Decor idea: Give your courtyard a travel-inspired makeover

Art Director and jetsetter Hema Nana rounds up some exotic buys for outdoor living areas

As well as reminding you of your favourite destinations, old travel photos can be a great source of decor inspiration. While going through some holiday pictures from my trip to India last year, I found a photo which I took in Jodhpur – also known as the Blue City.

Feeling inspired by the tropical theme of our November issue, I’m now planning to give my courtyard an exotic makeover using this picture as my starting point.

I’ve sourced a few items around this colour palette so you can do the same at home:

To get a Jodhpur-inspired look, start by painting the wall of your courtyard with a coat of Plascon’s Sapphire or Greek Island Blue, then add statement pieces like these Indian wooden windows, R995 from Weylandts, to create atmosphere. Opt for an eclectic mix of seating: this blue Adam Rocket chair, R599, and this India ottoman, R5 499, both from @home, would make a good contrast. Then bring in a pop of green with this Shadylace parasol, R6 129, from 5Rooms.com.

Next comes the best bit – the accessories! I’ve chosen pieces with intricate patterns that reflect this area of India. My favourites (pictured below, from left to right) are this turquoise metal stool, R929, from 5Rooms.com, and this embossed bird ornament, R59,95, from Woolworths. For the finishing touches, I’d add this bright blue Zara cushion, R160, and a floral green rose cushion, R190, both from 5Rooms.com, and some Moroccan coloured drinking glasses, R19 each, from @home.

Then sit back and enjoy a glass of Moroccan mint tea.