keep the existing paving, attach a pergola with minimum posts and beams, starting in line with the gutters on the house and sloping down to 2400 at the outside edge of the paving, grow some deciduous vines and add a great big all weather table and chairs..great spot on a hot day

If budget allows a deck would be lovely, level with the floor of the house and then stepping down onto your lawn. Do you want a cover as you mentioned it doesn't get a lot of sun. We have a shade sail over our deck in summer to provide shade and block the summer heat from our bi-folds but take it down in winter to allow as much sun on the house as possible. If you want a permanent cover I'd mimic the roof line of the house to get as much light and airflow through as possible and consider using laser light on sections to allow more light through. Otherwise some plants in large pots along the back wall of the house would freshen up the space, perhaps something fragrant.

I you do not need shade, perhaps the best bang for your bucks would be a deck to have the same floor level as inside. You could add a roof later. Stepping down breaks the continuity of the space.

the hamptons dubai patio defining the area with plants and umbrellas

more plain decking

A simple deck with a step down to the garden area and a Bali hut style roof over top if it suits the rest of your theme would look gorgeous

If you can put doors on the whole back area and deck or pave out to a functional size for entertaining - be sure to have as close to same height as inside and the whole width of the house if possible. You could do the pergola which looks gorgeous and makes a cozy feel. On top of the pergola you may be able to do a weatherproof retractable awning if you do not want a permanent covered area. That would make a whole area for indoor outdoor entertaining in all types of weather. You can still have a step down area to grass and plants at the rear. Travetine is great and easy to hose down. You do not have to concrete them down use pavers on a good road base. You would have to speak to the experts about how to get the right height - also be sure to have a slight fall away from the house.

Combined with this idea and a huge outdoor umbrella for rainy days.

V. Lovely. - V. Romantic!

I would also suggest a deck at the same level as the house floor. Merbau decking boards are hard wearing and reasonably priced $. Also look at a new sliding doors with insect screen built into the door frame as a second door. This will introduce cross ventilation and keep the mozzies at bay in the night and make your internal floor space appear bigger. I would also build a veranda over the deck and mimic the

existing gable end of the roof ( keep the rafters high ) and use all laserlight transparent roofing material to keep natural light flooding in. You could also look at

introducing a natural gas point and some outdoor power points for gas BBQ and entertaining. The space will effectively become your new Outdoor room - enjoy :-)

As the photo suggests above with the decking. Will look great in your gorgeous courtyard.

Just keep in mind the maintenance of an uncovered deck. While there are a lot of composite decking materials you can use to help with maintenance, you wont get the warmth and feeling of a timber deck.

I would try and decide what you plan on using the area for, what are you willing to do from a maintenance perspective and set a budget.