I think the idea of a border next to the raised patio would look better than a fence or railings, partly because I don't think a fence would be a nice view from your patio doors. I would have railings to the side of the steps only, perhaps simple cast iron. This isn't a great photo (fifth photo along) but it shows steps going down with planting either side which I think would look best http://www.stephenlacey.com/uk-garden-design.htm

I have Brazilian slate. I had same issue when installed. So i used brick and slab cleaner from screw fix if i recall. Will add a photo of each i used in a bit. I then sealed them using a cheap slab sealer. Perfect, nothing wrong. cost about 20 quid for botha and 5 litre cans. They are now water proof, but slippery when wet especially with flip flops. opps.. Remember, if you need to allow soak away, you may not be able to use sealer as it creates a water barrier. but if its just in the garden on level ground sloping away form house you should be fine to go. As soon as dry, they are as good to go as before, but clean remember to let completely dry and needs 24 hours of good weather to dry. Use at least 2 coats. works a treat.!!!

Hi Hannah, First you have to get good plumber to remove the existing radiator and replace it with a tall panel radiator having similar heat rating. This can be located to the left of the room. Next get a builder to remove the existing double glazed Upvc windoe and cut out the wall below sill level on either side. Ask a window supplier to come and measure the new clear opening : overall height and width and manufacture a new French doors with over glazing panel to suit new opening or to supply and install a 2 No. panels Bi-folding doors to full height. Should you wish to have the Patio at the same level as the finish floor level of the Living Room, please make sure you incorporate a continuous threshold drain. Refer to Aquabocci drainage product.] If you want to have wider opening to what is existing, you will need to get the advice of a structural Engineer and the design and calculation of that beam will need to be submitted to your Local Building Control Department for their approval. So it's up to you which route you want to take. Regards Alain B

Hi Nathan, You have a nice leveled space there! And it also looks like you have a nice seating area on the bottom of the garden! In my opinion, your garden would benefit from widening the side borders a bit, which will create more space for a nice planting scheme and will make the garden seem wider. You could use these new wider borders to create more interesting shapes for your lawn (curved or perhaps squares turned 45 degrees?). I think that it would also benefit from having the seating area on the bottom conected to the patio. It is nice that you have these raised beds in front of the patio, but I think that it would benefit from having new paving laid (maybe some nice slabs of stone that you like, porcelain or some other of your preference). Your neighbours extension wall could be screened off with planting ( maybe some climbers growing in pots on the patio?). I offer a range of online garden design services from a simple sketch to a full on garden plan with planting plans and 3D visuals,please have a look at my website www.therootedconceptgardendesign.co.uk to see my portfolio and get in touch if you need further help. I would be happy to help! Deborah The Rooted Concept Garden Design