hello

1. put up a trellis and climbing vine on the garage wall.

2. The furniture placement itself is off, as well as lack of decor.

3.put up a lattice wall starting from the egde of th gray wall over 2/3 not the complete area. it could be free standing or attached to the deck. Or they make privacy screens you can buy that would work.

for help with the furniture, first decide how you are going to handle the garage wall and privacy issues first, that way you will have a better plan to tackle the layout.

Would the neighbor allow you to paint "your" side of his garage?

Haven't asked yet but it's definitely possible (nice neighbor). Any paint color of recommendation?

Is the deck stained? I would pressure wash, clean and stain first. How much space do you have on the apt side for privacy plants? Maybe those super tall skinny cedar trees? No idea on zone or anything, but local nurseries are a great place to ask plant questions. NOT big box stores, find some independents for this.

Decorate the deck like you would decorate any similar purpose interior space. If used primarily for seating, then arrange the furniture in a comfortably spaced conversation area. The furniture appears to be pretty neutral in coloring so I would pick a stronger, brighter color to accent (I'd lean to a terra cotta but really your choice). If you can, paint the metal wall that color then mount some sort of outdoor art piece or sculpture on it. Repeat the same color in throw pillows and an indoor/outdoor carpet. Find large containers in the same or closely related color and plant with something like succulents for very low maintenance. Or colorful annuals if you can be a little more attentive :-) Group several of slightly different sizes together for greater impact.

An emphatic yes to power washing and staining the deck! And something like podocarpus will grow rapidly and provide good privacy screening from the apartment complex.

The deck is stained about a year ago. The winter rain has changed the color quite a bit. I'm debating if I should wait another year to power wash and stain again.

We planted some privacy plants along the fence as you could see a year ago too but those won't get to the ideal height for maybe another 3-5 years. :P

I'm thinking potted vines and trellis may also be a good option along with the painting option. Will have to ask neighbor soon, which might narrow it down for me.

Appreciate all the feedback so far!

I don't know if I'd wait. It may discolor even more. The rain shouldn't have blackened it like it did.

A good floor PAINT will satisfy just about any color need, last many years, and cover the host of sins that weathered wood is.

The furniture is bunched up in the corner of the deck, against the house. Pull the coulch a few feet away from house and add an end table between. Put a little space between the pieces. Angle the portable chairs to form a conversation grouping. Maybe add a furniture piece of two.

Need a trellis with vine, a small tree for shade, some small screening trees (large tree-form shrubs.)