We put in a patio as well; we ran natural gas and electricity out to it too. We can't see your whole yard, but it looks like you don't have a lot of room; I would hardscape (slate, fieldstone, pavers, not concrete) or put a deck on that entire left side of the picture. It looks like you have a small (?) area of grass/dirt on the right side, where the basement door is. I'd till that up and plant a garden of some kind; veggies, herbs, flowers, a mix? Oh, and a discovery that may change my life; I will never again bother with raking and seeding a large area of lawn. Patches, sure. But when we had the patio put in, they put sod around it. It was surprisingly affordable for our small space, and that instant, thick green lawn was wonderful. So, that's my advice to you. Sod. :-) The picture is the last day of installation; it's the only one I have from above.

Nancy's plan is a good starting point. You might want the grill closer to the house though

Thank you, Patricia. All but front of home is "blank canvas." As single, semi-retired homeowner, my tudor home stands out on a double lot w/open space on two sides: Deer, friendly neighbors and casual fire-pit entertain me behind the deck. Rock work is brighter than in photo, as are the cedar-colored accents. A Bloodgood Maple is replacing the nondescript birch on right, planting a few more feet away from house farther for color, shade and improved landscape. I love simple contrast of flat brown-black (outer frame below), khaki + possibly cedar stain (below deck?) (See 1st photo: Cedar ceiling, door & bench) Answering your questions: 1. Multicolored area is rock work on chimney, extending to short walls to the right (photo above). Every stone hand-stained as it was gray when I removed English Ivy. Photo below is middle-of-staining process, as I was able to enhance as I stepped back to determine color balance. Glossy sealer preserves the stain. 2. BELOW...Under deck: Storage - lawn mower, lumber, fire pit wood, so want under-deck panels or wooden (cedar?) horizontal fence-look to blend with entire scheme. Left side under deck is my workshop w/dk brown garage door. (ugh). Thought 2nd floor brown outcrop should be same color as rest of stucco (tan). Windows? Black-brown on tan? Empress red (like others)? ...Or look at entire deck/stairs/awning to paint vs. power-wash and reseal? Idea for enclosure below deck? Wooden Privacy Slats 3. The color scheme on the front of my tudor seems to work, including cedar ceiling entrance. 4. Need ~3-4' awning above double doors (see earlier photo). Metal Door Awning *Stucco being replaced at no cost working w/Italian mason friend. I can visualize some of these accents, yet guess I need to learn Photoshop to DIY. Dead trees and junk will be hauled off shortly. Thank you for your input!

so you want a deck that allows space to the window wells. (I don't know what code is for that in your state, so you'd have to check). These show ideas for decks that still allow light and egress from the window. I would advise you to do a composite decking. real wood may be cheaper, but it will need constant protection from weather and UV rays, which means painting or staining every year or two. along w/these decks, an arbor or patio cover would also be nice. and you could combine the decking material w/a hardscape depending on if you're building right on the dirt, or you want the deck up off the ground. combo of both would be nice be prepared to spend a good sum. getting all of this built isn't cheap. what you need is a patio/landscape designer to come out to your house and draw up something for you. I don't know what the big deal is worrying about the virus. everyone will be outside and has plenty of room.