So this is happening. Made the down payment and plans got approved by the community association today.
We'll go from a 10x10 basic deck off the main floor with no lower-level landscaping to a 12x14 deck off the main floor, partially maintenance-free railings, stairs down to the lower level, 12x12 paver patio under the deck, another 16x14 paver patio next to that, "floating" built-in bench made of maintenance-free decking, elevated planter made of the same maintenance-free decking, and associated landscaping. We might add some deck lighting and landscape lighting into the mix too, but we're not sure. We'll have more space than furniture, so we'll also get an outdoor table and chairs, more outdoor lounge seating, and I'm campaigning for a propane fire pit. I'll have to take some before and after pics.
