We have a bare area underneath the steps leading to our deck.

doubt that anything would be very successful -- wouldn't get any rain either -- how about decorative rocks?

hostas are pretty hardy. They might work.

Hostas would fill in the area nicely. Also coleus or caladium; all shade loving plants.

Japanese painted ferns would work. the more shade the more they thrive,

Hostas would be my choice

There are scads of plants that don't want sun, as long as they get water, you're fine. http://www.starrosesandplants.com/articles/blog/no-sun-no-problem-shade-loving-plants-your-garden

Sounds like this area is darker than most of the yard, so you could try variegated Hosta with light green leaves and a white ring on the edges with a stone pedestal in the center holding a small statue or bird bath basin!!!

How about Hostas and impatiens? Impatiens would have to planted each year and the hosts would come back each year.