A courtyard is an outdoor space that is limited with walls on all the sides or at least on three of them. It may seem a tricky to design space as it’s mostly inside or between buildings, especially if it’s small. Still you can get maximum of your small courtyard turning it into a beautiful garden or just your personal relaxation oasis. How to? Let’s find out.
Choose The Purpose
First of all, decide what type of space you are creating: an outdoor bathroom, bedroom, sitting room or a playspace for kids. A small garden or a dining space are also great if you want them. Defining the function of the space you can move to the next point, which is choosing plants.
This is a welcoming outdoor living room with rattan furniture, a table and a small tree, which is a focal point of the space.
The modern organic courtyard is done with pebbles, a stone fountain, a hedge and an olive tree.
The little nook is done with greenery and a small tree, there's a chair with a footrest and a side table. Light will make it welcoming at night, too.
The modern courtyard is done with snake plants along the wall, there's a small tree and a couple of wicker chairs.
This small courtyard is done with an upholstered bench, blooms and greenery and a tree in the corner.
This stylish courtyard features a built-in fireplace, raised garden beds with succulents and cacti, a tree and a chair.
This narrow nook is done with pbbles, a potted tree and a lamp, to enliven the indoor space through the glass wall.
This small courtyard features a bilt-in bench and a chair, mirrors that add light here, potted plants and a tree.
The courtyard shows off potted greenery and flowers, some vines covering the top part of the wall. Sit here and enjoy fresh air.
The small nook features hardscaping with pebbles, groundcovers and a small tree.
Pick The Plants
A small space is easy to clutter, so you should choose the plants wisely. Groundcovers will instantly make your courtyard greener without taking space. Shrubs and ornamental grasses will add interest and texture without looking bulky. A delicate tree or even several skinny trees will bring vertical interest without blokcing the light. Vines can cover the walls creating an illusion of all-green space.
The narrow nook is done with pebbles, greenery, delicate trees that add a zen feel to indoors.
The patio is done with groundcovers, potted vines and a small tree. White metal furniture and a coffee table compose a sitting zone.
The courtyard is done with an outdoor kitchen, greenery and snake plants. The deck features a small dining space.
The small courtyard is done with only three trees and moss covered ground, such a landscape will bring a zen feel.
This narrow nook features a single delicate tree, greenery and groundcovers plus some rocks. The style of the space matches the indoor style.
This mini garden is adorable: there's a vine covered wall, greenery, a small birch tree and ferns plus a metal chair. Though this is a tiny space, it has everything to relax after a long day.
This little space between the parts of the house features ferns and tall trees that use vertical space.
This little narrow space features a lawn, green vines, some cacti and lanterns. The deck is done with chairs and a coffee table.
The round stone clad space is styled with a couple of butterfly chairs. Groundcovers and greenery around refresh the nook.
The small space is done with fern and greenery, a couple of very delicate trees and a chair to enjoy fresh air.
Furnish The Courtyard
Choose furniture and appliances according to the function of the space. Basically, you should get them at the same time as plants to make a cohesive space and to understand where to place what. Install a tub and surround it with vines if it’s a bathroom, place sitting furniture if it’s an outdoor living room or a couple of chairs. Create a dining or bar space with a counter and stools surrounded with plants.
The little space is clad with pavers, there are garden beds with small green plants and a tree and a built-in bench.
The little courtyard is styled for having meals here, there is metal dining furniture, a built-in bench and some trees.
This outdoor bathroom features a pink tub, lots of greenery, potted plants and vines on the wall.
The narrow courtyard is a gorgeous space with a green wall, blooms and a tall skinny tree in the corner but the main thing here is a bar counter with stools.
The courtyard is a deck with an outdoor kitchen, green metal furniture, vines covering the wall and greenery in a garden bed.
The courtyard is turned into a small deck with greenery and a yellow metal chair.
This small courtyard is done with lots of greenery in pots, green vines covering the walls and it looks fresh and welcoming.
This is a small outdoor sitting zone with some comfortable chairs, blooms and potted greenery. The space is lively and fresh. (via mygardeninspo).
The courtyard is completely covered with greenery, which grows everywhere in garden beds and in some pots. The built-in storage bench is a smart furniture choice for a small nook. (via houzz).
Turn your courtyard into a garden with groundcovers, trees and grasses to have a fresh and lively outdoor space. (via thedesignfiles).
Use Small Space Tricks
A small space can be illuminated to look bigger, placing mirrors will also help. Storage furniture is a nice way to hide all the clutter away, still lightweight metal pieces will also look good here. Vines, trees and skinny plants take advantage of vertical space without stealing the floor space, so consider them. Get inspired!
The small nook is extremely lush: there are potted plants of various kinds, some trees and shrubs and a single green chair. (via standard).
The little space is done with groundcovers, grasses and a tree and a soak tub allows to relax outdoors. (via homestolove).
This minimalist zen garden is done with greenery, a tree, moss covered rocks and a stone bench, perfect for a Japandi house.
The contemporary courtyard features a vine covered wall, upholstered benches, a table and some delicate trees.
This courtyard is an outdoor dining space with folding furniture, vines and lights covering the wall and potted greenery.
The small courtyard is done with pebbles and potted greenery, vines and a single tree that is the main accent.
This minimalist courtyard is done with vines covering the wall, potted greenery and a couple of benches. As there's not so much stuff, the space feels airy.
This little corner is done with an outdoor sofa, a tree and potted greenery and flowers.
The courtyard is done with groundcovers, greenery and some trees, and the stone bench in the center allows enjoying fresh air.
This courtyard features a tall tree in the corner, potted plants and blooms, green metal furniture and a lamp.