Most often urban and surrounded by other buildings, the outdoor courtyard is a real chance like an oasis. Despite a concrete floor and few favorable elements at the start, the courtyard is an opportunity to create a place of relaxation outside. 

There are many avenues to follow: a cozy corner for half-shade, half-sun lunch, a relaxation area with garden furniture, and even a hammock for naps in summer. With the desire to develop your yard, the first thing is to ask yourself the right questions and take stock of your desires. Also, according to needs, each one imagines a suitable place to live. 

01 -Two distinct spaces for a small optimized yard – This yard offers two spaces to enjoy the outdoors despite a limited area a living space with a wooden terrace to accommodate armchairs. And apart from a lawn to create a natural environment in a city setting.

01 -Two distinct spaces for a small optimized yard

02 -An alcove creates a seating area in the outer courtyard – If walls often surround the courtyard, it is an opportunity to imagine some exterior design tips like this alcove that allows you to insert a sofa to create a living room outside. It also brings softness to the yard with curves.

02 -An alcove creates a seating area in the outer courtyard

03 -A large carpet and light garlands delimit a living room in the courtyard – Increasingly democratized inside and out, rugs are available in many versions to adapt to all types of places. A natural fiber rug exudes a raw spirit for a simple and soft outdoor yard. Over the courtyard, garlands intersect and illuminate the seating area at night.

03 -A large carpet and light garlands delimit a living room in the courtyard

04 -A large table turns the courtyard into a summer dining room – When the courtyard is long, it takes a little thought to be well laid out. A large table can be installed against the wall to gain fluidity over the rest of the yard. With a simple bench, the wall serves as a backrest to increase comfort tenfold.

04 -A large table turns the courtyard into a summer dining room

05 -Plants and two sun loungers are enough to weave a lazy spirit – Even if the yard is in an urban environment, it can become a small plant oasis with many trees and artificial or natural grass. As a bonus, a sofa area allows you to stretch out, and deckchairs invite you to take a nap. A string of cushions polishes this soft decor!

05 -Plants and two sun loungers are enough to weave a lazy spirit

06Plants adorn a large wall without charm – In search of nature, the courtyard is adorned with plants on the walls. When these walls are high, climbing plants are optimal for covering a large part of the wall. In keeping with the times, plants with imposing foliage are planted all along the wall.

06 -Plants adorn a large wall without charm

07 -An antique jar adds character to the yard – Instead of scattering around the decoration, it is often more relevant to choose an element of character to create a style on the exterior. An old and oversized jar brings a holiday feel to the courtyard.

07 -An antique jar adds character to the yard

08Two Walls, Two Colors for a Courtyard with Character – Often overlooked, courtyard walls are important to work on for a pleasant outdoor space. In a contemporary atmosphere, the walls opt for two distinct and modern colors—a green and a blue that is inspired by natural elements and enhances a beautiful collection of cacti.

08 -Two Walls, Two Colors for a Courtyard with Character

09 -A large hammock is installed in the middle of a lounge-style courtyard – In a mini outdoor courtyard, the hammock sets the tone! Hanging on either side is the central element. Thanks to two openings on the inside, it does not obstruct any access. Garlands above add a guinguette spirit.

09 -A large hammock is installed in the middle of a lounge-style courtyard

10 -Several levels create different zones – To have several spaces in a courtyard with an atypical shape, working the levels is ingenious. With an identical wooden covering, the different levels form a certain continuity, a harmony.

10 -Several levels create different zones

11 -A pergola for a well-shaded courtyard – In the hottest hours, the pergola allows you to have a little shade for a pleasant courtyard. With a wooden structure painted in white and canisses placed just above, it also brings a decorative spirit to the courtyard.

11 -A pergola for a well shaded courtyard

12 -A mini swimming pool for an ideal water point in an outdoor courtyard – Like a riad or a distant house, the courtyard has a small water point suitable for swimming in summer. A series of cacti reinforces this ethnic style for a contemporary and vegetal courtyard to dress the wall.

12 -A mini swimming pool for an ideal water point in an outdoor courtyard

13 -Pebbles on the ground for a holiday-like yard – Both inside and outside, the choice of ground is important. In a small courtyard, pebbles give a feeling of escape to the Mediterranean and provide the sweet illusion of being in a Cycladic hut.

13 -Pebbles on the ground for a holiday-like yard

14 -Oversized pots bring character to the outdoor space – In an urbanized courtyard, plants are almost essential to add a little nature. Depending on the location and the desired atmosphere, the pots are available with style. In a contemporary universe, neutral colors have pride, and we favor a few models in generous format.

14 -Oversized pots bring character to the outdoor space

15 -The vegetation draws a corridor in the exterior courtyard – Notice to nature lovers, the exterior courtyard becomes a place with lush vegetation thanks to many pots and jars. A gravel furrow allows circulation in the yard between bushes and flowers. A soothing space in the middle of the city!

15 -The vegetation draws a corridor in the exterior courtyard


Infographic Provided by NewTechWood America, Inc.