We have a Victorian semi. The back garden is tiny - partly because of an extension, which is particularly problematic because the door sill is about 80cm above the level of the garden. The current steps from the back door (now a double patio sliding door with glass panels either side) are a massive, ugly concrete slab, with steps leading down to one side. They used to have a rail, which disintegrated, making them pretty unsafe now!
I want to create a courtyard garden, but can't work out how to get steps down from the patio door without either a). taking up half the garden or b). having a safety rail that cuts across the view through the patio doors.
The garden/yard will be mostly paved with planters. Hedges and trellises around the edge - box, privet, beech, star jasmine, clematis and ivy. Planters 'overgrown country garden' style. I would like it to be traditional, rather than modern - weathered stone slabs/pavers.
Diagram hopefully attached (blue is house, orange is patio doors, grey is steps, box is rough garden size - probably 4.5m square max) Any ideas for my steps?!