I'd stick w/the spanish style and do something like this
Redo your steps and tile the risers w/the spanish/mexican talavera tiles. tile the cement slab w/saltillo tile
This is a patio cover. it attaches to the home. if you can DIY you can do this yourself, otherwise it is a few thousand to have someone build it.
this style patio fits the style of the home.
notice the stairs here. you can also do some cobbles
you could also do these large cement pavers. Yourself. set the forms and mix and pour yourself.
I love this one. extend out the porch steps and have it step down into the yard.
You have to have some cement forms poured, but in the long run it's much less upkeep than a wood deck.
however I would add a patio cover (with a header that attaches to your house.
otherwise, it's a pergola. Lowes sells them for 1K
Q