15 Creative Courtyard Gardens

See the clever ways designers approach this traditional enclosure.

By: Jeff Stafford

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Photo By: Image courtesy of AMS Landscape Design Studio, www.amslandscapedesign.com

Photo By: Image courtesy of Platinum Series by Mark Molthan, www.platinumserieshomes.net

Photo By: Image courtesy of Zen Japanese Landscape & Design LLC, www.zenjapaneselandscape.com

Photo By: Image courtesy of Suzman Design Associates

Photo By: Image courtesy of AMS Landscape Design Studio, www.amslandscapedesign.com

Photo By: Image courtesy of Platinum Series by Mark Molthan, www.platinumserieshomes.net

Photo By: Image courtesy of AMS Landscape Design Studio, www.amslandscapedesign.com

Photo By: Image courtesy of Platinum Series by Mark Molthan, www.platinumserieshomes.net

Photo By: Image courtesy of AMS Landscape Design Studio, www.amslandscapedesign.com

Photo By: Image courtesy of Platinum Series by Mark Molthan, www.platinumserieshomes.net

Photo By: Image courtesy of AMS Landscape Design Studio, www.amslandscapedesign.com

Photo By: Image courtesy of Zen Japanese Landscape & Design LLC, www.zenjapaneselandscape.com

Photo By: Image courtesy of AMS Landscape Design Group, www.amslandscapedesign.com

Photo By: Image courtesy of AMS Landscape Design Studio, www.amslandscapedesign.com

Citrus Garden

If you live in a climate zone that shares seasonal similarities with the Mediterranean, you might consider a courtyard that takes advantage of those conditions like this artful arrangement by AMS Landscape Design of crushed gravel beds, low border hedges, orange trees and a large silver gazing ball.

Brickwork Brilliance

This sunken courtyard from Platinum Series Homes is a remarkable study in contrasts from the lighted wall fountain made of Oklahoma ledge stone to the hand painted ceramic tiled pool to the flooring, which is Antique Old Chicago brick.

A Touch of Zen

A private backyard is transformed by Zen Japanese Landscape and Garden Design into an enticing courtyard of ornamental plants and trees, pebble lined pathways and decorative touches that give it the ambiance of a Japanese garden.

Italian Retreat

This stunning private courtyard by Suzman Design Associates reproduces the Mediterranean ambiance of an Italian coastal villa with its lovely color palette of Verona Giallo tile and Verona Rosso marble.

The Sun and Shade Combo

Pavers and intersecting lines of smooth river stones create an intriguing floor pattern in this unique, open air courtyard by AMS Landscape Design Studios that integrates trees and flowers into a design that includes a scene-stealing fireplace and options for sun-dwellers and shade seekers.

Fire Pit Lounge

In this opulent backyard configuration by Platinum Series Homes, a courtyard becomes a stylish fire pit lounge flanked by a wondrous pond/fountain attraction and featuring Antique Old Chicago brick which was laid using the rectangular side. The fire pit casing is made of porcelain tile and faux wood.

Al Fresco Delight

An opening in a shady glen, potted plants and various ground covers transform this open air patio into an ideal location for intimate dinner parties and entertaining.

Liquid Assets

A classic Spanish Colonial courtyard with parallel garden beds and paver flooring is enhanced by the addition of this lighted rectangular fountain pool.

Organic Living Room

A state-of-the-art fireplace, all-weather furniture and a sunken courtyard lined with pavers create a cozy living room environment amid the lush, natural surroundings.

Internal Affairs

Who says a courtyard can’t be the major showpiece in your home? Take, for example, this innovative interior design that brings together a fireplace, water features and a sense of spaciousness to create an ideal space for entertaining. The wood ceiling is 1 inch by 6 inch tongue and groove yellow pine with cedar timbers of varying thickness; the flooring pavers are creme tumbled travertine.

For Sun Worshippers

An elevated courtyard in a southwestern themed landscape provides a spectacular setting for outdoor entertaining, accompanied by the soothing sounds of flowing water from the bordering wall fountain.

Backyard Serenity

Here is another intriguing variation on a Japanese zen garden which gives a modern twist to the traditional courtyard layout with its footpaths, pergolas and integration of green lawn and garden beds.

Romantic Rendezvous

A backyard courtyard becomes an inviting addition to this private porch with its showcase garden bed, walkways of various textures and colors and natural outdoor ambiance.

Fireplace Allure

It might look more like a living room than a courtyard but this inviting design transforms an outdoor space under a handsome pergola into a rustic lounge complete with roaring fireplace.

Elevated Lifestyle

In an outdoor landscape design created for family gatherings and entertaining, this luxurious home features a range of amenities ranging from a pool/spa to a sunken fireplace room but one of the most alluring is this raised fire pit lounge in a garden setting with sweeping views of the surrounding area.