punamy--thanks for the close-up and how-to! looks just as good up close as from afar. I'll definitely have to add that to the to-do list. Texashottie, your cushions are even cuter looking at them again! Great looking area and the plants really bring in life there.

You might add a small rolling cart for serving snacks and use a colorful pitcher-and-tumblers set when serving family and friends. From the set, choose one or two accent colors to repeat in throws, pillows, and/or flowering plants and flower pots.

Yeah, I have to squint but I think I see what you're talking about. The problem with putting the dining area behind the kitchen is that the kitchen will be totally closed off from the outside with little natural light, which would be a problem for me. Also, I'm not sure about your concern re conversation; either people are in the kitchen during food prep, or they're at the table eating, not usually both at the same time. The only proximity issue is carrying food from one to the other. I'd leave it as is.

Haha Fori! Thanks raven!!! These are great! And much cheaper. I think I’ll look at getting some samples. Now I am worried the patterns will conflict with the decorative block. I was going thinking of ordering 12x12 but fireclay says it has a low slip resistance. It will be by the pool, but not part of the coping. I am wondering if 8x8 would be better since there would be more grout lines? I think I will call a local concrete guy and also see if he can match my current concrete. I might put the tiles in the back only, if it looks like the pattern may conflict with the block work.