Adirondack chairs would look great around the fire pit. Maybe an outdoor rug under the dining area?

Everything is hard looking - square - that's why it may not feel inviting. You need a lot more color. I like the blue chairs around the FirePit because I hate trying to get up from Adirondack chairs. I put cushions an mine this year about 4" thick. Is there any way to round the corners of the bar? It also looks cluttered. Do you need 2 grilles? Is there a hidden spot for the storage bins? I agree a rug will help. Isn't this a B&B?

I would do sone adirondack chairs around the fire pit in a nice turquoise color then an awaning ot umbrella above the dining table . IMO either extend the counter to include bot grills or get rid of the grill outside the counter . You really do not need the kettle BQ IMO and if those storage bins wre chair height you could add some more seating for big parties . Wahy you need is some life with color I love bright colors and big prints outside .

I agree with some shade, either a pergola...or at least a colorful umbrella. Also is there anyway to add plantings (trees or tall hedges) that would create a sense of privacy from the tall dwellings behind you?

Living things: potted plants, big potted trees/shrubs, trellises w/vines, etc, would make a big difference. And I agree about using some outdoor rugs for color, interest, and defining areas.

I agree with jinx-living things! Containers with either annuals or perennials, large flowering plants like hibiscus or brugmansia (Trumpet flower) would go a long way to making the area more inviting. Choose flowers with fragrance, too!

De clutter. You have what looks like a storage shed, and also at least 2 storage bins outside. Plus the black round grill and stuff behind the shed. Use the shed for all the stuff. Get rid of the stuff you don’t need. Do you need all those grills? A rug and umbrella for the dining area. Some fun, funky art thing for the back fence. Easy care plants in pretty containers.

Jck910, we run a B& B but this area is our private deck. No guests.

Everyone, thank you for the perspective. It does help. The shed actually is a hot tub house. I would love more flowers and will give it a go next summer. But out climate is horrible on delicate plants. Wind off the ocean almost constantly. Hydrangeas and beach roses grow here.

P.S., I love the idea of outdoor art! Never thought of it, but always hated the look of the fence!

What is missing is a sense of enclosure. It doesn't need to be a solid overhang. In a previous home we had a deck with just 4 tall posts at the corners and 4 wood pieces connecting them. Nothing overhead, but it made the space feel like a room, rather than just hanging out in an open space. It made a huge difference in how private we felt sitting out there.

Partim, I suggested an arch at the divide between the rock patio and the lawn, but DH vetoed the idea. I might put it back on the table. These are all great suggestions. I thank you all. It’s always good to get another set of eyes on a design project.

Agree on the clutter. its A very small lot and we don’t have an attic or a basement, so all the storage for tools and holiday is what you see.

Another view showing the divide between the stone patio section and the lawn section. The lawn is open to inn guests. The patio is private for us. To put a fence there would cut off the ocean view for us, so we are trying to avoid that.

There isn't much shade provided. That would help. There aren't many plants either. Would suggest that you remove the less desirable plants there now and come up with a coherent plan for planting. Perhaps your firepit area should be a bit more defined as well. I do agree the chairs for the firepit aren't the best. Perhaps some more substantial chairs would be recommended. Good luck!

I love your ocean view but with the current arrangement around the fire pit, only one person has the full benefit of it. I'd pull the pit to the left if possible, and arrange the 4 chairs in pairs facing the view. I think that a low fence with a high beam across would frame your beautiful view and give you privacy from the lawn. Be sure that it does not block the view you want from the seated position. Think like an artist! A beautifully framed view is more lovely than if you can see all the "stuff" around it that isn't as attractive.

Adirondack for our firepit.

Beautiful ocean view and I wouldn't want to lose it. How about just a low picket fence to divide the pit area from the lawn area and block you and guests from direct view of each other? You'd still have your ocean view. The same kind of fence could extend out from the shed and hide the mechanicals. With a gate it could serve as a stash spot for the kettle grill and any accessories not in use. I love the look of Adirondack chairs but they are too low and angled for many people to get in and out of. Your current chairs are a nice blue, but I find that all of your seating everywhere is metal and leggy. Not really a good look and making for a cluttered feeling. Too bad the storage building is a bit shorter than the one opposite it. Would have made a nice connector for a pergola to span the entire area from the bar across.