I don't think white picket really goes with your homestyle. you can keep it reasonable by only doing the side to the left. I have included some other types of fencing that might work better for you. Just to give an idea and there are even more on house. Of course, just plants are always great too. or you can start with fence til plants grow.

Ouch, Lancewood! Nice read, FORM :)

I am not sure you need to add a deck or raised paving, when there is a usable surface there already. You will have gained a closer connection to the living area, but you will be more exposed, both to neighbours and to the wind, for a significant cost. Raising the fence may break height restrictions, as mentioned, and will also really box you in visually, especially with overhead louvres. Those may feel too low over a raised area if at eave height, and if higher could look awkward against the house. The fence already shades the area alongside it, so I wouldn't extend any further shading right out to the fenceline. I would consider a shade sail before louvres, both for cost and for a lighter, less boxed in appearance. Is there access to bring in a large tree? A good sized deciduous tree positioned near the fence at the edge of the lawn may be a good way to get some attractive summer shade, autumn colour, added privacy and may be cheaper than a set of movable louvres! Below the new doors from the living area, create wide steps These could wrap around to meet the existing steps. Wide steps can become a casual seating area as well as create a connection to the existing paving, and they are less of a barrier visually than a small set of steps. They could incorporate a planter, which will help to soften an otherwise quite hard outdoor space. This would also allow the lawn to remain connected with the paved area, making it feel larger.

Hi, I am building a new house, there will be large sliding doors the full length of the living area cos the view is great. Unfortunately there’s also a road in front of the house! I can mitigate this a bit by having a raised earth mound with grasses on top, also the glass will be tinted (subtlely) but this won’t be much help in the evening when the lights are on inside. I was wondering about strip lighting the edge of the deck or outside walls to counter (or replace) the inside lighting. I don’t want to burn up too much energy though and we are near a dark sky preserve. what about something hanging from the eaves that’s spot-lit?? Any ideas please! - it’s a simple design with a mono pitch roof lower side to the front. Thanks in anticipation BBL