befree's Profile

I don't think you can sub-divide the 3rd bedroom both privately AND cheaply. It might be possible to put in a wall of curtains on a suppor,t like hanging clothes racks or ceiling-mounted curtain rods, cutting between the 2 doors from into and out of 3rd bedroom (to create a triangle-shape 3rd bedroom) to provide visual privacy, but this, or a wall of shoji screens, won't provide auditory privacy.
The space on the wall behind the bathroom next to the window in what is now the 3rd bedroom, but now curtained off, could be used for a small table (maybe one of the "Murphy tables" that fold down from the wall), and folding chairs. Ikea also makes a tiny fold-down table, and you can buy bar-height tables with stools that slide underneath at Target.

I've used the wire-basket shelving system that either mounts directly on the wall, or hangs over the top of a door, for years.In one apartment, the "pantry" was on the back of the hall closet door. They cost about $20 at Walmart. It's amazing how much these contraptions hold.

Search "debolts small cool backyard" on this site - they have backyard almost exactly like yours. They put in a flagstone patio. I, too, agree with getting rid of the grass (and any need for wrestling a lawnmower back there.) LOVE the mural idea, at least until vines grow up the wall. I'd think about a mirror on a short end. Turn one end into your "living room" with your inspiration seating and overhead shelter there . Both the different ceiling heights (implied by a trellis or roof just over your seating area), and the raised beds will break up the space and make it seem bigger. Maybe a barbeque grill beside your outdoor living room? Finally, spend the money for container plant movers - small pallets on wheels or casters - to set those heavy large pots on. You can use lots of stuff to fill in the bottom of the planters, like styrofoam packing peanuts, or empty plastic water bottles, so you don't have the expense or the weight of extra unneeded pounds of potting soil in the bottom of the planter.