Use flagstone and extend the existing patio. Create some textures.

The first picture is actually for a driveway application but could be used in a patio! Why not! The next two pics show concrete pavers set in grass. Something a DIY can do and must be less expensive that a brick patio. Then just put in your patio furniture and grill. Hope this is what you were looking for.

Ok thank you for the advice. Extending and adding pavers sounds good! Added a few photos for a clearer look!

Dear Nubian,
I see from the time stamp on your design questions that these concerns have you up at all hours ! Currently going
through the same over a master bath remodel! Anyway, I don't
have specifics for you, and as one commenter noted, consulting
a design pro could greatly benefit you. However, if you're like me,
you won't feel good about meeting with a designer until you have
worked out an approximation of your vision, at which point a designer can really help refine it and even suggest completely
diffferent approaches.
Anyway, I went through all this in the Fall with a landscaping
project. I bought books, magazines, hung out on Houzz--- saw
tons of stuff I liked but couldn't get a vision for how any of it could
apply to the size, shape, terrain and other specifics of
my property.
At one point, I stumbled on to a blog called "Dirt Simple," written
by Deborah Silver. It was a revelation. The writer is a very sought-
after designer with amazing talent. She's also a prolific blogger
with extensive, highly informative archived posts. The photos
are stunning and she is very generous in sharing how she approaches projects. You get it all there ---great inspiration, stunning photos, design philosophy and details. Check it out.
Really go through some of her posts and see what strikes you.
It can't provide you with an exact and detailed plan catered to your site, but it could put you in the right head space to proceed.
I was stalled for months (yes!) before I found out about Deborah's
blog. Reading it in big chunks of time, post after post over a couple of days gave me excitement, ideas, focus, inspiration .
I was bursting with ideas and enthusiasm after reading her posts
and therefore more confident in moving forward with actually
DOING something. ....meeting with landscape designers, starting
the project. I'm now enjoying the first spring w/ the new plantings
and design in place! I hope that you will solve your design conundrum in time to enjoy it all summer! Good luck!

Small spaces are always fun to deal with. There are a lot of options. Here is my small spaces renderings that I have done for projects. You might be able to find something interesting there.