The space is about 7.5 wide and 35 feet long.

Should we remove the stone and pavers and bring the patio up to the house?

Nice!!

Another shot. Still working!

Beautiful jo! The only thing I would do is find something to block the view of the air conditioner up there. Some kind of fencing that would block view, but still allow airflow. But otherwise, just lovely!!

I was just thinking the same thing. Any great suggestions?

Maybe the same railing as on the porch beside it?

I think that would work because from below it would look like part of the porch. Would you consider painting the beams and supports white to match the fencing?

Oh wow, that has turned into a really nice space that you can really enjoy. Great views towards the water. What a difference a garden makes :-) Well done!

I would and definitely am going to paint those supports all the way around the house. I totally agree with your comment. Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Is there an open space to the right of the door? Was thinking it would be a nice place to hang a porchswing. Or is that where you walk through to back of the house?

Yes it is a walkway to the water side dock. There are actually two swings just out of sight of these photos.

You can the opening in the previous photo. There is a small gate there on the left. The other gate opens to the beach. The small gate on the left is removable. Only to keep the dog contained when we are out there. The metal fence on the opposite end is also portable.

This is a great space! I am sure you are going to really enjoy this space now! It is beautiful! Where is this located, btw?

Here are some other views

That is an excellent improvement. Well done! I also like the idea of continuing your balcony above to cover the air conditioning unit. Very nice indeed. Anywhere for a hammock in the sun?

WOW this is awesome! I love, love, love your new space! What a before-and-after transformation! Enjoy!

Since you can't move the A/C then I'd suggest a trellis that goes from the ground all the way up past the A/C unit. Then cover with climbing, fast growing vine. I think you have the perfect space to add a hammock.

Wow, so many great changes already. Love that seahorse. I could see adding fabric curtains to the posts, a heat lamp with the fire element added and outdoor lighting. Also, a longer table under the seahorse or perhaps adding a larger top to the unit.

Just wonder if curtains would survive. Lots of wind off the water .

Fantastic space, remarkable transformation of an underutilized space. Nicely done, don't think you need to change a thing.

Some outdoor lighting could really accent the pathway up to the patio. I really like what you've done here.

Just put up some lights on a string since your space is very casual.

Oh I already put up some great lights. Can't see them but they are over the table under the ac unit!

I bet that looks magical at night!

Plant a tall evergreen hedge beside the picket fence for privacy. (Some evergreens are very narrow and take up little space) Build an arbor and plant with vines (jasmine is evergreen) This will block the view from neighbors and also hide the AC. Use brick pavers and build a patio. Be sure to install a gate between house and fence for privacy. Add a fountain to block noise from the house that is very close next door. Wonderful space.

There is already a row of hedges on the neighbors side of the fence. There is already a paver patio too. Apparently you did not see all of the photos. Thanks for your suggestions. Looks like we may think alike.
BTW this house is on the waterway so there is already a huge water feature. :)