Sydney Interior Designer Melinda Clarke renovated her Paddington Terrace courtyard for her young growing family.

The existing Paddington terrace courtyard was leafy and paved but was dark and complimented a classic period for more formal entertaining. The courtyard didn’t match the family’s lifestyle and they found that the space was rarely used at all. So Melinda decided to renovate it in time for spring and to create a new space that would be more contemporary and useable for the whole family.

The design brief was to create a minimalist outdoor space that was contemporary, relaxed, light and family friendly that was low maintenance and could be completed on a reasonable budget. The courtyard needed to be a space that the whole family could enjoy during spring and summer evenings as a family or as a functional entertainment space with friends.

The courtyard renovation saw the removal of all existing planting, extension of pavers to create more space, the addition of decking created ample casual seating for family and friends and the steps to decking area created a more playful environment for the children. Installation of a new cladded fence with contemporary lighting provided clean lines to the courtyard. The opposite fence was painted black and Jasmine planting was used to create a green wall that would just pop against the black. A deciduous tree, an ornamental pear, was planted to create shade, height and privacy from neighbouring windows. Low maintenance and robust plants and herbs were planted in pots like succulents and rosemary. Layering of different greens and textures filled the new minimalist garden with plants that would flower white all together in spring. These small changes were enough to make a huge impact to the overall courtyard and all within a reasonable budget.

Demolition, construction and planting of the courtyard renovation only took 3 weeks. The minimalist casual courtyard was created by pairing back, opening up the space and creating clean lines using the fence, walls and decking.

When it came to styling of the courtyard, Melinda Clarke chose contemporary low line wire lounge furniture, by Tio Collection, that was simple and keeping with the minimalist design of the courtyard. Outdoor cushions were custom made by Ici et la to add colour and provide comfort to bench seating. Outdoor bean bags by Marine Bean also provided play and seating for children.

The courtyard is now dramatically transformed and is being used by the whole family and is filled with memories of sunset plays, children’s laughter, music and food and the occasional mosquito. Overall a major success!

Get the look

Lights by Lumascape, Pots by Motyaj, Chairs and table Tio Collection by Mass Production, Custom made Cushions by Ici et la, Marine Bean Bags by Coast New Zealand at Cosh Living