A courtyard can be one of the most special parts of your home. It connects you to the outdoors while still offering the privacy and comfort of your own space. Whether you’re giving yours a refresh or simply exploring what others are doing, small updates can make a big impact.
From adding a relaxing outdoor bath to clever use of shade, texture, and greenery, these standout ideas from homes across Australia are both inspiring and attainable. Take a look and see which features might suit your lifestyle and space – while adding more value to potential buyers in the future.
Topics in this article:
1. A welcoming dip whilst outside
Although it may not be something you initially consider when setting up your courtyard area, including a bath in the space offers a unique combination of relaxation and design flair. Surrounded by the open air, it creates a private retreat that feels both restorative and connects you with the elements.
2. Stay shaded from the harsh Australian sun
Whilst preparing to incorporate items into your own personal space, it should always be worth considering the safety of the area as well as the aesthetic. With the intense power of the Australian sun, it is a good idea to have shaded protection from the burning rays. This home in Subiaco uses a simple parasol, but if possible, an awning or other fixtures attached to your house may also be something that works better for you.
3. Keep it green
Whether you prefer a garden area that doesn’t need constant mowing or you have a preference towards blending your living with nature, adding some greenery is guaranteed to elevate your courtyard space. Not only does it bring vibrant colour, but it also makes the outdoor zone feel like it’s truly outdoors, even if it’s surrounded by concrete walls – also trendy right now.
4. Mix up your materials
To give your courtyard some extra character and life, it may be worth looking into playing with materials and texture. There’s no harm in having some lightly coloured tiles beside your deeper woody slats to help break up the space a little more. Plus if it’s an option, why not throw in a pool?
5. Room for all the elements
A good rule of thumb for outdoor areas is the integration of all the elements. Having some kind of water feature, a decent breeze with a touch of earth, and possibly even a warm fire or heater for the colder months. The point of having this balanced mixture is to help create an engaging and colourful space, no matter the season.
6. Make the most of the space
Depending on the layout of your courtyard, there may be some limitations to what you’re able to fit, so it’s always smart to consider what will be most useful for you. Having a small study shed out back like this property in Brighton may work for someone wishing to disconnect their education or work life from the home, for example. Alternatively, you may simply want a shed to store more of your items that don’t fit or don’t always need to be an arm’s length away. This doesn’t need to take up the whole area either.
7. Perfection in simplicity
Courtyards are usually not large spaces, so it’s smart to make the best of what is available, but you also don’t have to go over the top. Setting up a simple seating arrangement, with options to add shading when needed, whilst keeping some greenery in the area may be all you need to keep the outdoor area lively enough for your home.
It’s great to find what suits you and the environment you wish to set up for your family. Having your courtyard as a homely space is going to be uniquely shaped for each individual person, so take away what matches you and your design goals from our suggestions.
