we used extra wide black sarlon shade cloth attached to timber frames that were then attached to the frame of a pergola against the house..initially for sun screening but we found the screens so useful for hot, cold and windy weather and also excluded insects, frogs and snakes and made a great safe play area for kids and animals...the materials cost less than a few hundred dollars for the first experiment for a 7m x 5m area and the black sarlon, looks like fly screen when stretched tight to the frames and enhanced the view looking out, obscured the view looking in and added months of comfortable use to our outdoor area... another panel installed along a hot morning verandah grew a Boston Ivy all over it that was extra cool in Summer, gorgeous in Autumn and leafless to allow more light in Winter

There are a few varieties of Bamboo that could suit this BBQ area in pots (A photo would help). Please take a look at Redcloud Bamboo's website, where you will find all your answers. As I don't know your location it is hard to suggest a variety right now. Below is some images of white powder coated planters we had made for a Carlton project to help you with your decision.

I think if you want a modern table re-sell this one and start again. The old fashioned style rosewood/mahogany tables which were French polished were very popular in the 80s and 90s and some people who have old homes still love them. I think there is no point trying to completely change it because the leg style etc is still old fashioned.

Nice warm coloured bricks . Crisp white eves . Warm timber seat . I'm guessing you weren't involved in 2 out of 3 of those ? Nothing too much wrong with the charcoal fence , or the tiles . But what can I politely say about the rest ? Ummm . . . . . . . . . For around the same $$$$ , I'd have gone for an off-white render ( against the charcoal fence , I feel it would have looked way better ) , terracota tiles , and tried to match the bricks , doing maybe the barbeque supports or an outdoor fire with chimney in them -- it would tie everything in , add warmth ( visually and literally haha ) , and look like someone had actually thought about what they were doing IMO .