Thank you..I like the photos. It is likely to be largely a do-it-yourself job...I'm thinking about replacing the concrete with paving slabs, I wonder whether stones or shells between them would provide adequate drainage, or whether to incorporate more substantial drainage.The land slopes down from the gate and the path slopes...I wonder about replacing the path with shallow steps that curve., and leveling out the whole area. I like your idea of going up, and am considering espailering something on the wall.

I think something like this would be perfect for what you're trying to do! Except, you don't have the earth to help you out. Potted plants should be fine.

Well that is an interesting picture. I can assure you that hanging wall gardens are all the rage and that is a great idea but they can also be high maintenance if exposed to high winds / sunshine etc. I have seen some lovely fake ones that would do just as well. You could also have a few pots with additional greenery. As you say your view is not "great" maybe you can have a creeper in one of the pots that can weave its way through the railing. I probably wouldn't go for one big chair as it could dominate the entire space. I would consider a table with a couple of fold-able chairs .... something that is comfortable, inviting if you have friends over but can be placed in a corner if you just want to open up the space. I do not think you need a carpet and but maybe some fancy outdoor tiles will look just as nice. You want it to be easy care and weather proof. Do you need or wish to incorporate a washing line? A pull out one from a wall will be perfect that way you can retract it back when you are not using it. If you deck gets too much sun, you may want to consider some shade shutters. I have seen them called 'plantation' shutters. GOOD LUCK

I have not heard anything bad about having doors that open from any direction of the house and as you have not confirmed which country you live in I can not even predict where the worst of the winds would come from. I live in NZ and my front door faces North West. Where I live that is the worst / strongest winds that we have so the only negative for me is on a story day I might be blown down the steps or the rain might soak me as I try to unlock the door. I have simply eliminated what I can by adding a glass roof above my front deck. My back door faces south east and again the weather was and is the only problem so I enclosed this area with a porch which allows me to have the door open most days, almost all year round. NZ's bad weather comes from the south and the sun is in the North. If you are also in a similar location / southern hemisphere then your plan shows me your house is perfectly positioned for the best of the sun. I think you have absolutely nothing to worry about. Don't listen to negative comments make the most of what you have and if you need to make small adjustments for wind, rain or too much sun. ENJOY YOURSELF AND YOUR NEW HOME.