Can you post a picture from further back so we can see the surroundings?

Here is further back

Here’s an idea. Maybe get an outdoor rug to go under your furniture pieces.

Another idea

Love Mrs Beasley's images posted above. However, while I love the look of an outdoor rug, it seems like you might already have an algae issue, and that won't be kind to the rug. Ask me how I know. 😕

a half market umbrella is nice, doesn't take up a lot of space, and easy to contain when the weather turns. this one is from Wayfair

Yes to Melinda. Maybe just use some Wet and Forget to clean the algae. So easy to do! Power wash and restain or paint fence?

You didn't give the dimensions of your patio but maybe a layout like below with a long retractable awning (or 2 side by side) in a cabana stripe would work.

Can you add a gazebo so I can see what it would look like? We can’t attach anything to the home

Here's with a louvered pergola...

Maybe we aren't thinking of the same thing, but when you say gazebo, I'm thinking of a square, round or octagonal structure with a roof that usually sits in someone's backyard. What you have is a small patio, so I can't imagine a gazebo there. The umbrella or pergola both seem like good ideas. I assume you need some shade part of the day. I would also add planters for greenery and flowers. In order to make it more appealing you will have to wash it with some frequency to keep down the mildew. Whenever it starts appearing, get rid of it so it doesn't turn into a big job. We have a deck that faces north and is shaded, so we have the same issue.

What's wrong with your patio now? It looks very shady to me. Is it just not attractive? If so, powerwash the concrete and add a trellis planter. Get some seating that is brightly colored. Do you have 2 grills or is one a garbage can? If the latter, remove it or hide it.

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I want a seating area but also was thinking of a gazebo because it gets super hot here and I wanted the debris to fall on its own and not get stuck with a flat ceiling. That’s not a trash it’s the water softener so I don’t know how to cover it bc it cannot be moved

Sorry.... you said gazebo and I was thinking pergola. Do you want a custom made gazebo that goes wall to wall on the width? something with screens? I need more information.

How about just some simple sun sails . We attached large hooks on the trim boards around our patio for ours. A planter filled with peagravel could hold up a post for sun shades or lights. A planter with trellis could grow a flowering vine. simple folding patio furniture like a bistro set would work well. Get lattice screen to hide equipment. We have a couple cocktail tables that are just stacked cinderblocks and large pavers or porcelain tiles. You could do a narrow shelf and or bar with just a few blocks and long board.

Yes a gazebo that goes wall to wall. Maybe like the one from Costco and a wall built on the right side so that a screen can go on it

Very large planters with flowers/lush greenery will go a long way as well in softening the space - fwiw we have a standing outdoor fan from decobreeze - it oscillates and is a simple way to cool things down and keep away mosquitoes

You’re getting great suggestions without providing much info! Dimensions & a pic of the other end would be helpful. Looks like the entry from house to patio is the sliding door. I assume there’s an outside entrance because at one end looks like trash cans & a motorcycle under the cover so there must be a gate at that end. You don’t mention where you live so don’t know if you are able to use patio year round. That would make a big difference for me in my selection of shade cover.The width also would help me decide on umbrellas or slatted top structure. But, based on what I see, I would create a seating area floated across the width with back to the ’storage area’ of cans & bike. Treat it like a living room space for arranging. I would have large colorful pots of plants sitting on sturdy wheeled casters & very large drip trays. That will allow you to move plants easily & also help keep water off patio when watering. Plant selection TBD since don’t know the light exposure inside patio or where you live. A large potted plant is the easy way to conceal the water softener & still have easy access to it. The suggestion of a fan is great - it will circulate air - use a fan that rotates & is portable.

It looks like a space between 2 homes so I need info and the size of the space how do you access the space ? How will you water plants What is allowed there ? I see lots of mildew so pretty shady for sure . I see a BBQ so maybe outdoor dining would be good . I need more info please .