hilaryws' ideas
Do you like this much of a repeated plant? It certainly softens and area and allows focus on the background. This could actually work quite well in your landscape, but I'd add a splash of color here and there for a pop. I think I chose this one not so much for the plants but to demonstrate my preference of a mass of the same plant. Robert and I are in agreement that limiting the plants to just a few keeps the space feeling larger and cleaner.
I love the feel of this seating area looking out over the edge. This is very much what I would love to see in place of the large water feature area currently. I'd love to drop that area down and replace the fencing with wire so you could look out over the trees. Gives you that multi level look/feel. Yes, I love this idea and wish we could convince Robert to go with a fire table. He is not going to budge on this due to fire safety concerns.
I like this plant because of the color and it fits into the natural landscape
Forget the pool but look at the elements in the rear 1/3 or this photo ... adirondack chairs, pebble, vessels, water feature, olive trees, lighting. Clean, elegant, and inviting. Would add grasses and either rustic boulders or very angular stones for interest. We agree that the back 1/3 of this space is lovely. We like the pebbles, and the water feature surrounded by olive trees. It draws your eye to this focal point and gives that sense of space while providing an additional seating area.
Outdoor kitchen attached to garage. Robert wants this to be enclosed because he thinks out door kitchens tend to get dirty easily just being exposed to the elements.
Free standing stairway
How about that hot tub, Robert? Would be great after a morning of surfing. I love the mix of flagstone and pebble and the muted tones of plant material in this picture.
.
Plants lining pathway that spill into it creating a softer edge
Q