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 ....

My husband and I need some patio advice, we would like to paint the floors a light gray, but we have earthy tones all over the patio, oranges, browns, etc, we think that if we paint the floors, we would have to paint the fence, but cant decide on the color because we dont know which color would go well with the light gray. This is a project we would like to start working on right away, probably this Friday, so we need your ideas and suggestions. Thanks

Beautiful. You might consider an awning over your patio door. https://www.ebay.com/itm/40-x-80-Door-Window-Canopy-Patio-Awning-DIY-Overhead-Door-Clear-Decorator-/192387040987 Especially like the materials you used for the steps and landing/patio as well as including the fountain/bird bath but do take care not to decorate to the point of adding clutter your space. Potted plants flanking your door could add a welcome vibe. You might add other plants and/or wind chimes with posts that can be mobile: a wide holiday tree stand can also hold a4"x4"x6' post for hanging brackets and solar lights to be put where you want them when you want them. Since you have multiple sections in the southern sun, you might consider which one you could add the shade of a pergola over it (or gazebo by it) without blocking the sunlight to the other sections (likely the western most area) and decide if a small pergola or gazebo would suit your plans for the use of the patio. While cushions could be stored out of the sun when not in use, as you choose your furnishings, so please remember that the southern sun will bleach/fade the color fabrics and even furnishings such as wicker whereas your black metal furnishings could easily be repainted as needed so you can avoid making decisions you might well regret. Even if you prefer new furnishings for your summer use of your patio, your metal furnishings could be repainted and set in another, perhaps shady, area of your yard with their legs on individual pavers with their tops at ground level. Your view from your patio will matter so consider what you can do to improve any areas you might prefer looked better even if it is only adding a green hedge visual around the edges of your yard. Pick shrubs that will look good year round. If you are in Zone 7, consider Aucuba or Camellia or the type of Abelia bushes that keep their leaves year round and provide color and/or blooms. Looking forward to your after pics.

I would start by removing everything from the patio area and pressure washing it all-the walls, the benches, and the tile floors. I would pull out the large vine on the left or cut it back severely and re-train it into an espalier design. https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-grow-an-espalier-4707605 Then fill the ledge with plants in pretty ceramic planters of all heights and a few colors to go with your beautiful blue trim. I would do the pots in shades of terracotta, yellows, blues, and some greens. Put down an outdoor rug and add a seating area with 4 chairs circled around a mosaic coffee table.