what do to with this area?

A drawing of the overhead layout of what you are planning would be helpful for ideas. Draw in broken line the future changes to be made and in solid line what you have now both in structures and present garden features.

I am no expert. I usually think of something and my Other Half then points out all the "cons",. I do like gravel and we have been using it on quite a few areas in our garden. I can't honestly see why you can't entertain on a gravel surface, or have I got that wrong? In any case, container pots of plants can be scattered anywhere you like . They provide varied colours throughout the year and can be moved out of the way when more room is needed.

Have to confess, I'd like to view a plan of the house and garden to "see" the whole picture.

Good job others here have more expertise, but I thought I'd add my pennerth!!

I have one that I've drawn up! I shall upload it later!

Loosestrife2: One minute there wasn't a single comment and now we both have the same suggestion! Think others might agree with us.

I've drawn one and labelled it with what everything is etc, it is in black and white but it does the job! I'll add it to this blog if I can?

The drawn up rough plan is now one the blog!

Whatever you decide I'm sure you'll love the conservatory. Perhaps it would be good to wait until its up before making any final decisions because it might look a bit different from what you visualise. I strongly dislike gravel personally but lots of folk love it - these things are so personal its hard to advise. You can always get extra colour with containers if you don't mind the extra work.
The one thing I wouldn't do is rush into it - sometimes the best ideas take a little time to suggest themselves. (It was eight years before we found the best spot for our pond, but that's pushing things a bit too far!

Using your drawing in conjunction with the various pictures that you have taken in your photos section really gives a great view of your garden. As Steragram has mentioned the final decision is yours but I would go along with what Eirlys has suggested in that a gravel base with potted plants and other decor will make plant arranging and rearranging more fluid until you get just the setting that you like.

I think an area of brickweave round the outside of the conservatory would be useful with sections of bricks missing in alternate spots you could plant shrubs or annuals in these to break up the bareness of the walls ,you do need to see it in a new light once the conservatory is finished Good luck !

Just a boring , practical consideration...........
If you are to have a lawn still then it could be rather dangerous having stones right next to the glass structure as when cutting lawn, this could throw the stones up.

Personally I wouldn't bother with any lawn, a small area is more of a pain than not.
Have a look at the pics of Gerardine's garden. Although it is bigger than yours the ideas are very stylish & easily maintained.
http://www.growsonyou.com/photo/slideshow/313910-p1010560/member/gerardine

You doing a good job there Dan, looking forward to your pictures next year.

Green_finger, Gerardine has plenty of grass in the back:

http://www.growsonyou.com/photo/slideshow/271491-p1000855/member/gerardine
but the part she shows this time does not have any and it does look attractive and tidy as always.
We all have our likes and preferences and I do like patch of grass.

Yes, Klahanie, plenty is good but little I think is a pain, that's why I suggested the paved areas of Gerardine's might be inspirational for Dan.

As you say, we all have different likes & dislikes.

Thankyou all for your suggestions so far! We've had the builder man round today to decide a start date etc, we're hoping to start in the new year and be done by spring ready to redesign the area!