COURTYARD DESIGN
City living means utilizing every square inch (paver?) of space you’ve got, and I’ve been daydreaming this itty bitty courtyard into existence since we moved in 2 1/2 years ago. This was a 3 day project that I only regret not doing sooner. It has big European/French Quarter vibes which is where my imagination always goes first when envisioning a courtyard.
Day 1
Demo and paver install. Our contractors were quick and efficient completing most of this work on day 1, returning on day 2 to complete the border. Already such a big difference in opening the space. We used plain ole 24 x 24 concrete pavers that we planned to hand paint for a less expensive option on the checkerboard look we wanted to achieve. The shrub you see near the window in the before photo was removed and saved for later.
Day 2
Paver install was completed in the morning and it was time to start painting. To achieve a marbeled/colorwash checkerboard tile took, I opted for hand painting with a 2” brush. To achieve the color variation, I dipped one side of the brush in a lighter shade and the other in a darker shade. Then painted in flip flop X motions across the tile blending as I went. Using Sherwin Williams exterior flat paint, the light tiles are a combo of Downy and Perfect Greige. The dark are a combo of Peppercorn and Anonymous. I love the final result of the shading and contrast.
Day 2 Cont.
We simultaneously began building the grill gazebo which we found at Home Depot. This was no small feat and there were lots of expletives from Matthew and our good pal Danny. Well worth it in the end, but it certainly took the whole day so be prepared.
Day 3
I completed the tile paint in the morning, and then onto the best part: the magic. To create some interest with our generic Home Depot gazebo, I added a plug in chandelier from Amazon. I added some faux greenery (don’t come for me, I want it to stay magical), and hung some candle lanterns. They came with pillar candles that I soon swapped out with some small clay holders for a French Quarter gas lamp effect.
Lastly, the shrub we saved from demo was replanted into a statement planter that hides away our bins.
All in all, we are over the moon with our new courtyard. The checkerboard tiles bring the elegance, the trees and shrubs bring the life, and the candlelight brings the mystique. Will we even cook indoors this summer? Sources say no.
