Zone in an outdoor entertainment, eating, and relaxation mecca. I would paint the concrete or have it resurface with a stone mix. This will make it look like it is one huge intended "deck" and entertainment space, not concrete slabs. Then I would create zones. Cooking and entertainment zone with BBQ grill, bar, and eating area. The Pergola will look gorgeous and add curtain rods and outdoor curtains to make it look really pretty. Add benches for seating inside of zones, perhaps have a flower "zone" with a hammock for resting. Get into potted plants. You can add some trellis wood and hang potted plants for color. In the center, I would add a huge shade tree, that is pretty in all seasons such as a River's Beech. You can add a fun zone game zone (hopscotch, basketball). You can add a meditation zone with a few statues, granite or colorful bench, large potted plants, waterfall. It can look gorgeous without dumping in a huge amount of money. Just think about an outdoor "deck" that is concrete of a 4 star hotel or NYC apartment garden on the roof. They are all concrete or limestone and to make interesting and relaxing, they add zones for activities and lots of greenery in large pots. Shop at resale shops for wicker and outdoor furniture and paint to suit.

Groveraxle...hi :) and thank you for the kind words. I do like my kitchen...but have always dreamed a white one with lots of sparkly things... It's the girl in me. And I do know what you mean about the tv. However, my husband is the chef in the house and he enjoys watching tv as he cooks. And unfortunately, the staircase makes it impossible to view the tv from the kitchen if we move it to the other wall. My one and only etsy experience...I ordered this beautiful yellow ginger jar...without reading the dimensions, and it came the size of my hand. Who makes a ginger jar the size of your palm?? I was a little put out...but maybe I'll give it another go as in really liked the last pillow in the pictures. Anyone have any ideas for curtains in the living room? Should I use the same curtains throughout? To try and tie the spaces together? What would you guys think about painting the formal dining room a charcoal grey? I want something dramatic that would bring some of the grey into the other rooms. Or do you think it would be too dark? I will try to post better pictures of the dining room. Thanks for all your thoughts and ideas...

My gosh. You thought of everthing...I would say including the kitchen sink....but this is bath. Function and good looking.

Yes, I am a landscape architect in Illinois and Florida. Clients in Illinois are very interested in perennial herbs and raised bed vegetable gardens. Florida clients show more of an interest in fruit trees- grapefruit, moringa, starfruit, etc. I have written several articles on edible landscapes in an effort to answer the many questions I receive about successful edible gardening. And I'm about to start my own culinary garden from seed this year. I know from experience that it is extremely rewarding to grow food at home!