Five layout mistakes we see in small courtyards

After designing more than 200 small spaces, the same problems come up again and again.

1. Everything pushed against the walls

Lining the edges with pots leaves an empty middle and makes the space feel smaller. Bring one planted element forward to create depth.

2. Too many small pots

Ten small pots look cluttered and dry out daily. Three large ones look intentional.

3. Furniture that is too big

Measure before you buy. You need 60 cm of clearance behind a chair to pull it out.

4. No vertical layer

Climbers on a trellis or a single multi-stem tree add a ceiling to the room.

5. Ignoring the view from inside

You see your courtyard from the kitchen far more often than you sit in it. Design the view through the window first.