Hello! What a great outdoor space! I like the idea of using large wicker pieces to fill in your large outdoor area. A great way to add some color to your outdoor space is through pillows & cushions for the furniture you choose! I have chosen some outdoor friendly pieces that could pull your space together. We also have table linens and curtains that are all outdoor friendly! Contact a stylist on our site for design guidance free of charge. Happy decorating!!

If this photo from your ideabook is the look you are going for, try adding a rug and inexpensive coffee table. To keep budget down, try an indoor outdoor rug you may find on sale at the end of the summer. The other thing you could change easily would be curtains or other window treatments in a zingy color or pattern. Perhaps there are curtains in another part of the house that could be swapped with these? Try taking them down to get a good look at the blank space possibilities.

What is the rest of the house like? Would you like overflow sleeping areas or more storage? If you can't raise the floor (and the ceiling?) you might consider building in some comfortable seating/storage areas that use pillows/cushions and play up the multi-level idea and make it look intentional. Similar in concept to the stepped couch.

I think you are wasting money . I'd leave the columns , do a couple of bi-fold aluminium doors , do a nice leather corner suite , and artwork , a Tv , make it more livable . I'd do a glass balustrade on the small stairs , 3 or 4 creeper type potplants and a couple of 'objects d'art' along the solid balustrade . Do you have another dining room ? If yes , make part of this an office/study ; if no , then a nice table and chairs . Right now , it looks unloved -- make it easier to fall in love with it , and you will !