Thanks the deck idea sounds good and would create the flow I'm after. Just need to get over the thought of putting a deck over an existing surface which is in good condition.

Hi

I like the idea of a deck that is a common level with the house, but it would be expensive and maybe a waste of materials if the bricks are still level and whole.

Consider pressure cleaning the bricks to remove grime and weeds.

Imagine a pergola over the existing brick area. Have large pots at the foot of some of the posts with vines growing up the posts to eventually form a cover for seasonal shade. (Don't plant the vines directly into the ground, as they will eventually spoil the brickwork with their roots.)

Or maybe the pergola could be covered with a suitable material of your choice which suits your climatic area - shade cloth, timber slats, canvas shades etc.

Would you enjoy a fountain or water pool of ssome kind? Perhaps a Moroccan-style raised pool with tiled walls.

Add some lovely seating - teak? or cane/rattan? and lots of potted greenery.

Have fun with your new look.

Your patio just needs some TLC. Decking forever needs maintenance whereas what you already have will last forever and only needs a good clean. Why not give your tiled steps a makeover with a bit of slatted (or not) decking with nicely mitred corners, maybe make them bigger/longer/wider???? Get in a tradie to show off his expertise and make your steps a real show stopping focal point. Add a couple of lovely matching pots either end (with plants or not)!

You have a lovely space here, but there is a lot of brick, which needs maintenance to look its best. At the moment, it seems to just blend from one area to another.

Since it faces south, and is cold in winter, a fireplace would be a nice spot to gather around, with some seating. If you made the seating out of another material, it would help to define the area as well as adding interest. You could then keep the bricks under the fireplace. Or you could change to something completely different, like gravel, for a new look.

I think some greenery behind the seating would help to define the space as well, and interrupt the expanse of brick.

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Give the area a good pressure clean, remove weeds. Steps need a makeover. Maybe be just breakup the paving a bit create inviting zones. Add some colour and a feature piece. At one of our investment property's that had an ugly fence in the patio area I got a large piece of all weather sheeting painted it with a thick textured paint then painted it a bright colour (tangerine) then placed a large decorative metal gecko on it and attached it to the fence. It was very inexpensive, but a statement. 10yrs later it is still there and everyone has always commented and loved it. Clean the area up and get creative....... Decking looks great but will need maintenance for ever.

You'll see a big improvement after the pressure cleaning.