Beth, here's another option (plan and mockup) that puts the hot tub where you were thinking in the first place. It treats the area outside the sliding door as a central circulation plaza, off of which are the kitchen/dining area (near right), the living area (left), and the hot tub area (far right). I left a small planting area in the plaza to add some greenery, shade, and softness, and to receive the water from the downspout on the existing overhead. (There's one on the other side also for the other downspout.) I would love to see the plaza paved differently than the living and dining spaces (pavers? stained concrete?), but that's an optional detail. I didn't show living area furnishings other than a rug and your existing chairs in the mockup, but the plan shows a possible arrangement with a sectional, two chairs, and a fire table. The overhead framework can support cafe lights and/or privacy curtains. I left it open to the sky, but it could be more covered if you wish. The framework stands independent of the house roof. This plan adds a 4' high wall around a built-in kitchen. That, to me, provides enough separation between the kitchen/dining area and the hot tub area, while still allowing conversation between them. Access to the hot tub is not through the dining area, which also helps both to feel like separate spaces. Construction details: I cut off the rafter tails on the existing dining area overhead, covered the cut ends with an added fascia board, and tied the hot tub overhead framework (to hold privacy curtains) into that. You would have to watch headroom for the beam over the access stairs (or eliminate that beam) and position the hot tub so the beam is over the lower stairs and not the higher ones, while still attaching to the existing overhead. (And yes, I know I put a couple of lightly-scaled trees near the hot tub, which could drop leaves/twigs into it, but I'm assuming it will be covered when not in use, and for me the pleasure of hearing leaves rustling in the breeze and seeing the play of sun and shadow on the water would be worth fishing out a few leaves while soaking.) This plan does replace some of your grass with paving, but it sounds like you want a polished, gracious patio and that means it needs to be bigger than it is. I'm guessing at dimensions (mostly by counting concrete blocks, assuming they're the standard 8" high by 16" wide), but it looks like there is only about 9' of paving straight out from the patio door to the grass. A 9' room is small inside a house, never mind outside where everything is bigger. There is still grass in this plan, in two areas connected by an optional arbor. The one near the shed could be a play area if needed. (I don't know how old your daughter is or if there are other children.) This is a long-range plan to be worked on one piece at a time (if you like it), not something that has to be done all at once. As others have pointed out, it's important to have a plan so the pieces can go into the appropriate places as they are added and they will add up to something that makes sense. Anyway, this was a fun project--thank you for the challenge!

I can see the eaves from every window in this house. Living room and part of the dining room have floor to ceiling windows...about 30' worth. The eaves are especially wide which I appreciate. There is also a sidewalk that runs all the way around the house, then a flower bed, then lawn. I've always wondered if the original owners who had the house built for their retirement had eventual walkers or even a wheel chair in mind. But, I like that I can walk all the way around my quite long single story home in the rain without getting wet or getting muddy feet. The eaves are boxed in and have lighting where it makes sense. You don't see it driving in, but they are painted white when this house has been dark brown since 1955. When indoors looking out, I'm sure the reason for that was so the view didn't look dark. I've thought about painting them 'haint' blue - but its a lot of house and would be a lot of overhead work. I'm not at all unhappy with the white. I might box in the eaves before I'd relocate that window...but for a rental? I'd do neither - let them enjoy the landscaping which looks like a planted hillside.

So have to listen to husband ☹️He nixed the beautiful sea grass due to problem of grease from grill top will ruin natural materials. So if you’re still with me on this journey. Let’s recap: I have palm tree statement chandelier over kitchen table I love: see first photo. Dark bronze metal. I have 11’ tall ceilings! I have 9’ Island with grill in middle and monster wood light box above I will remove and put new led “can” lights above grill area and around perimeter of room. So at ends of island I think will look good with two pendants/chandeliers no more than 12” wide. I have the 3-tier Kira round bronze 3-light (60 watt each) dimmable I like. It is beach coastal with capiz shell and ripple glass. DOES it COORDINATE with palm chandelier okay? If so will go with those. Also found black metal orbs with white gloves (wish were clear seeded). Neutral enough. Does it coordinate and fit space? Lastly playing upon crystal LS on palm chandelier is the iron crystal one. May be too hard to clean and too fancy.

@jck910 Thank you, will keep that in mind, at eye level decorating. @BeverlyFLADenizer The TV is upstairs in our loft area, that's where we all hang out. The below living area, is more for entertaining. Thank you for the seating placement recommendations, I wanted to create two separate seating zones. Yes, will definitely get a larger rug for sure. We were considering moving the orange couch set and investing in two sectionals, for more seating, not sure yet. The couch is more of a deep orange color than red :) I didnt realize the red, white & blue theme. Yes I guess the two grey chairs do make it seem like that. @deegw Thank you, yes tall plants, end tables and floor lamps are on my list. I like the idea of people level art. @Jennifer Hogan, thank you for the pics. I like the first and last picture with the coffered ceilings, it would look great from upstairs. I also like the third picture with the simple trim design on the top. @chispa thank you for that tip.