The paver tiles are pretty and I'm wondering what you'll see if you rip out the bed. Also am wondering if that space used to be a water feature. If you don't have wild animal problems, it might be nice to have a water feature there. Otherwise, before I ripped it out I'd ask a local nursery or landscaper if you could possibly grow something wonderful there. I would hope to be able to grow canna lilies, but depends on your climate and mood for gardening.

But what would make you want to be out there to enjoy the space? If it gets blistering sun, definitely an umbrella or awning. Rather than hard benches, I'd like a couple of comfortable wicker high back chairs with a table for cocktails or wine. If I wanted to spend money, I'd put decorative tile up the wall between the windows where the bench with the pillows now is. More potted plants everywhere, including potted bamboo to partially screen out the view of the driveway.

I agree With mytwo Cents. You’re going to have a gap underneath that may not have Saltillo tile. Also, your white Archway bricks may not go all the way down, so now you’re going to be left with a half bricked arch. This might mean that you have to keep taking out more bricks to make it work… So really think about what you’re doing here.

agree with Jan Moyer (my shins hurt just looking at that. Take out the planter and if needed tile that area in a coordinating tile with a pattern to make it look intentional. Sell the benches and buy some comfy chairs / benches - cushioned - and a small table or hassock for drinks, etc. Some potted plants and a fun entry mat will make a lot of difference.

Dig down inside the interior of your bed and see what is beneath it, behind it…and even down to the bottom to see what is there. That will give you some idea of the possibilities. I would remove all the lanterns, urns, tables, etc. at this point. Get a clean slate and then post. What is behind, inside the wrought iron grated areas? Can you do a measured plan of the areas under review? You have the opportunity to create a beautiful walled garden here.

I am a bit confused as the the approach to the front door. Do you walk past the planter to get there, or is that planter/patio area to the side? Maybe a quick floor plan will help. The planter area almost looks like it was intended as a shrine. What is the overall style of the house? Can you get some pics from way back?

Can you take a pic from further back showing the whole front of the house It is hard to figure out exactly how this relates to the house. Post here in acomments just like the others but in a comment you will not be able to add to the the original post ans please DO NOT start another post.

If you don’t use the space clear it out, planter and all. If you like gardening add a beautiful pot or two and one appropriately sized entry rug. Too much stuff going on now.

Saltillo tiles and adobe or slump block says you are probably in the desert SW. if so, you need more shade. What side of the house is this, east, west, north, south? Which season are you looking to utilize it? We use our east patio in the morning in winter, our west patio of an evening. If this is west facing, it will be too hot for plants in the summer.

LMAO.

Ptreckel has the obvious FIRST answer. A simple dig : )

How many posters, including myself of course, does it take to screw in the light bulb moment?!

Duhhhhhhhh

It could be a good idea to try to look at various ideas for your outside patio on here. We have included some pictures from our designs to help you, but it depends on what you are looking to add and subtract from the space.

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