Courtyard gardens are increasingly common, and they are notoriously tricky to get right. Without lots of space for a lawn and flower beds, they can often appear quite cold and lack lustre. But, as stylist Maxine Brady has demonstrated here with her own colourful and fun outside space in Brighton, with a little imagination, they can become a relaxing urban hideaway, packed with cosy nooks and welcoming social spaces.
But what if you don't have the eye of an interior stylist? Well, we've chatted to Maxine to share how she created the look. Head here to find out more about how to design a garden.
The before
When Maxine first moved into her Victorian worker's cottage in Brighton, the garden had been left to over grow for a long time. 'There was a climbing weed that was so big and heavy it had pulled the fences down and grown over the back door, blocking it closed. The ground was covered in grey shale that had weeds growing through it. It was so awful, I didn’t go out here for the first year,’ Maxine says.
After taking a trip to Morocco and visiting the Yves St Laurent gardens in Marrakech, Maxine fell in love with the designs she'd seen. 'The outdoor spaces were decorated with tiles, pergolas and plants in large pots. I came home brimming with ideas for my garden,' she says.
- See also: 52 small garden ideas
The after
With a Moroccan inspired garden vision in mind, Maxine hired landscape gardener Thea Pitchard to transform her outdoor space. The rotten fences were quickly replaced with sleek wood panels with horizontal slats, which were painted white to reflect light around the space.
A common problem faced in courtyard gardens is that they, by their very nature, are quite angular with sharp fence lines and a boxy shape. Maxine has overcome this by choosing an olive tree, willows and climbing plants to soften the hard lines of the fencing.
To improve drainage, one half of the garden was raised to create a split-level effect using railway sleepers. This, along with the blue painted pergola, helps to zone the space into a dining area and a casual lounge area at the back.
Join our newsletter
Get small space home decor ideas, celeb inspiration, DIY tips and more, straight to your inbox!
- See also: 18 pergola ideas perfect for shade and privacy
The hexagonal granite paving tiles are bespoke. While they're not like the colourful patterned tiles she'd seen in Morocco, these are a more practical choice as the textured finish makes them safer in wet weather.
Maxine's garden gets the sun all day, so she dotted seating around the space so she could enjoy the garden as the sun moves around. ‘I love my compact table as I can push the benches under when not in use.’ By the back door, she put up a large garden mirror in the L-shaped space to make it appear bigger.
After joining Real Homes as content producer in 2016, Amelia has taken on several different roles and is now content editor. She specializes in style and decorating features and loves nothing more than finding the most beautiful new furniture, fabrics and accessories and sharing them with our readers. As a newbie London renter, Amelia’s loving exploring the big city and mooching around vintage markets to kit out her new home.
-
The 7 flowers to plant in August, according to gardening gurus
New month, new gardening jobs — we’ve listed the expert-approved flowers to plant in August and for each gardening zone
By Becks Shepherd Published
-
The 7 plants to prune in August — and the 2 pieces of greenery you shouldn't touch
According to a horticultural expert, these are the plants to prune in August to help your garden thrive
By Becks Shepherd Published
-
Do you need to deadhead azaleas? Top tips for pruning these flowering shrubs
To deadhead azaleas or not to deadhead azaleas? Our expert reveals everything you need to know
By Becks Shepherd Published
-
14 lawn edging ideas that will add definition and style to your backyard
These lawn edging ideas are beautiful and budget-friendly
By Eve Smallman Published
-
Which houseplants are toxic to dogs? Vet experts pinpoint problem plants and solutions
Proceed cautiously and learn which houseplants are toxic to dogs before mixing plant and pet babies
By Danielle Valente Published
-
How to attract hummingbirds to your backyard, according to ornithologists
Pros reveal how to attract hummingbirds to your backyard for a magical springtime visit
By Danielle Valente Published
-
Does hydrangea bloom every year? Pros spill the dirt on the "garden favorite" and when to expect it
You love the gorgeous floral, but does hydrangea bloom every year? Take notes, gardeners
By Danielle Valente Published
-
What to prune in spring — experts reveal how to get a lush, full garden
Gardening experts real what you'll need to to prune in spring to bring big blooms and abundant greenery later
By Danielle Valente Published