I love it when clients ask me to create an outdoor space for them that builds upon the interior I have designed for them. The whole concept of taking the ‘inside’ into the ‘outside’ means that there is a real sense of continuity and flow in the home.
As with my interiors, I tend towards very classic, French-influenced outdoor spaces. I especially love creating intimate little courtyards – a place to sit and relax, have a glass of wine and enjoy the sunset! I get inspired by designs like this one – a small, private space that feels to me like those hidden, romantic gardens in the French Quarter. I love the effect of the traditional white shutters against the ivy-covered walls – so charming!
(Source: House Beautiful)
A courtyard, for me, combines the best of inside and out: it is more private than an ‘exposed’ front garden and yet more open to the sun and the elements than the inside of the house. It’s nice to create a sense of privacy with nearly-touching tree branches overhead, trellises and even lengths of white muslin. How gorgeous is this sun-dappled courtyard at the Avignon home of artist Pascale Palun? The antique Biot pot that stands front and center reminds me of all the pottery I saw on my recent trip to France.
(Source: Trouvais)
This is another one of my favorite courtyard spaces. It just screams ‘Parisian chic’. The distressed iron chairs and table, the fabulous old-fashioned wall-sconces, even the gravel drive – it all works together so perfectly. I’m always drawn to this kind of elegant palette of gray, ivory and black; it’s a combination that never grates, never goes out of style, never stops pleasing the eye…
(Source: Trouvais)
