I prefer the more squared seating that I suggested, in part because then a majority of the seating is facing outward to the view. In the angled seating, the two chairs have their backs to the yard and are facing the house. I think it also gives a more open feeling, and eliminates that 'seats around the campfire' feeling of one seat on each side of the centered table. However, everyone knows my mantra is "your house, your choice'. You live in the space, and you have to love how things are arranged. If the angled seating works best for you, then that is the way you should use it! Just wondering, leaving things angled as they are in the last pix, could the square table fit flat against the railing between the two chairs? Or is it too large? That might open up the seating - you could add a side table at the end of the loveseat if needed.

If you plan on entertaining, it won't be so big w/people, seating, planters. Quite a chore to clean/seal but much easier than rebuilding. Can't stress enough the importance of power washing & resealing. Also if you do it every 3 years or so, MUCH easier than if you let it go for longer. Our humongous deck is 20 YO and it looks like it was built recently, other than wood has the aged color. we have never felt "lost" in the big space.

For privacy on the neighbour side, think down instead of up! You can add hanging baskets with trailing flowering vines that will disrupt the view enough. Your neighbours might like the idea so much that they do the same, and you'll have double the screening! For the layout, I would put the grill over by the railing on the brick wall with a counter next to it between the door and grill. Are there small kids in your life? If not, an L shaped sectional with one leg on the view side and the other extending toward the door (leaving 3-4 ft behind it for access to the stairs) would be a nice way to enclose the fireplace while still allowing good views and some seperation from neighbours. Add a chair in the corner to the left of the fireplace. That will give the cook a place to sit and relax and visit between burger flips :)

Pictures of the area in question would help. But for best results and longevity of the deck, removing the pavers will be optimum. Of course this advice is obviously sight unseen.