10 of the best modern courtyard gardens

Add visual and textural interest to your patio by combining lush green lawn, grey pebbles and smooth concrete. Strategically-placed walls provide privacy, while low-maintenance grasses and bamboo add a contemporary look.

Create a seamless transition from your kitchen-diner to an outdoor courtyard with large format indoor-outdoor pavers. The continuous kitchen bench becomes an outdoor buffet and sleek glass doors slide back to create a fluid connection between the spaces.

Create a secluded paved garden with a screening hedge or wall. A chic concrete bench, with colourful cushions and a shelf for potted plants, adds personality and function.

Install floor-to-ceiling, bi-folding doors to open your living area up to your patio when the weather is fair. A casual sitting area is the perfect spot to perch on the edge of your garden while reading your favourite book.

Upholster a day bed in outdoor fabric and add colourful scatter cushions. A yellow perspex coffee table and bright accessories add to the playful appeal of this private deck.

A serene concrete walled garden is the perfect spot for dining on summer evenings. Sleek modern wall lights add ambience.

Create separate zones in your garden with split levels. Bright accesories, paper lanterns and bamboo create a fun, Asian-inspired hideaway.

Relax in leafy tropical surroundings in a fabulous hanging chair. Timber decking and lush green planting create a tropical look, while the luxe furniture adds serious wow factor.

Bring rugs, mirrors and furniture from your living room to enjoy the outdoors in seriously quirky style. This is also a fabulous way to add drama and glamour to a garden party setting.

Looking for more outdoor inspiration? Browse through our images and ideas on the garden channel.