How do you transform a basic and bland concrete courtyard from the ’70s into an outdoor entertainer’s masterpiece? With a few clever design tricks to create the illusion of a much larger space.
WATCH: Charlie and Adam create an outdoor entertainer’s masterpiece
Adam and Charlie team up to turn this daggy and unused courtyard into the ultimate entertaining space for a young couple, and you won’t believe what they pack in.
The pair start by breaking up the small space into zones with separate dining, drinking, and relaxing areas. Next they get started on the two main projects: a wooden deck and an outdoor bar table.
They bring the planting into the centre of the area with a row of sturdy shrubs and climbing plants all planted around the deck to separate it even further from the other areas. By adding in new materials and changes of levels with the steps, they’re also able to create the illusion of a much larger backyard. No space goes to waste in this incredible courtyard makeover.
1. Wooden deck
Once you’ve built the deck, complete the new area with a table for dining al fresco and define your dining and relaxing zones with offset steps between the two. Bring your garden into the centre of the small space, this works to better define the areas and will create room for feature trees.
If space is tight, grow up with Chinese start jasmine or plant some compact shrubs like oriental peal (raphiolepsis). Finish the space off with some floating and soft foilage, Ivory sheen (pittosporum) and Frosted curls (carex) should do the trick.
2. Relaxation zone
If you have a forgotten corner that gets minimal sun, turn it into a relaxation zone by adding in a wooden bench. It’s the perfect way to turn an unused area into your new favourite spot in the courtyard. Pad out the area with plants, vintage washed linen cushions, lanterns, throws, and ottomans in natural tones.
3. Outdoor bar table
It’s standing room only at this bar, which makes the most of narrow and poorly used passageway. With a quick DIY, you can transform the empty space into an outdoor bar area complete with its own fridge. Make your bar as simple or fancy as you like and top the area off with everything you could ever need including utensils, a chopping board, mixers, and even limes.
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