You need to post a few pictures of the areas and how they relate to the house. If you have trouble posting pics try them in a comment but wait until they are no loger grayed before submitting.

Side area

Patio area

I would make the patio at last 2 x the size it is so it would then incorporate the side yard right now it is way too small. Then you would have space for an outdoor kitchen , a nice sized ding table and 8 chairs and some nice seating.

I hope THE FENCE is in your repair plan. It is unsafe for kiddos and looks "ghetto-chic" Have you spoken with your neigbor about jointly replacing the rickety fence that needs propping-up?

Then.... Stake posts in the ground with concrete footings and use eye screws for cable wires to support a flowering vine. If you have dogs, consult the ASPCA list of toxic plants...Offhand... I know morning glory is one of many toxic vines You don't want that anyway as tiny white flies like it a lot too.

I found this in your ideabook:

Millar Residence · More Info

Set up an ideabook dedicated to yard ideas. That will help you narrow down what features you absolutely have to have and which are doable.

Someone said make patio twice the size. Do you mean just extend it out towards fence and down side?

You can extend the patio to the fence, but more importantly, extend it out into the yard so you have a large useable patio space.

Good job grove yes I meant out into the yard at least double then also over to the fence which needs replacing for sure.

Groveraxle where did you find kitchen? I do like. Is the concrete stamped or stained? What would you recommend if wanting to integrate a jacuzzi somewhere?

mik974, the whole patio was just one I found on Houzz and stuck in your backyard.

Let me tell you how I designed my backyard. First I saved a bazillion photos with notes about what I liked in each one.

Second, I made a plot plan of my yard to scale with all the elements that had to stay. Then I took a pad of tracing paper, laid it over my plot plan, and sketched out different configurations.

I let all my ideas and different versions percolate in my brain, often while sitting outside and imagining myself using the space. I did that for about a month till I was sure that everything would work the way I wanted.

Then I called in the heavy machinery.

New backyard · More Info

May 2014 · More Info

New backyard · More Info

New backyard · More Info

Additional angles

What's jumping out to me is the lack of any tree-like plants near the house or patio. Even little "trees" provide a sense of sheltering and protection. And the the yard perimeter needs to become a better view. It is ia bit barren. Near to the patio could be some plantings that include flowers. I agree that the patio space seems a little tight.

I would plan a spa area nearer the pool. A BBQ near the exit from the house kitchen. Then analyze how much space is left for seating.

Where would pool go that you referred to?

I'm sorry, thought I saw a pool.

some ideas:

Spa and patio cover/pergola inspiration. More photos on our website photo gallery.

Raised spa with lannon stone veneer on patio

Patio with multiple seating areas and pergola

Nothing new in your ideabooks, mlk974. Makes me wonder how serious you are.

Dig Doug I like the design a lot. Currently we have concrete patio area would that be total reconstruction other than grass?

If I understand your question correctly, you can simply enlarge the patio with more concrete (check out staining concrete). Then add your pergola, shade structure, kitchen area, fireplace & hot tub.

Is there much grass that would be still present? It’s nice to have some grass.

Also would there be any ideas to include a pool and jacuzzi? And leave out fireplace

In order to see what else you might do, you need to post a survey showing how your house sits on the lot.

As Dig Doug mentioned, Re: staining concrete. Inspiration - I stained my driveway - Faux Flagstone & Faux Brick

Exterior · More Info

I stained my Driveway