Courtyard Dining Room

Steven A. Gunther

Comfortable courtyard

Shade trees, flagstone furnishings, and Santa Fe style give this courtyard its easy charm. Click through to get a closer look at all the details.

Steven A. Gunther

Shade trees

Lacy-leafed locusts (Robinia x ambigua 'Purple Robe'), underplanted with dwarf plumbago, provide welcome shade during outdoor-party season, then drop their leaves in winter to let in sunlight.

Steven A. Gunther

Rustic trellis

A grid of unpeeled Gambell oak prunings, mounted against the wall, supports climbing roses that bear coral blooms. Its rough-hewn look complements the weathered-wood front door.

Steven A. Gunther

One-color hardscape

The brick paving and stucco walls that provide privacy are the same soft salmon color as the flagstone.

Steven A. Gunther

Flagstone furnishings

This custom-built dining table is right at home in this Southwestern courtyard.

The table is made from the same flagstone as the slender serving counter tucked against the wall.

Steven A. Gunther

Stone pots

Planted with curly parsley, the pots have a creamy color and rough texture that enhance the courtyard's Santa Fe style.

Design Richard Wilder, Wilder Landscaping, Santa Fe (505/989-8524)

5 ways to design the perfect outdoor dining room

Comfortable courtyard

Shade trees

Rustic trellis

One-color hardscape

Flagstone furnishings

Stone pots