Make more of your courtyard with these international inspirations.

Weather permitting…

We are blessed in South Africa with exceptional weather, nearly year round. Even in our coldest months we can usually be guaranteed some sunlight every couple of days.

This means that we are honour bound to make the most of the outdoors and one often overlooked part of our homes is the humble courtyard. It is that one space we usually forget about – unless we quickly venture out to hang up the washing, move something big out of the house temporarily or want to use it to house the rowdy pets when the in-laws come calling.

What if we told you, courtyards offer so much more?

Look at what we have to work with.

By definition, a courtyards has some sort of rain and weather proof flooring, be it paved, tiled or a simple concrete slab. It is sheltered from wind, has access to electricity because it is so close to your house, and usually it even has a door leading directly from your kitchen, meaning snacks and drinks are already on hand.

The only thing lacking is (usually) a bit of beautification.

That is where we come in. We have done the hard work and scoured the internet for our favourite courtyard upgrade content to inspire you to make the most of this ready-made, extra, living space.

South and Central American

Rainforest greenery, bright Spanish and Portuguese influences and vibrant décor… with palm trees, large flagstone floors, arched doors and bright accent tiles, the “hacienda” style courtyard is one of our favourites. Think about this courtyard as your Brazilian or Barcelonan holiday. Make up a pitcher of Sangria, play some Spanish guitar music and relax in your very own paraíso.

To get this vibe, play around with earth-coloured walls, terracotta floors, large Ficus plants and wicker furniture. Banana palms and blue and white azulejo tiles will round off this style and all you need now is a sultry night, salsa music and the right partner…for lighting chose lanterns, candles and hanging chandeliers – anything sensual and exotic to heat up your night.

Mediterranean

If you are more of a traditionalist, why not transform your courtyard into a Mediterranean Cour (French) or Cortile (Italian)

To achieve this you will need: Sunlight, pots and pots of flowering lavender, at least one lemon tree, White or light wooden furniture and classic lighting like strings of “fairy” lights strung up across the courtyard. A Mediterranean courtyard differs from the Hacienda style in that it is a bit more structured and minimalistic, but still warm and inviting. This is the perfect spot to read, enjoy pastries and espresso or simply sit back and enjoy a delicious glass of wine at the end of the day.

Asian

Bamboo, sand accents, muted colours, water features, rock gardens and mindfulness.

In Japan, the enclosed garden, or tsubo-niwa is an integral part of a home. A place of reflection and balance, this courtyard garden may have a bench to sit on but it more of an artistic, aesthetic feature for your home than it is an entertaining space. The tsubo-niwa is usually visible from various different places within the house and always has a specific ultra manicured and formally planned look. Because it is meant to be viewed from inside the house, it allows a touch of the outdoors to reach inside and attempts to balance these two parts of the world. Although very few of us will be able to build a real traditional Tsubo-niwa without serious structural changes to our homes, it is still a lovely way to utilise even the smallest of courtyard spaces. If you cannot fit a relaxation area into your courtyard, then at least beautify it. Here is a step-by-step guide to build your own Japanese courtyard garden. Find more inspiration here.

A courtyard isn’t just for drying your washing. It is a little space to escape to after a long day and;

1. Find your spice, or
2. Find your inner Parisienne, or
3. Simply, find your balance…