For me...I'd keep the deck the colour it is, may give it a refresh if necessary and go hunting for outside bentwood firniture, you know that curly bamboo kind, it never dates and is elegant and above all comfortable...where many outdoor settings may look good but are not inviting. If the space were mine...and if it had shelter from the elements, or if you didn't mind some of those outdoor firniture protector covers for inclement weather ( when you may as well bring the furniture in...whatever it is..) .I'd also condsider going on the hunt for some lovely old colonial-looking wicker items painted brilliant white, it always makes a statement, always looks classy and is always gentle on the posterior! If you can find the genuine article often you will discover that the seats are made of entwined dried grasses and palm leaves. I'd also go looking at some of those plant/cafe' places...that sell plants, fountains, as well as up-market snacks and are often furnished with wicker...no harm in asking where they bought it...they may even sell it. Its a cosy little space...I'd just have come large comfy outdoor chairs and maybe little side tables. Think of fancy English ladies sitting out of doors watching a cricket match on the manor lawn and sipping drinks...that's the scenario I see there. Maybe even one of thos old tall plant stands with a large green specimen plant....Most of all....have fun.

My favourite is the Curved edges - Carpenter Street. It creates a sense of wonder, almost cocoon-like. I can't wait to get in there and experience it for myself. I also like Beach canopy - Cozy Outdoor Living Room - yes, the view, but also the way it makes me feel. How hot does the Summer Classics - Club Woven aluminium decking get? Looks great and low-maintenance.

Hi Hu, @HU-694538119 we used millboard for decking 8 years ago, then extended the deck five years later. You can’t see where new extension starts .. it’s easy to cleans, hose, sweep or vacuum.. it does not scratch easily, I don’t know if we have any scratches, we are careful when moving heavy items but fairly casual sliding cane chairs that are on deck. My only caution would be exposed deck gets very hot underfoot in summer, so if you have little kids just be aware.

What sort of easement? You can plant on it but research first so you don't plant anything with aggressive roots. Our water utility used to have a list categorising plants which are safe, plants which should not be planted within x metres, etc. Check if there's anything like that available from your water utility or council. If the plan does not have indicative furniture placement for anything else I don't know why it would show a dining table. Solar HWS or solar panels? Plants as large as trees down the narrow space between your house and the boundary with your neighbours create potential problems with roots and with leaves in roof guttering for both of you. Double glazing is valuable, especially in your winters, but for summer you want to stop the sun from shining on the windows in the first place. It might not be the most chic solution but when we needed something temporary and economical we used the shadecloth screens from the hardware store.