Now that the front courtyard is built we are keen to move on and bring the ideas for the front of the house design to life. It's time to start making some decisions on the landscaping, plants and pots etc to get it ready for some summer time entertaining.
I've been turning to Pinterest my all time favourite source for inspiration for the home and pinning like a crazy woman the ideas of what I'd like out the front .... perhaps some projects to tackle over the Christmas holidays!
I've been turning to Pinterest my all time favourite source for inspiration for the home and pinning like a crazy woman the ideas of what I'd like out the front .... perhaps some projects to tackle over the Christmas holidays!
Just to remind you in the last few months we have taken the unused, uneven space of land at the front of our house from this ...
And turned it into a private secure levelled out space by building a limestone courtyard fence around the front of the house to enclose it. Our next project is to install timber slats between the pillars and a gate between the driveway and the path to the front door to make it even more private.
Once the panels and gate are in we will be getting to work to turn the courtyard into an outdoor room. I want it to be a bit of a laid back lounging area, a place to put your feet up and watch the sunset with a glass of wine in hand. The furniture needs to be comfortable lounger style, I would love some sort of swing or egg chair, and also built in cover to shade from the sun would be a good idea.
I think a mixture of grass or artificial turf, plus paving and gravel would be a good use of materials. We are a bit doubtful on the artificial turf as it heats up in the sun and will get very hot to stand on, but in comparison to finding a grass cover tough enough to withstand full sun for most of the day, and the need to water and care for it, we may not have much choice but to go with artificial turf.
I want some feature pots with plants on the path to the front door by the living room window. I have been researching the types of plants who will love the full sun and survive on little water to abide by our water restrictions here in Aussie. I also want a statue or modern sculpture for the corner of the courtyard, it's a great feature spot that grabs your eye as you step inside and really needs a unique ornamental for here.
I have lots of landscaping inspiration and ideas for the courtyard ... now to turn our blank canvas of a courtyard into an outdoor room we want to spent some time in this summer holidays.
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Courtyard project (and everything else happening in the Jarrah Jungle
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[First 6 images my own.
Pinterest is so addicting when it comes to new projects! We just a house, so I have been doing the same - planning, and trying to figure out what to do with our space! Good luck with it all, looks like your on the right track! :-)
ReplyDeleteI would be lost without Pinterest I get so many ideas from there! Exciting times ahead for you, sometimes the planning can take the longest time but once you know what you want it will all come together in no time Im sure :)
DeleteYou have some beautiful ideas for the courtyard/outside room!! Can't wait to see how it all turns out! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, I hope it comes together ok and not a miss match of everything ;)
DeleteWe have artificial grass and just love it. Yes it is hot on the feet, you could use trees to shade the artificial grass and your grass won't not grow due to the shade. Lexi will burn her paws so I wouldn't put it around the back. Rae xxx
ReplyDeleteThanks Rae its really good to hear from someone who has it. Thanks for the tip for Lexi as well, dont want to burn her poor little paws :)
DeleteOh wow, so many great ideas you've found on pinterest. I like the idea of artificial turf: low maintenance and also looks great!
ReplyDeleteI am a Pinterest addict, too! I LOVE that egg chair!!! We need some new patio furniture desperately! I am excited, they are building an IKEA in St. Louis next year, I have never even been in one... not sure if they have outside stuff, tho. hmm.
ReplyDeleteEgg chairs are awesome arent they, like a fancy version of a hammock! You will love Ikea, yes they do outdoor furniture as well :)
DeleteGreat inspirations to use by! Sounds like it will turn out to be an amazing place to relax & have parties/get togethers in!
ReplyDeletewww.speakstyleandrock.com
Yes, thats the party plan :)
DeleteOh the possibilities. She looks so much better already.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn
I can't wait until we can sit out here with shade and paving instead of the sand pit it is!
DeletePinterest is a great resource for landscape inspiration. I look for photos that have "off the beaten path" images. I mean, I do want the front and back of my house to look good, and I want the side alley to have a nice touch. Alleyways aren't always given the right landscaping attention, which is a mistake. The alley is part of the house!
ReplyDeleteGladis Livingston @ HDS Landscaping