This could be a roof when you need it.

Awntech 18'x10' Destin Right Motor Acrylic Fabric Retractable Awning, Sage · More Info

https://www.houzz.com/products/18-destin-lx-right-motor-remote-retractable-awning-120-projection-sage-prvw-vr~62797563

That’s what I have, a retractable ( by remote ) awning. If you go that route make sure the company uses Sunbrella fabric.

Check

Nice place for all family

Solution, that doesn't look like an "outdoor" living room to me?

Too simple

You still have the space why you do something too smol

Lakshmi-

Your second photo shows a lot of shade over part of the grassy area.

That may be why the grass in that area is not growing well.

You might want to consider replacing all of your grass with synthetic turf.

You would be amazed how beautiful and realistic it looks, and you will save so much money on gardeners and watering!

And yes, you can still have real, live plants where ever you want to put them.

you might want to power wash the concrete on your outdoor slab.

You can erect a lovely pergola as njmomma has shown, and it can be wood or a synthetic material, and its size can be whatever you wish- to accomodate a dining table and chairs only, or a dining table and chairs plus a conversational seating area plus an outdoor cooking area (barbeque) and beverage serving area.

Your imagination is the limit.

You can plant in large pots at the base of the vertical standards of the pergola with whatever you fancy to climb up and over the pergola, whatever will grow in your area, and things that will bloom in the daytime and in the evening.

some great things are bougainvillea, jasmine, morning glory, night blooming jasmine, moonflower, climbing roses, passion flower

Hi Loobab,

Thanks for all your great suggestions! I have been thinking about synthetic turf too, will look into my options. The grass isn't growing well because the sprinklers didn't work for quiet sometime. Now that it is, i am hoping it'll get greener over the next few months.

Pergola would be great, but I need to find a way to have one that doesn't block the view. I would love having a seating area and table in our small yard. Only concerned if the concrete area would be enough for this.

Also, Planting flowers at the base of the pergola sounds lovely :)

@njmomma,

I really like the pergola you showed us. Only worried about making it work in our small yard. Maybe something with a high enough roof will not block the view too?

Hi @Solution,

Is that a sun-room? I don't know if there is enough space for a sun-room in our yard.

I also did a pergola and put a shade cloth under the top to get some shade.

Hi @everdebz, @K Laurence,

Thanks for the ideas :) Retractable awnings are nice. Although i wish i could have something more permanent, i will look into my options with awnings.

I’ve had my retractable awning, installed by a reputable awning company, for approximately 10 years or so. Still looks like new , that’s why I mentioned Sunbrella fabric. Has held up great in sunny So California weather.

@pamghatten,

That looks beautiful. Is that a custom pergola? I will check with a few pergola installers here and see if something like this can work for me too:)

It is a custom pergola, I hated the retractable awnings at my old house. My patio is also south facing, so really needed some relief from the sun & heat.

pamghatten, if you're reading this, why didn't you like the retractable awnings? I've thought of having them....

I have lots of clients with retractables and they love them could be the quality. As for this dilemma we would need to know the size of the patio to give advice on what can go there. Is this also the space for your BBQ ? A bit more info would be helpful. I love color outside but think of this space like your house and style like that. Couple of ideas.

Thank you, Pat C. Do you like a particular brand?

everdebz I didn't like the retractable awning because it got dirty and was really too shallow to block the sun. And not something that could be used if it was windy.

Ok. Ours is on east side so not needed all times of day. Seems I heard of higher price for yes 'wind alert' and it retracts...

There are many grades of awnings I like them because sometimes I just want the sun. As for the brand of outdoor furniture IMO that is decided with budget , Costco has some great pieces I often don’t like the cushion colors so have recovered them in a good outdoor fabric in a color that works .What I find is all the stuff is either all beige and brown or not print at all in a red .I do find solid color cushions seem to show the dirt quickly this is a company you can order from I just get the covers made or do it myself

Lotta spamming by businesses going on the LD forum today and the past couple days!! Business must be pretty slow during the winter months...........

And to you businesses that wonder why your post and your business promotion has been deleted, that sort of activity is prohibited from the discussion forums. They are not intended for free advertising.