It looks like you have a nice flat open area of garden too which is a must with young family. Have you considered a neat retaining wall in timber with an integrated slide (easily purchased and fitted) from the upper terrace down. I would keep it really simple and add some robust perennials and grasses to create some 'garden'. One other nice idea is to introduce some funky colour changing lights to brighten up the space on an evening - see our website for some inspiration and ideas and i wish you all the best.

Hi Alison Can you post some more info it’s very hard to get an idea of scale with the pictures you have put on. Try and draw a rough plan with dims of everything that is already in place. I’m a bit confused about the area to the right of the steps? What are you planning on doing with the staggered wall and why do you want the table and chairs on the grass and not on your lovely new patio area? In regards to the fence you can always put trellis up and train some climbing plants, they grow like mad! Look forward to seeing a photo from above and a plan, I’m sure that will get you more responses

Hi there, Looks like you have a nice space to work with there! Certainly no problems to extend the patio and maybe even creating an additional seating area. Adding a firepit is a great idea as it creates a cozy and relaxing space and also extends the time that you can use your seating area for (as it brings in light and warmth). I offer a range of affordable online garden design services that you can choose from. Please do get in touch if you want to find out more! I would be very glad to help! Deborah The Rooted Concept Garden Designs www.therootedconceptgardendesign.co.uk

I agree that space outside the bifolds is perfect for a patio. If you add planting between the patio and lawn with just a gap for access it'll make it more its own zone, especially of you can add some delicate height to look through. Re the overlooking, I can't quite see how that's happening so wondering if you have a neighbour who peeps in from their garden? I know someone who sorted that with a well placed arbour. It had closed sides which made all the difference. This sort of thing: https://www.summergardenbuildings.co.uk/products/garden-furniture/garden-arbour-302240.html They had a decent length of high boundary which you seem to have, so the arbour went after that and the closed side blocked the neighbour from simply moving further up the garden to peep into the house. Alternatively covering the patio with a pergola might be the answer as a strong wooden one gives you a lot of options for adding temporary or permanent screening.