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.

Biggest Thank you to everyone who has commented and given me such good practical advice for updating my little front patio/porch area. Before I depart again and forget to update? This is how it looks, I am probably at a later stage going to work out how to add a wider sill as suggested, however it does look so much better than before. Such timely advice has given me the motivation to get it done. I have left the roller shades on one side just to allow a bit of privacy from the neighbours and wind/sun. And one day will swap the large couch for something more suited.

Our house north frontage, it is so lovely in winter, we have a small porch/verandah, use it all the time .. You have the gums for summer shade so you may not necessarily need a roof. I like Dohramei photo ideas as well. Nice metal garden furniture with removable cushions

I think the wicker chairs give it away a render. Also a lot of light coming through for a dark sky. Just looks a bit off.