Can I make a suggestion: Is is quite hard to gauge the space / layout by the two photo's you have posted. Have you considered adding a picture of the floor plan even if it is just a hand drawn rough drawing.

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, Without seeing the whole space its hard to give an accurate recommendation, however I think the biggest improvement you could make would be to get some greenery in the space. You could put a large feature plant like a palm or a Kaizuka Cloud Tree in the garden at the end of the patio, another option here would be a water feature or sculpture. I would also put in a few planted pots along the fence to further soften the space. Thanks, Texture Group

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