14 Courtyards That Soak Up the Sun
These courtyards prove how good outdoor living can be in the inner city
Emily Hutchinson
2 March 2016
Houzz Australia Editorial Staff. I am always on the lookout for homes with that extra wow-factor to feature. I love hearing all about the design process behind these projects.
Houzz Australia Editorial Staff. I am always on the lookout for homes with that extra... More
Not all of us living in the inner city can afford the luxury of a large backyard. Greenery is hard to come by in the big smoke, but we still enjoy some fresh air and somewhere to kick back and enjoy the sunshine. Courtyards are often the alternative and we have seen some amazing designs hit our Houzz screens – the winners of Best of Houzz 2016 have shown us some of the greatest. Take a look at these 14 courtyards designed by Best of Houzz winners to inspire your own cosy courtyard.
1. Green up the wall
This Rose Bay home in Sydney by Marylou Sobel boasts stunning harbour views, and what better way to enjoy them than sitting out in this to-die-for courtyard? The green wall adds softness to the outdoor space and comfy seating covered in cool fabric gives it a relaxing vibe.
See the rest of this home
This Rose Bay home in Sydney by Marylou Sobel boasts stunning harbour views, and what better way to enjoy them than sitting out in this to-die-for courtyard? The green wall adds softness to the outdoor space and comfy seating covered in cool fabric gives it a relaxing vibe.
See the rest of this home
2. Indoor-outdoor living
Built into a terrace-sized block in the Sydney inner-city suburb of Alexandria, this home designed by Elaine Richardson maximises light wherever possible. An internal courtyard allows natural light to stream through to hard-to-reach places and opens the house up to the outdoors with bi-fold doors running along a track.
Explore the rest of this home
Built into a terrace-sized block in the Sydney inner-city suburb of Alexandria, this home designed by Elaine Richardson maximises light wherever possible. An internal courtyard allows natural light to stream through to hard-to-reach places and opens the house up to the outdoors with bi-fold doors running along a track.
Explore the rest of this home
3. Open to all areas
Sydneysiders sure do love making the most of all that sunshine the city gets. This property built by Horizon Habitats and designed by Bruce Stafford Architects in Vaucluse has access to the central courtyard from multiple rooms.
Sydneysiders sure do love making the most of all that sunshine the city gets. This property built by Horizon Habitats and designed by Bruce Stafford Architects in Vaucluse has access to the central courtyard from multiple rooms.
4. A courtyard with an artistic view
Not all courtyards have views looking out onto the wonders of nature. There’s no reason why a brick wall view has to be boring though. Carla Karsakis painted a mural on the wall of her Bedford, Perth, home to add a touch of colour. “I wanted to add colour to the outdoor area, and continue the aqua-teal accents found in the rest of the house,” she says. “In the end, I chose an abstract peacock design.”
Tour the rest of this home
Not all courtyards have views looking out onto the wonders of nature. There’s no reason why a brick wall view has to be boring though. Carla Karsakis painted a mural on the wall of her Bedford, Perth, home to add a touch of colour. “I wanted to add colour to the outdoor area, and continue the aqua-teal accents found in the rest of the house,” she says. “In the end, I chose an abstract peacock design.”
Tour the rest of this home
5. Finding zen
Manias Associates Building Designers created this zen internal courtyard for the owners of this home in Williamstown, near Melbourne. A once uninspiring area has been transformed into the perfect meditation spot.
Manias Associates Building Designers created this zen internal courtyard for the owners of this home in Williamstown, near Melbourne. A once uninspiring area has been transformed into the perfect meditation spot.
6. Country style in the city
This inner-city home in Melbourne has a distinct country edge with the help of these barn doors designed by Whetstone Windows & Doors.
This inner-city home in Melbourne has a distinct country edge with the help of these barn doors designed by Whetstone Windows & Doors.
7. The narrowest of courtyards
Urban living may require you to find light and space in unusual places. This Melbourne home design by Matt Gibson uses a narrow space next to the kitchen to deliver light and fresh air to the home. With the added benefit of a built-in barbecue and seating, it’s a handy entertaining area.
Urban living may require you to find light and space in unusual places. This Melbourne home design by Matt Gibson uses a narrow space next to the kitchen to deliver light and fresh air to the home. With the added benefit of a built-in barbecue and seating, it’s a handy entertaining area.
8. Simple yet stylish
If you have a small courtyard, it can be a good idea to go for a more minimalist approach so it looks bigger. Angus Mackenzie Architects designed this simple outdoor space in Sydney’s Surry Hills with comfy furniture and a small green wall as the only decor.
If you have a small courtyard, it can be a good idea to go for a more minimalist approach so it looks bigger. Angus Mackenzie Architects designed this simple outdoor space in Sydney’s Surry Hills with comfy furniture and a small green wall as the only decor.
10. White and bright
Another simple courtyard by Canny Design uses white paint to make the sunlight bounce around the space. Greenery and modern art have been added to create a stylish and sophisticated space just right for inner-city Melbourne.
Another simple courtyard by Canny Design uses white paint to make the sunlight bounce around the space. Greenery and modern art have been added to create a stylish and sophisticated space just right for inner-city Melbourne.
11. Multi-functional
Anna Carin Design has created a courtyard with different zones for this Sydney house. After dinner at the table, the homeowner can bring guests over to the lounge area and light up the fire pit for hours of entertaining. The mirror at the rear wall is another clever design element, giving the appearance of extended space.
Anna Carin Design has created a courtyard with different zones for this Sydney house. After dinner at the table, the homeowner can bring guests over to the lounge area and light up the fire pit for hours of entertaining. The mirror at the rear wall is another clever design element, giving the appearance of extended space.
12. Shady intentions
Secret Gardens constructed this shady courtyard on top of a double garage in Sydney’s Potts Point. The abundance of plant life make it a real retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Secret Gardens constructed this shady courtyard on top of a double garage in Sydney’s Potts Point. The abundance of plant life make it a real retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.
13. A cheerful courtyard setting
This home in Sydney’s North Coogee by Collected Interiors has a courtyard area designed to encourage relaxation outdoors. Mix-and-match furniture give it a personalised feel and the added greenery makes it a very happy place to be.
This home in Sydney’s North Coogee by Collected Interiors has a courtyard area designed to encourage relaxation outdoors. Mix-and-match furniture give it a personalised feel and the added greenery makes it a very happy place to be.
14. Stocked with everything you need
Liz Prater Design Home worked on the renovation and extension of this 1970s home in Perth. The rear courtyard is one of the home’s prime destinations. Entertaining out here is easy with everything stocked in the outdoor kitchen and the added benefit of a fireplace for those chillier nights.
TELL US
Which courtyard would you like to while away the hours in? Let us know in the comments section.
MORE
Tricks to Make Your Walled Courtyard Look Bigger
How to Overcome Your Inner-City Courtyard Hurdles
14 Courtyard Updates You’ll Thank Yourself For
Liz Prater Design Home worked on the renovation and extension of this 1970s home in Perth. The rear courtyard is one of the home’s prime destinations. Entertaining out here is easy with everything stocked in the outdoor kitchen and the added benefit of a fireplace for those chillier nights.
TELL US
Which courtyard would you like to while away the hours in? Let us know in the comments section.
MORE
Tricks to Make Your Walled Courtyard Look Bigger
How to Overcome Your Inner-City Courtyard Hurdles
14 Courtyard Updates You’ll Thank Yourself For
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This courtyard was by designed by Caravan Interiors, North Bondi and Secret Gardens for a client in Rose Bay. The materials, colours and bench banquette designed by Caravan Interiors took some time to get perfect before the current designer added some scatter cushions for the property to be sold.
Lots of great design solutions - the one by Canny Design probably caught our eye the most...