to put your seating. Then add good reading lights for dull days or evening reading. Swivel chairs with easily-moved footstools might work well. And/or a sofa. Put your bookcases in the areas that are not as well lit by the sun, and reserve the sunny spots for people. If you add painted backing to rail-height bookshelves, they can go against the open railing. Much easier than changing the railings. I can see why you would want curtains covering the glass at night. Much cosier. Look up "portieres" to see ideas for curtains for doors. For now, put the bookcase on the wall where you have the head of the chaises. Move the chaise (or both if you have room) to the sunny wall where the bookcase is. Or put the heads of the chaise with the feet facing the door. See how much room you have for door swing. See if it seems more inviting for reading with the increased sunlight.