Lori, you didn't mention budget, so here are a few suggestions based on $$ available.
It seems to be concrete? If so, it would be easy to extend the pad to the left facing the house and the front. Can't quite tell how far you could extend based on the side yard, but try to move out proportionally. If you could upgrade the material you could use a paver such as Aberdeen by Techno Bloc http://www.techo-bloc.com/homeowners/index.php?p=Products&e=view&productId=227#
The nice thing about this product is that it has the look of blue stone, but with the uniformity of a paver. They are also cooler to the touch than blue stone.
I would also balance the patio on the right side of the house as well.
You could edge the new patio in arborvitae as that is inexpensive and fast growing (on the left side facing the house). This will provide some screening both visually and for sound insulation.
Another idea for sound diversion would be to hang a wall fountain on the wall next to the window. It would require electrical, if you don't have that already. There are an incredible amount of choices online.
Not sure if replacing the posts is in the offing, if you changed them over to a composite material, you may be able to plant out the base with climbing vines to add visual interest and make the post, that because of the additional patio, not look as if it's in the middle of the patio.
You can update the patio furniture with fun designs from places like www.grandinroad.com.
A little bit of blue paint on the ceiling (keeps the spiders away) and a rug and some accessories and you will be the go to spot for the summer!