What patio is getting done what way? That will likely impact other things.

No to shutters or windowboxes. Windows aren't really right for shutters, windowboxes are more upkeep than many think... and you don't need the holes in the brick for installing either.

How do you currently use your backyard, and how would you like to use it in the future? Want to cook out, have seating, perhaps need an awning over the door, lighting... maybe gardening or what?

What is your general location? Helps folks with recommending plantings. And also if you get snow, that can be a consideration for plans too.

You don't mention budget. Window boxes, shutters, etc. don't really deal with space or use of the space.

Here's a poured cement patio with red brick trim, gravel beds for planting at the edges. A free standing pergola, in wood from the lower back door and extending out over a small patio would define your space. Red brick pavers could also make for a nice patio by echoing your brick house.

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Build a pergola over a new patio or buy a freestanding anchored over your new patio. If you go You can find free standing pergolas in many sizes online and some of the big box stores:

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Something free standing like this in red cedar stain would create a nice backyard space:

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Can you replace your fencing to create a private garden?

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Could you devote your budget to created a deck at the level of your back door, which would be more much likely to be used than a patio below?

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You have a charming house, but it would look more pulled together if your siding were in a more harmonizing taupe color that echoed the grout. Brown downspout would improve things, too.

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As suggested above, get rid of the chain link fence and replace with something more private and esthetically pleasing. I always like a water feature near a patio and definately incorporate something to provide shade.

Ya’ll are awesome. This is my first time posting so thank you. Love the ideas of a pergola and the red brick pavers. I plan on redoing the patio in poured concrete, with some natural stone accents, but the red brick might be the way to go. We use the patio allll the time for just hanging out. We sit, drink cocktails etc so the pergola, a water feature etc would be fantastic.

Also! The bricks are not red, they are like - orangey terracotta. Very different then some of the other houses in our neighborhood. Makes it harder to find reference material - but the overall color scheme I was thinking for outside would be green, terracotta and greys with the metal being wrought iron to match what was already there. I’ve been fawning over using Corten steel. Obviously I have a LOT to think about.