Reason your patio looks like an "eyesore" is there are no plants around it, it's just there. A low hedge or just a couple of attractive shrubs on the end that is narrow-to the left in the pic. If that doesn't appeal to you some flowers along the house with place to step off the patio to go around that side of house with couple of shrubs more toward corner of the patio, idea is to make it like a room, right now it is missing the "walls" so few plants could give illusion of walls, maybe repeat with 2 shrubs on side toward swing set but don't block the swingset off want to be able to see your kids. Lower shrubs or grasses to anchor that corner & make it seem more like a room. If your wife gets shock type allergy symptoms you might do well to get an electric bug zapper out there or she should put repellent on before going out. Decks are lot of work & expense & need to be redone every few years. You just need to "dress" the patio you have! It's like a bedroom with nothing but the bed in it. Needs some furnishings (plants) to finish the look. Good Luck!