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Compact Courtyards That Are Big on Style

Turn a humble courtyard garden into a bright, inviting outdoor room with inspiration from these creative spaces

Jo Simmons 24 June 2014

Houzz UK Contributor. I have been an interiors journalist since 1995, writing several books on design and numerous features for glossy homes mags over the years. For Houzz, I cover decorating ideas and trends and interview designers and professionals for their insights. My favourite pieces to write, though, are Houzz Tours, as I love exploring and learning about real homes. Call me curious — or nosy!

Houzz UK Contributor. I have been an interiors journalist since 1995, writing several... More

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Many urban outdoor spaces barely qualify as gardens – they are simply courtyards, with boundary walls or adjoining houses hemming them in. That can lead to a lack of light and a rather enclosed feel, but, with a little imagination, even the most overlooked courtyard can become an attractive alfresco asset. And, because their dimensions are often very room-like, you can approach your courtyard space as you would a room in your home, planning flooring and paint colours, then mixing in furnishings and accessories. These beautiful urban courtyards point the way…

R4improvement

Build in furniture
It works outside as well as in! Built-in furniture is brilliant at maximising space and making use of awkward corners. This neat bench seating has flower beds built in behind — a space-savvy solution in a small courtyard.

Abigail's Gardens

Plan lush planting
Tiny little plants or neat box hedges can feel rather minimal in a courtyard garden and draw attention to its small dimensions. Instead, incorporate lots of tropical planting in pots and borders at different heights. This creates a generous abundance of greenery that makes your small space feel lush, and blurs views of the boundary.

Contemporary Garden Contemporary Landscape

Use a mix of materials
In a large garden, a lawn and planting are often the main attractions, but in a small courtyard, the walls and flooring are prominent, so think creatively about them. Using a mix of materials will bring energy and interest to a small space. Here, a combination of painted and treated wood looks attractive on the boundary walls, while the floor is laid with a smart mix of paving, gravel and planting that brings this tiny courtyard to life.

Check out compact balconies

Laara Copley-Smith Design

Paint walls white
This is a simple but effective solution for a gloomy, small-scale courtyard. Painting walls white is quick and easy to do and will instantly boost light levels and increase the sense of space. Here, it creates a fresh backdrop for simple planting.

Edgley Design

Coordinate furniture and flooring
Where space is tight, go for a coordinated look. Here, a table and seats have been made from the same wood as the decking. It creates a neat, streamlined look that helps to make this small courtyard feel well planned and uncluttered.

User

Make an entrance
Carefully plan every detail of your courtyard, including the approach. This lower-ground floor spot is accessed by stairs, which have been designed with simple stainless steel banisters and glass for a light, modern feel. The design allows you to see the courtyard as you descend into it, too, making the whole space feel connected, light and flowing.

Work in lots of features
Don’t let the modest dimensions of your courtyard space hold you back. Just treat it as a garden in miniature, working in features such as benches, ponds and pergolas, but on a slightly smaller scale.

Check out 13 cool things to do in a garden

Millennium Interior Designers

Go for a green screen
Reshape your courtyard and shield it from a view over unattractive sheds or neighbouring houses with an artificial hedge. This creates a cocooning feel thanks to its green, natural look, which is more appealing than a brick wall boundary.

debora carl landscape design

Create a focal point
Courtyards may be short on square footage, but that doesn’t mean they should be void of all detail. Creating a focal point often makes the most of limited space, giving the eye something to rest on besides the boundary walls. If you bring seating up close to the house, you then have an area free for planting or a water feature, which you can gaze at when relaxing.

Living Gardens Landscape Design

Plant vertically
Why compromise on plants and greenery just because horizontal space is lacking? Instead, plant vertically. This bespoke wooden unit has narrow beds included for plants and creates an attractive divide, too, but you could achieve a similar look by simply hooking pots onto a courtyard garden wall and growing plants in them.

TELL US…
Do you have a courtyard? We would love to see a photo of it in the Comments below.

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Jo Simmons

You're very welcome. I've got a v small town garden, so it's a subject close to my heart!

Like 29 September 2014 at 1:51pm

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Maggie Hunts

I LOVE the green wall to create a lush background to a narrow space. What are they attached to? Is it expensive? I want to use it around my perimeter fence for a long narrow side yard and small back patio area. Thanks for any help!!!