so this is your suggestion but we don't know what the homeowner has done? the column bases fight the patio and too close together at the opening at the steps.. the hedges are too formal. i wonder what such a large pergola would do to the natural light inside the house.

Both suggestions above are good. One house we did had an outdoor deck area which led to a pool and we put timber decking on the deck with a perpendicular timber-decked walkway leading to the pool. We then put lights in the walkway which created a 'catwalk', continuing along the deck. It looked great at night lit up with the pool lights on too! Love the stepping stones and gravel idea too.

Congratulations on what you've done so far - the potential is fantastic. Not sure about apps but I love Josh Byrne's garden (from gardening Australia) he's in Perth too. http://www.abc.net.au/gardening/stories/s3781881.htm http://joshshouse.com.au/portfolio/completed-garden/gallery/photo-album/ http://www.abc.net.au/gardening/stories/s2515177.htm

Nice work! It's gorgeous and looks a lot more friendly.