Ideas for Outdoor Living Spaces and Courtyard Designs

It’s time to start getting the barbecue fired up and the outdoor furniture cushions out of the garage. Summer is just around the corner so get outside and start enjoying the outdoor air. Here are some outdoor spaces and courtyards that are inspiring and beautiful to get you going.

Contemporary Spanish Courtyard Design

Contemporary Spanish Courtyard Design

This Spanish style home is built around a shallow pool with river rocks and a fountain in the middle . I love the reflecting pool in the courtyard of this home. Surrounded by planters with cacti, stone based columns and exposed rafter tails beneath the roof line creates movement in this courtyard design.

In the desert, a reflective pool in the courtyard can create a cooling effect on the micro climate of a home. The stucco walls provide thermal storage for heat during the day and releases it back into the atmosphere at night.

Modern Courtyard and Pool Design

Modern Pool Design

In this home, two wings are connected by a long open breezeway. The pool sits in the center of the courtyard, and a visual axis takes your eye outwards to the landscape.

There are several clever design ideas here. The placement of the angled wooden lounge chairs along solid, stacked stone walls creates a beautiful contrast. The open, recessed, covered loggia on the left is mirrored by its opposite, solid stone walls.

Classic Courtyard Design with Arches

Classic Courtyard Design with Arches

This courtyard has a fountain centered on the arched opening to the lawn, and the contrast between white stucco and trees creates a beautiful look. The design sets up a nice sequence of spaces intended to integrate the house with nature.

Spanish Courtyard Design

Spanish Courtyard Design

This next home has a courtyard surrounded by walls on all sides. The gate acts as the front door of the home, where the first room one enters is outside. This is fairly common in Spanish influenced homes to secure the outer walls of the hacienda compound, as the real entrance is found within.

Tuscan Design Exterior with Fountains

Tuscan Design Exterior with Fountains

I love the entrance to this next home with its fountains framed on both sides of the walkway to the main entry door.

Modern Courtyard Design with Fire Pit

Modern Courtyard Design with Fire Pit

The courtyard for this next house is both casual and asymmetrical, making it a perfect space to spend evenings with friends and family. The full length sliding glass walls can be entirely opened. Monochromatic color tones of the architectural elements allow the furnishings to be the accent color. The fire pit is a bit more casual than a traditional outdoor fireplace and serves as a great place to warm your hands and make s’mores. 🙂

I love the smooth dark gray river stone that is used to separate the concrete terrace into smaller areas with lines extending from the geometry of the house.

Modern Courtyard Design with Wood Tiles

Modern Courtyard with Wood Tiles

Courtyards are typically paved using stone or gravel, but this one uses interlocking wood deck pavers.

The courtyard house plan integrates the use and relationship of the exterior with the functions of the interior, and allows light and air flow into all primary interior spaces.

So I hope you’ve enjoyed some of these beautiful outdoor spaces and courtyard designs. Maybe it will inspire you to get outside and start moving forward with your own outdoor living space. I’ve gotta go…the sun is setting and it’s time to start throwing the shrimp on the barbie.

Image Sources: Houzz