Life in a Victorian terrace on the north Cornish coast comes with plenty of perks, from high ceilings to a dreamy seaside setting. But the lack of outdoor space has always been a challenge – particularly since having children. So we set out to transform our awkward, neglected outdoor area into a functional, family-friendly courtyard – creating a space the whole family can enjoy.
1. Pick your priorities
For a while, we split the limited outdoor space into a driveway, leaving a tiny leftover sliver for a rather pitiful courtyard. Skip ahead a few years and we were forced to admit: the parking space was awkward to access and the courtyard was too small, overlooked and poorly designed.
So we decided to go all in on the courtyard, and put up with street parking instead. Having to drive up our street to find parking isn’t always fun, but having our very own outside space to enjoy is more than worth it.
To create the courtyard, we had to knock down the wall separating it from the driveway, level the uneven concrete and enclose the entire space with fencing. I worked with a local team to complete the changes in spring, marking a major step in the transformation.
I chose six-feet fencing because privacy was a priority. The colour wasn’t important, as I knew I’d be painting it, but I wanted panels that were tall, pressure-treated and had an interesting design. We opted for B&Q’s Klikstrom Tiama panels, and as soon as they were installed, the space felt a million times more private.
2. Pick a light, warm colour palette
With limited space, six-feet-high fencing and a north-facing aspect, maximising light was high on my agenda. I chose Cuprinol Garden Shades in Country Cream for the fence, and it's a beautiful, warm cream. It took three coats with a brush (God bless my husband!) but the result was beautiful: rich, warm and bright. On a bright day it bounces the sunshine around, and on dull days it takes the edge off the harsh northern light.
'Softer, neutrals such as Country Cream tend to be much easier to live with. They create that sense of cohesion and calm people are naturally drawn to, and are perfect if you prefer light, airy, understated schemes that still feel warm and inviting,' says Marianne Shillingford, creative director and colour expert at Cuprinol.
To maximise the light and airy feel, I chose a pale finish for the floor, too. To keep costs down, we kept the existing concrete, cleaned it with an etching solution and painted it with Resincoat Outdoor Patio Paint in Light Ivory.
At this stage, the space was a blank canvas – bright, pale and ready to bring to life.
3. Go green
I wanted to make the courtyard feel more like a garden, which meant adding greenery. Plants can quickly add up, so here's how I kept costs down:
● Choose a statement plant
After scouring the internet for inspiration, I realised I loved small garden spaces with a big focal point and in many cases, it was a statement potted tree.
Importantly, you need to choose a variety that adapts well to container growing. Ross Dyke, horticultural expert at the Lechuza Academy, explains: 'Olive trees remain a favourite of mine thanks to their elegant silver foliage which gives you the Mediterranean character, whilst Japanese maples offer stunning seasonal colour and a delicate structure. The multi stem of birch trees can also work beautifully in larger pots, adding height and movement without overwhelming your space.
'The key to it is selecting a generous container with good drainage that will support healthy root growth long term.'
I ended up with a beautiful olive tree from B&M that cost £100, and a gorgeous beast of a terracotta pot on sale at a garden centre for just £30, both brilliant spots from my bargain hunter parents.
● Put foliage first
Many novice gardeners, myself included, immediately think of flowers when planning a garden. But if you’re trying to create a lush look in a small space, starting with greenery is a wise move. Hardy foliage is generally less fussy and easier to keep alive, while evergreen plants will keep your space looking alive and interesting year-round.
'It’s important to make every plant earn its place and be well positioned. Consider how much sunlight the space receives at different times of day, whether it's sheltered from wind and how much time you can dedicate to tending the area,'' adds Ross.
● Vary plant heights
To create a more textured look, I chose plants at different heights. My statement olive tree is six feet tall, while a small collection of potted herbs and plants in various sizes fills the space in between. The overall result feels layered and lived-in, rather than overly designed.
● Repeat plants for greater impact
I know all too well the temptation to grab a garden centre trolley and fill it with a bit of this and a bit of that. But I found that repeating the same varieties created greater visual impact and looked more deliberate than a chaotic collection of one-offs. It’s also easier to maintain.
● Buy fewer, larger plants
If you’re impatient like me, make your budget work harder by opting for fewer, larger plants that offer more immediate impact. It’s one of the quickest ways to create a more established-looking garden.
● Keep pots simple
I wanted the focus to stay on the plants, so I kept the charmingly weathered terracotta and ceramic pots I already had, then added a few more, including bargain scalloped planters.
● Think vertically
I’m planning to soften my fences with climbers, but that’s a longer-term project. When you have a small plot, thinking about every surface — walls included — is a smart move.
'Hanging baskets bring greenery without taking up valuable floor space,' says Ross. 'Balcony planters that attach to railings and sit neatly in windowsills are a practical way to maximise every available inch whilst enhancing the aesthetic,' he adds.
4. Create a focal point
In a small space, you need a focal point. To decide what it should be, think about how you want to use the area.
For me, the priority was creating somewhere comfortable to lounge with a good book, chat over coffee or wine with family and friends, and keep an eye on my kids in the paddling pool throughout the summer holidays. Despite our garden’s small footprint, I also wanted to be generous with seating, so we had enough room whenever visitors came over.
The Rio sofa, chairs and table set from Castlery is an absolute dream. The teak adds character and warmth to the space, plus the treated teak smells sublime and is built to last. I love the generous seating, yet the design feels airy. Plus, it’s practical too. The cushions repel water and dry off easily with a wipe, and they're removable so you can wash them by hand for a deeper clean (ideal with kids).
5. Use zoning
In a small courtyard, space is at a premium, so every inch needs to earn its place. Enter: zoning. By splitting our space into three distinct but cohesive areas, I feel like I’ve squeezed every last bit of use out of the tiny footprint.
Our central focus is the seating area, which quite rightly dominates the courtyard, as it’s where we spend most of our time. From here, we can see the whole space clearly and enjoy the greenery.
Opposite the sofa, we have an exterior wall with a roof overhang, which I thought would make the perfect spot for a shower zone. It’s also where the paddling pool will live during the summer holidays.
Then there’s the narrow rectangle of space — the original two-thirds of the courtyard — that leads from the newly created seating area up to the kitchen. This is a tricky, awkward spot, with multiple steps and two exterior walls casting it in shade for much of the day. Instead of fighting with it, I leaned into its higgledy-piggledy, shadowy feel, layering it with shade-loving plants, including structurally interesting ferns and zingy lime-green coleus.
6. Reflect your lifestyle
We live by the sea and practically live on the beach during the summer. But coming home each day and carrying the kids upstairs to wash off the sand is messy and tiring. So we decided to install an outdoor hot-and-cold shower. Now, the post-beach wash-down is a doddle. It’s also a great spot for washing the dog and, during the summer, works well for the kids’ paddling pool, too. One small change, multiple lifestyle wins.
So whether you’re a yoga enthusiast looking for a dedicated spot to roll out your mat or a keen birdwatcher who wants to prioritise a birdhouse, don’t be afraid to make space for your particular lifestyle.
7. Finishing touches
With the courtyard layout complete, the main hero items in place and plenty of greenery added, it was — at last — time to faff. I wanted to soften everything with texture, without overhauling my carefully curated, calm colour palette. So I stuck with green cushions and a throw, and added a little more warmth with an acacia shower board and warm brass hooks for towels and wetsuits. I also strung up solar festoon lights for a little after-hours lighting, and tucked a few solar lanterns between the pots for extra glow and charm.
The final verdict
We may have given up our parking space, but we couldn’t be happier with the trade-off. Since completing it, we've spent hours splashing in the paddling pool, reading in the sun and enjoying alfresco sundowners.
And although I’m not an experienced gardener, I can already feel myself falling under the spell of gardening. Slowly, it’s weaving its way into our lives, from adding homegrown rosemary and mint to homemade sauces to spotting butterflies from the sofa with my toddler. This tiny space has given us a great deal.
Ultimately, turning our awkward, north-facing parking space into a usable, family-friendly courtyard is one of the best home improvement projects we’ve undertaken.
How much did it cost?
The bulk of the £8,608.86 budget went on the building work (£3,357) and furniture (£3,229), which together accounted for around 77 per cent of the total. Fencing was the next largest expense at just over £800, with the remaining spend spread across planting, lighting and finishing touches.
