Small spaces can still have a big impact! Explore how you can DIY a courtyard makeover for Spring with these simple yet striking DIY ideas.
Begin your courtyard makeover with pot plants
Nothing says Spring quite like fresh blooms. So if the cooler seasons were harsh to your plants or you didn’t have any, breathe new life into your courtyard with pot plants and container gardens.
The beauty of using pots and planters is that you can match them to the exact size of the available space and can move them. Check out these tutorials for DIY planters, pot stand designs and fabric pot covers. Also, check out our list of striking architectural plants if you need some plant inspiration.
DIY green walls
Why not turn one of your courtyard walls into a thriving vertical garden? You can achieve this in several ways:
- Trellis wire patterns
- Install wall planters
- DIY green wall framework with rows of PVC piping
- Install artificial green wall panels into your fence (an excellent option for low-maintenance homes)
Climbers and trailers
Suppose you can’t fit in an entire green wall. In that case, these plants’ foliage coverage is incredible for their pot size. So whilst they might take a little while to grow and fill out the space, it’s a great (and affordable) investment towards creating a lush courtyard.
Some great climbing plants include:
- Honeysuckle (honestly, what says ‘Spring’ more than the scent of honeysuckle?)
- Star jasmine (another gorgeous aroma to add to your outdoor space)
- Philodendron
- Passionflower (which also produces beautiful passion fruit; perfect for fresh snacks or summer cocktails)
- Monstera deliciosa (make sure you have a sturdy framework for this guy; they can grow to quite the beast)
- Stag horn ferns (although these are more ‘clingers’ than climbers)
Trending trailers include:
- Devil’s ivy
- Dichondra silver falls
- Chain of hearts
- Burro’s tail
- Chain of pearls
- Spider plants
- Creeping rosemary (another great edible plant to season BBQs or throw into a gin cocktail)
Add throws & cushions for a quick courtyard makeover
Sometimes, a courtyard makeover is all in the details. Simply refreshing your colour palette or décor theme to something lighter and brighter can make all the difference.
Visit your local fabric store and DIY new cushion covers and stylish throws for your outdoor area. When choosing materials, think of breathable fabrics; breezy linens, raw cotton, rough spun silks. Basically, materials that won’t stick to your skin or make you feel sweaty.
When deciding on a new colour palette, stick to fresh, textured neutrals with splashes of feature colours and patterns.
Case Study: Three Birds Renovations House 11
Milk crate stools
Gumtree usually has a couple of listings offering free pickups of used milk crates. But don’t judge them by their cheap, plastic exterior; there’s plenty of design potential.
- If you’re handy on a sewing machine, sew stylish fabric covers for them (remember to use weatherproof, outdoor fabric).
- If you’re a workshop DIYer, cover the exterior with timber slats for a more rustic aesthetic. With this design, you can also create a hinged top for hidden storage — a secret weapon when designing smaller spaces.
Giant floor pillows
For another sewing project, make outdoor floor cushions. They’re comfy and stylish and can be stacked or easily moved for indoor and outdoor use. This project is as simple as buying some large European pillows; alternatively, stack a couple of seat cushion pads, and sew a quick envelope cover with outdoor fabric.
Resort-style design trends
Celebrate the warm season by creating the ultimate ‘staycation.’ Style up a little outdoor bar or bar cart. Introduce some rattan furniture or string up a hammock for maximum chill factor. Certain home design styles, like Mediterranean, Byron Bay and Coastal, can also help create relaxed resort vibes for your outdoor area.
Case Study: Three Birds Renovations #makeitmodular for Mediterranean Farmhouse
DIY outdoor lighting ideas
The days are already starting to get longer, but with the proper lighting, you’ll be able to enjoy the fresh air well into the warm summer nights. Create the perfect ambience with DIY outdoor lighting ideas. You’ll use your courtyard far more with the right night atmosphere.
NB: If you integrate lights into ModularWalls, please follow the installation guide and the lighting manufacturer’s recommendations for the electrical connection and fixing of the lights.
Finish your courtyard makeover with a DIY boundary wall
Undoubtedly, courtyards rely on a secure, beautiful boundary. So, it’s tough to complete a gorgeous courtyard makeover if it has old fencing or you can hear the highway.
So, surround yourself in style and build the perfect boundary solution with an exquisite DIY modular wall! Offering heights of up to 3m* and boasting acoustically rated panels, you can achieve a high level of privacy and noise reduction. Our acoustic panels deliver an average of 20-25dB noise reduction^, a fourfold reduction in audible noise.
ModularWalls also offer a range of aesthetic designs and options, with the ability to integrate retaining, wall lighting, entertainment systems and decorative infills. In addition, you can finish your wall with paints, texture renders, tiles or cladding. The endless design possibilities allow you to create the perfect backdrop for your beautiful courtyard.
Case Study: SlimWall fence creates dramatic backdrop for Alisa & Lysandra courtyard
*The maximum height attainable for the different wall types will be influenced by various factors, including wind regions, soil conditions, topography and shielding.
^Site and noise source specific.
