Why We’re Exploring the Palm Beach Courtyard Look
This month, we’re taking design cues from one of the most charming architectural features in warm-weather homes: the courtyard. And, more specifically, we’re diving into how Palm Beach style can influence the way we think about designing these spaces—both inside and out.
Courtyards are often transitional areas that connect the home to the outdoors. They’re not quite exterior, not quite interior, but serve as this in-between space that offers major potential for functionality and style. When done well, they can act as a second living room, a more casual dining area, or even an open-air office.
The Elements That Make It Work
We looked closely at what makes Palm Beach-style courtyards so unique—and more importantly, how those elements can translate into practical decisions you can apply at home. Key design takeaways include:
- Lightweight furnishings that don’t feel fussy – rattan, metal, and iron are durable but airy
- Layered patterns and color – stripes, florals, and block prints that work together without feeling too matchy
- Greenery as part of the palette – palms, vines, and flowering plants that feel like decor
- Indoor touches outside – like soft pillows, rugs, and table lamps (yes, even outside!) to make it feel more lived-in
Why This Style Is Worth Trying for Your Next Project
Even if you don’t live in a tropical climate, this look offers plenty of inspiration. It’s a great reminder that transitional areas in your home—think patios, sunrooms, balconies, side yards—deserve just as much attention as your interior spaces. With the right combination of comfort, functionality, and charm, these little in-between zones can become the most loved corners of the home.
Palm Beach Courtyard Office
This space is meant to feel both productive and pretty. The sage green settee adds a tailored yet soft feel, grounding the room with an elegant foundation. We paired it with a blush skirted chair for a bit of warmth and contrast, tying in the look with Farrow & Ball Setting Plaster on the walls—a color that brings in just enough peachy tone without overwhelming. The vintage shell jewelry box adds a cheeky coastal nod that still feels collected. For lighting, the pleated desk lamps and matching floor lamps feel elevated yet playful, and we loved the way they balance the boldness of the coral-patterned wallpaper. Bonus: it all looks amazing when framed by a built-in moment with green check cabinet doors, similar to the inspo above.
Palm Beach Courtyard Kitchen
For the kitchen, we envisioned a charming, cozy, tucked-away dining nook with a strong visual anchor. A green botanical upholstered banquette would not only be the most comfy choice, but would also set the tone for the entire palette. We kept the vibe light with a series of ceiling-mount flush fixtures. And, to bring in extra brass, a scalloped hood would be the cherry on top!
For paint, Farrow & Ball French Gray pairs beautifully with the wood cabinetry and gives just enough softness on the walls. The iron bistro table with marble top adds character and contrast against the woven back chairs (we love the palm shape!). This space shows how a tonal green-on-green moment can feel fresh and timeless when paired with textural pieces and layered materials.
Palm Beach Courtyard Brunch Table
This outdoor dining vignette was designed to feel like a little escape. The floral block print linens, pastel flatware, and green rattan-trimmed chargers all mix well without being too matchy-matchy. We added pink marbled glassware for a playful pop, and paired it with vintage-style watercolor place cards to keep it feeling personal. The iron-based table with marble top is a perfect investment piece that works indoors or out. And, we used the same palm-back chairs from the kitchen to keep continuity across spaces. If you’re designing an outdoor space, using repeat elements and a clear color story (in this case, greens and whites with touches of pink and rattan) can make the whole area feel more cohesive.
What to Wear: Outfit Roundup
This outfit roundup is all about playful polish. The ruffled raffia clutch and leather slip-on mules are staples I’d wear on repeat. A navy pullover paired with white scalloped shorts would give classic country club vibes. Or, pair this lace collar blouse with white shorts for something a little dressier. For casual days, a yellow polo with white trousers feels effortlessly put together. And yes—a ruffle bucket hat makes for the cutest sun coverage! These pieces work together because they all blend soft color, feminine details, and comfort—a combo that always feels right when you’re bouncing from brunch to errands or patio hangs.
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Feeling inspired by the Palm Beach courtyard look? You can shop everything from this post over on our LTK shop page. We share pretty much everything there—from what we’re sourcing for clients to our own fashion staples, home decor favorites, life hacks, and even designer dupes we swear by. It’s our go-to spot for curating all the good stuff! So, head over if you’re looking to discover my designer-approved picks for every corner of life.
