Here is the house in 2009 before the concrete was poured over the garden in front.

Yea, you found it.
This is one of my favorite forums.
Looking forward to seeing what Yardvaark can recommend.
Jo

Wow, nice! Big improvement, just waiting for some of that grass to be repurposed into beautiful garden. Now plants don't have to be squished into the small arc up against the house. Instead, you can have the shrubs on the other side of the walk, and trees out a good distance from the house where they won't block views from the windows or drop limbs on the roof. A few large pots on the paving, maybe add a big blue or yellow market umbrella, and you are set.

This post was edited by catkim on Mon, Jan 26, 15 at 16:28

Can't see the paving well enough to tell it's condition. I like the idea of a courtyard-like area, but have issues with how the existing walk and paving is laid out. Would keep a semi-open feel since it is the front and you probably want to keep the look "inviting" to passersby. My ideas in the plan are based on a single picture. With full knowledge of the actual space it might call for adjustments and alterations in order to develop something that works well. The second version has the railing. There are innumerable opportunities for adding detail.

{{gwi:2117676}}

I like it without the rail. Good job. I hope OP sees it.

Yardvaark: Here is a link to the house when it was for sale. Does that help give you a few extra angles?

Here is a link that might be useful: Link to more views of the patio and yard

Yard, love it.
Josephene

Just for fun, got out the paintbox. Super simple, not nearly so ambitious or refined as yard's.

Thanks Jo & Em.

That is a cheap-___ looking arbor! Let's try a more expensive one.

Planlover, I usually only have time to do one view. Hopefully, some of the suggestions in it will be useful or spur thinking in a direction that is.

{{gwi:2117678}}

Yardvaark: I am amazed at your skill and appreciate your rendering VERY much! Thank you so very much!

Catkim: I totally share your vision...pots along the semi-circle patio, big umbrella...yep I can see it, too.

You guys have been awesome! Thanks!!