I’m a major sucker for courtyards. About fifteen years ago I went on a short trip to New Orleans and I’ve been hooked on the idea of cool courtyards ever since. So I figured I’d join the “Hooked On Friday’s” blog party at Hooked On Houses!
There’s something about the seclusion and privacy that a courtyard provides. It’s like you’re inside and outside at the same time. It’s the original “outdoor room”. The benefit of this isn’t only outdoors either, the look from inside is amazing. And the privacy eliminates the need for curtains or shutters.
Another idea I’ve always been a fan of are those tiny little balconies. I would have called it a Juliet Balcony, but according to Wikipedia, I would have been wrong. It’s just a balcony. But what’s in a name? That which we call a balcony, by any other name would be just as nice! 😉
Courtyards Invite Great Doors
The doors in the top photos are “pretty nice”, but what about these doors (and courtyard)…
I love these doors. It’s hard to find a door with a solid panel like that on the bottom 1/3. I think the overall look of this courtyard and doors is amazing! I love the color and all the foliage just makes it pop.
But the winner for the day, as far as doors go, is this picture here:
Can I {Heart} something? I’ve never done it before…always figured my masculinity precluded it. But if I were going to start, I’d start with these doors. I’m really loving the huge panes of glass with that little section of solid at the bottom. And the cool thing is that these open up completely. Even the sidelights. Notice how the main door is hinged to the sidelight, but that also has hinges. Neat-O Mosquito!
Want a little bit of trivial information before you mosey along? Take a look at that red courtyard. Do you see where the light fixtures are set? Almost aligned between the joint between the door and the transom. I’ve had many an electrician think they should go lower than that, but I think that’s perfect. When there is a transom, the wall mounted light fixture should go at the level of the top of the door. No transom means bring it down some so that it’s next to the door, not above it. Just a bit of info you might need one of these days…
So, do you heart my door too? How about courtyards? Light fixtures…?
The thing I like about the courtyards you show is how they bring light into the center of the house. I guess super efficient or super cost effective modern houses can’t have courtyards..Too bad.
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Good morning 🙂
I love courtyards too, especially in Spanish style homes.
Thank you for the advice about the lights. I had never thought about it before, but it will come in handy for us very soon 🙂
rue
Ooooh, I heart courtyards, too……in fact, I love all the architecture in New Ahleans……and the doors you like? Oh, me too! I should have been an architect!! Or a REAL designer or something…….thanks for the inspiration!
Suzanne
Yep, I {heart} the doors too. Lovely!
Yep-them doors are pretty cool. Love courtyards too. But not necessarily the kind in the center of homes. I like a little courtyard in front of a house or in the back, but especially in the front with a low block wall and wonderful vintage patio furniture in the front. ( But really what speaks to me is a covered porch–nothing better than a porch) Hint… hint…
A courtyard is just so cozy and such a great space to sit and relax. Wish I had one. Love them. Hugs, Marty
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The only courtyards I have actually seen in person were in Mexico. And they weren’t pretty like these ones you have pictured here!
When you said Juliet balcony, I knew exactly what you were talking about. So what does Wikipedia know? 🙂
I have to say that the doors in the second picture stole my heart. I LOVE the arches at the top. I am a sucker for arches! But the fact that the green doors open up completely…that is very cool!
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I like courtyards. They remind me of more temperate climates which is why there aren’t too many around here. But I’m with Susan; I LOVE front porches!
My favorite part was the little info about the lights and the transoms!
oh and the {heart}
welcome to the club
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ok, I’m in love! sorry not with you {well maybe… if you keep showing photos like these with the amazing green doors…oh & the wonderful tips … like the light tip.
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What a way to start my day! “They” say a picture is worth a thousand words – LOVED the photos! Keep the words coming too! fmp
Court yards are great! I wish I had one. They are so romantic!
My favorite part of this post was “neato mosquito”. I have not said that in years, but I love the expression! Good way to bring it back!!! 🙂
Ohhh, I {heart} courtyards, too! I have always dreamed of having a courtyard in the middle of our house. A secret garden sort of thing. Yes, those green doors are incredible! Love the blog!! Love the photos!! Thank you! (Wow, sorry about all the exclamation points. My goodness. I guess I love courtyards more than I realized!)
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LOL!! I’m glad you {heart} those doors! They’re pretty, and I love that they open up.
I have, however, been looking for a door like the ones in the red courtyard!!! It has a window and lets in light, but is solid on the bottom so that it blocks my dogs’ view, and they don’t bark at every single person walking down the street!!! Our living room is very dark, and it would greatly benefit from some light coming in the front door!
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OOOOh Yes indeedy. We love courtyards…have two of them in this casa…they are fun to do. We need to work on great doors for them. Thanks for the inspiration!
Oh these pictures are amazing! I am a huge fan of courtyards too, and my dream home will have one someday! In San Diego I lived in an apartment building built in 1910 with a huge courtyard and fountain, which was the deciding factor for me to move in 🙂
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I will have a courtyard someday…
~Really Rainey~
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Love the courtyard thing. I also really like that green door. I have seen a smaller verson of it in an neighbor’s house. I’m thinking of using it in my kitchen to replace an old slider. Thanks for sharing.
I totally heart your door! I love all these wonderful courtyards! Thanks for the lighting tip…neat how you notice those little details that in the end make a big difference! 🙂 Susan
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Having brunch in Owen Brennan’s courtyard is a definite “must do” sometime in everybody’s lifetime!
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I love courtyards.
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I’m lovng this idea was trying to decide on what to put in for doors in my new workshop garage but I think I have found my reasonable alternative to garden patio doors, also I have the room to make a courtyard just like is shown in your pic’s. Thanks…..now to find the money ha !