if you like a formal look i would install a 10M wide (fence to fence) by 3m deep oblong area with an extra 7m wide half circle projecting into the old lawn and allowing for garden around the corners and sides..for a less formal look try making the planting asymmetrical

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.

Start with a budget and how much you want to spend. Think about how much work you are prepared to do yourself. Think about the type of roof cover you want, and how it will be supported. Think about maintenance, and how often you are prepared to stain or oil a deck. At the top end I would look at a slab to match the existing slab, with a tiled finish over both new and old slabs, with a vergola roof than can open and shut. At the bottom end I would think about concrete pavers laid on a sand bed with pebbles in between and a market umbrella. Middle range would be a timber deck with a pergola and shade cloth. Lots to think about.. Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls

I think you need shelving either side of fire. Just something simple to add interest. To many surfaces, I think, already for adding tiles. If you want to put something on the fire place wall, then the clock needs to find another home. And the tile surface could be similar to the hearth. Either dark wood or black, floating shelves. Then your favourite things can be displayed. This looks like the same room you posted a while ago. The single wing back chairs would look good in this room again. Facing the fire. Then a light coloured rug to take away from all the black. Gold accessories to match your side tables. And if the plants are artificial, I would remove for something larger and real. For your window near the fire, A solid window treatment, eg: roller blind or shutters, would work. But if you don't need anything on that window, then maybe just a pelmet to finish it off.