Five courtyard ideas for outdoor entertaining

An internal courtyard brings nature into the middle of this home, with potted magnolia trees doubling as a screen for the wall next door. Plants are the perfect way to cover – or create – a fence for a sense of privacy. Northern light from the courtyard falls into the dining room, creating an inviting entertaining spot. This chic teak ‘St Lucia’ sofa and yellow cushions are from Coco Republic.

This discreet Elextrolux barbecue is surrounded by cabinetry in hardwearing Duropal Mattline laminate, while a Jetmaster ‘Heat & Glo XLR’ gas fireplace provides warmth in the cooler months. The dining area, with its stylish outdoor setting by German company Solpuri, overlooks the swimming zone. In an innovative take on pool fencing, steel ‘fins’ separate the outdoor kitchen from the pool.

Use soft furnishings – like this Armadillo & Co ‘Drift’ rug, Moroccan pouffe from Hamimi and Freedom ‘Hilton’ sofa – to create a warm and welcoming space year-round. A quirky ‘Architect’ outsized floor lamp and oak tray table from The Modern and a rattan stool from Hamimi make this a practical space for entertaining, while Bonnie and Neil ‘Kookaburra Jade’ and Clinton Friedman cushions from St Barts perfect the link to the outdoors.

Bi-fold doors are the perfect addition to any courtyard, and can be perennially open during the warmer months. This luxe Zendo ‘Manutti’ modular lounge from Cosh Living is teamed with an orange chevron Fab Habitat rug, reflecting the warm tones and textures inside the home. Behind the alfresco kitchen, a lovely sculptural piece from Singapore seemingly dissolves into a wall painted in Dulux Monument.

Having furniture designed to withstand the elements is an important factor in courtyards. This one, from Urban Balcony, has been dressed with cushions from Edit and Camilla that can easily be taken inside should the weather turn. The split-stone tiles add a rich layer of colour and texture, with the stones varied hues from cream and sand to grey sitting pretty next to the homes painted exterior.