Meticulously Reduced Moorish-Influenced Patio at 202x WOW!house, London: A Guide to Replicating the Aesthetic
Nailing a charming, cozy courtyard – even in a cramped space – isn't a piece of cake. While a sprawling garden provides ample room for artistic flair and errors, a petite courtyard requires careful planning to look inviting and classy.
This season, the WOW!house at Chelsea Harbour offers design ideas galore with its Andalusian-style courtyard cour testifies to the magic that Goddard Littlefair and luxury furniture specialists Perennials and Sutherland can cook up. Echoing the harmonious blend of North African, Moorish architecture, and Andalusian gardens, this courtyard is a chat-worthy example of measured simplicity.
Let's take a closer look at this magnificent courtyard, and here are five tips to help you create a spellbinding courtyard at your own little corner of the world.
This courtyard scheme – a delightful hideout for its residents – delivers pure serenity in today's digital whirlwind. By emphasizing soothing ambient lighting, an organic, earthy color palette, and a relaxed seating design focused on leisure, the designers succeeded in creating a virtually meditative oasis.
At first glance, it's a tough task telling whether this space is indoors or outdoors. The boundary between indoor and outdoor living has been skillfully blurred, fitting perfectly with the design's North African vibe.
Feeling as if you've stepped into a warm Mediterranean oasis, protected and cocooned, is the defining charm of this fantastic courtyard. And the designers achieved this by using several fabrics and objects, like lamps, rugs, and mirrors, throughout the design.
The designers have cleverly employed an economy of potted plants like palms, spider plants, and ivy, creating a year-round equatorial feel – regardless of the weather. This soothing courtyard is brimming with inspiration, and these five tips can help you create a similar escape in your own courtyard.
Five tips for a magical, Moorish-inspired courtyard at home
1. Be inspired by history
A well-designed courtyard should feel like a private retreat. Historical sites and buildings with distinctive architectural styles offer valuable lessons. By borrowing elements from these classic designs, you can create a courtyard that sparks a sense of calm and timelessness.
At the WOW!house, Moorish gardens served as the prominent influence. "Draw on the elegance of historic styles, like the serene geometry and textured richness of Moorish gardens," recommend founders Martin Goddard and Jo Littlefair. "This will create a space that feels timeless, grounded in place, and deeply atmospheric," they add.
2. Layer texture and tone
To evoke the warmth and depth of an indoor space in an outdoor courtyard, consider layering textures and colors. Embrace earthy shades like terracotta, sage, and sun-soaked ochre, and remember that subdued hues are effective in introducing depth and harmony.
"Use a variety of natural textures and warm, earthy tones," suggest Martin Goddard and Jo Littlefair. "This will bring depth, warmth, and a sense of unity to your outdoor sanctuary."
3. Mix the old with the new
Off-the-shelf furniture can make a space feel sterile and uninviting. Balance modern comfort with artisanal charm by pairing modern appliances like outdoor lighting and weather-proof outdoor furniture with handcrafted, bespoke details like plaster reliefs, handmade tiles, or natural-fiber rugs.
"Combine sophisticated outdoor furnishings with handcrafted or bespoke details," advise Martin and Jo. "This will strike a balance between modern comfort and artisanal character."
4. Use plants to set the mood
The plants you choose aren't just about looks; they help create a unique ambiance. Choose species that align with the atmosphere you want to cultivate.
A more restrained, meditative feel might involve palms, hostas, and bird of paradise. For a burst of drama and romance, opt for climbing plants and potted plants with a long season of interest, akin to Cecil Beaton's gardens at Reddish House.
"Introduce lush planting and soft, ambient lighting to create a calming, biophilic environment," suggest Martin and Jo. "Mediterranean greenery and dappled shadows help evoke a peaceful retreat rooted in nature."
5. Create a space that touches your soul
While beauty is important, it's equally crucial that your courtyard feels welcoming and comfortable. Don't be afraid to stray from the latest trends if they don't resonate with you.
"Think beyond aesthetics," advise Martin and Jo. "Aim to create a space that evokes emotions and memories, one that feels immersive, calming, and transportive. Understated luxury lies in how a space makes you feel, not just how it looks."
Get the look
A touch of warmth and texture can elevate your patio or courtyard. This set of high-temperature terracotta planters is the perfect addition.
Rich in color and boasting weather-friendly fibers, this resilient rug can handle the elements. It can adapt to any space and help bring the feeling of a sunnier climate.
Add a few intriguing, laid-back accents to your courtyard scheme with this bohemian-inspired outdoor pillow. The WOW!house 2025 courtyard has certainly lit up conversations about innovative indoor garden ideas. If you're the proud owner of a small, yet delightfully charming courtyard garden, perhaps it's time to reevaluate the look and embrace the Moorish magic.
- To create a courtyard inspired by Moorish gardens, draw on the elegance of historic styles, like the serene geometry and textured richness of Moorish gardens, as recommended by Martin Goddard and Jo Littlefair.
- To evoke warmth and depth in an outdoor courtyard, layer textures and colors, using a variety of natural textures and warm, earthy tones, as suggested by Martin Goddard and Jo Littlefair.
- To strike a balance between modern comfort and artisanal character, combine handcrafted, bespoke details with sophisticated outdoor furnishings, like weather-proof outdoor furniture and outdoor lighting, as advised by Martin and Jo.
- Introduce lush planting and soft, ambient lighting to create a calming, biophilic environment and evoke a peaceful retreat rooted in nature, as suggested by Martin and Jo.
- Aim to create a space that evokes emotions and memories, one that feels immersive, calming, and transportive, as advised by Martin and Jo, and remember that understated luxury lies in how a space makes you feel, not just how it looks.
Here are some products to help you achieve the look:- High-temperature terracotta planters- Resilient rug made of weather-friendly fibers- Bohemian-inspired outdoor pillow
