What an exciting project! The possibilities are endless. I have a few questions - How far back does the yard go? Would you like to keep a considerable amount of grass beyond where the deck will end? Is the window to the right of the photo the kitchen? That would be a great pass through to the outdoor cooking area if so.

I would put a dark wood pergola with rolling colored tissue (maybe a dark red or a bright blue), add some furniture of the same colour of the pergola with cushions of striped tissue that match the upper one. And most of all your garden needs big planters (if you don't want to add too much color you could choose ones of the same color of the façade), with beautiful flowers and some outside lighting as little streetlamps or lanterns that you can hang from the pergola. Don't forget to protect the wood with an appropiate oil.

Before you plan your deck you should consider your landscaping and work the two together so that the deck will be shaded and have some pretty plantings to view. I would also encourage you to not make your deck just a rectangular shape like everyone else's. It will be much more interesting with some angles or curves, tho it will be easier to angle the deck and curve the flower beds.
Carolyn Albert-Kincl, ASID

Thanks all,

@Nahas, right from where the picture was taken, a hill begins (upward). My ideal backyard would have significantly less greenspace. The soil is good for one thing.. weeds. I know I could add a lot of topsoil to make it work, but I would rather spend the money on the deck/design objects ( fire pit, concrete, etc). The window to the right is the kitchen, you are correct, and the three windows to the left is the "great room" (two floors). The dining room is where the sliding door are.

@Yolanda, thanks for the ideas too! I'm unfamiliar with Pergola and rolling tissue. Could you elaborate on what you mean?

@Carolyn Albert-Kincl Design. Good point on the landscaping. With the upward sloping end of the of the backyard, I was considering a flagstone retaining wall, however, that may be out of the budget (haven't even conisdered what that might be yet, but I can imagine its fairly expensive). I was considering an L shaped deck. Running from the left edge of the sliding door, to the right end of the house. The come straight out. I like the look of the Coquitlam deck you've sent. Especially how its kept open with not railing. Maybe I'll add a set of stairs along the entire inner side of the deck. Planters on the outer side. Would brick or concrete be a better landing material? Many thanks on the ideas.

Between the two sides of the L shaped deck, you might create an angle, and place the steps there. Brick would be my choice for landing material, though I suppose that would give you a more traditional look while you want a modern flavor. Flagstones cut on straight lines would look more contemporary. I also like the large cast rectangular stones with large gravel or rocks between them.

A landscape architect could help you with both the landscaping and the deck design, and I think that could be a wise investment considering the scope of your project and how a beautiful result will affect your resale value.