O.K. -- just for a quick start: a)Outdoor Kitchen: Place a large grilling area under the arbor -- think about adding a large outdoor table in front of area -- to act as a prep area for the food. Other ideas might be to add a small outdoor fridge or large cooler (make sure it has a way to drain) Add lights for night-time grilling. b)Then create a dining area in the round space in front of the arbor -- adding a round table or even two -- with umbrellas. c)Add a curved outdoor sectional and additional chairs in the upper round area -- that is your seating/entertaining area. d) Add sturdy outdoor storage under the top deck area -- for cushions etc. c)Add lighting along the whole deck and stairway -- for safety at night ....

fmroberts: You have lovely gardens and outdoor area for entertaining. Thank you for sharing. Almost (but not quite) makes me want to move to Illinois! Here in Bay Area land is VERY expensive so we have to be creative with much smaller spaces. annz: I was looking at those offset umbrellas yesterday as well. Costco is also selling them. Thanks for all the suggestions. I need to think on this some more. DD's window in the one the rectangular one that is in the corner area. She already has wood blinds that work pretty well, though the room does get hot in afternoon. flyingflower: This is what the website said about being "rust proof": ---------------- Each Woodard frame is purified and dipped into a bath of zinc phosphates (rust inhibitors) during our state-of-the-art MetalGuard finishing process. Wrought Iron frames are electrostatically coated, creating a permanent seal that locks out rust. They are also finished with the highest quality powder-coat paint finish for durability and beauty. Woodard continues to hand-craft each piece of wrought iron furniture-a tradition handed down through generations. Combining the heaviest available solid wrought iron stock with the best steel, our individual craftsmen use an anvil and hammer to forge the intricate details found on many Woodard frames. Woodard designers meticulously study each product style with the goal of preserving authentic designs. Fabrics are selected on the basis of quality, coloration, trend, and in some cases, historical significance. Finish choices range from colorations which are current in vogue to those who are traditional and timeless. Design integrity by Woodard is a reality-not a concept. -------------- That plus my friend's personal experience makes me pretty confident. Her family is from Detroit and BIL works there and so multiple members of the family have these sets and no one has had a problem, even in Detriot. He was to have bought 2 sets for us at annual employee sale, but flaked out for some reason. Anyway, even at retail pricing it's comparable with other cast aluminum sets so most likely we'll get one of the sets by Woodard. She did say her mother uses cushions, though she does not, and her chairs are very comfortable and in a sunnier spot than I've planned. I've been to a few afternoon parties at her house when they just had it under a pergola and some chairs were out in the sun--no one complained of the chairs being hot, but an excellent point to consider. If they did, I would just get the cushions, though would prefer not as the set is going under birch trees which keep it fairly shady plus the leaves and little branches fall down in that area and I'd worry it'd mess up the cushions. This is what I am thinking of getting: 54" round table: 6-8 rocker chairs (these are soooo comfortable), in either one of these styles: Briarwood rocker: Windflower rocker: I'm not sure if I'll just get two extra rockers with hopes I can squeeze around the table, if needed, but keep where I have the white chairs in pic. above or a nice comfy bistro style lounging set with cushions for that area under the umbrella. I may just start with a set of table, 6 chairs and decide later if I want more chairs or not. She told me of a store in Campbell and one in Cupertino that carry the brand locally, though I will shop around on internet for best pricing.

Thanks... :-) I see that it is hard to see the flat part in the pictures. Below is a picture that shows it better. The reason I spoke about grass is that I want to be able to walk about on the flat part and not have to weed whack it when the weeds get high. A low groundcover would be bad in case the dog goes here, and we wouldn't be able to see it and step in it!! There is some groundcover around on the slopes, some ivy, some barren strawberry (I think), maybe some others. I was thinking about planting some azaleas along the bottom of the slope; there is already one there to the left just out of the picture. Or maybe some along the top of the wall. Maybe clematis to fall down over the wall...

I think the wall color should stay the same as the rest of the house and the blue accents are quite charming. Is there something specific you don't like? I am not sure if the art piece and the white piece (shelf cabinet?) have something to do with the culture of where you are and need to stay but if they don't I would start by taking them down. Then I would give the whole area a good power wash to clean it up. I would add a fun out door rug. With a seating area. Then bring in potted plants . Not sure what grows in your area but Figs, ferns, palms all come to mind. Some bright ceramic pots for the plants as well as some bright ceramic lanterns or candle holders Bright outdoor pillows. With your hanging lantern you have it really has a Morrocan feel and with the bright door and shutters I would move forward with that. Lovely space!