Our Courtyard Remodel
When we bought our home 3 years ago, one of my favorite things about it was the courtyard. Two years later, it was never used and honestly was just more of a hassle. Like, I was always embarrassed to have people come through it to get to our front door!
So this year, we did a total overhaul!
We started by removing all of the bushes and a giant tree! We had bushes all along the inside of the brick wall as well as in a U shape around the tree! I was sooo sad to see the tree have to be cut down, but the roots were causing concrete problems and I constantly worried about it falling on the house in a bad storm (cause we get those in Oklahoma..) All of these elements cause for a really clustered space and we seriously didn't go out there except to pull weeds!
Once everything was cleaned out, we had concrete poured for a seating area on one side and added new river rock to the other side! I won the battle for not having concrete all throughout, because I was afraid it would get too hot and I love the look of mixed textures as a way of creating separate spaces.
We installed a 10x12 pergola to create even more defined space and to add some shade to the lounge space! We got our furniture during a summer sale at Lowes and bought the pillows at At Home! One of my favorite purchases is the fire pit, but we have only been able to use it once since it has been so incredibly hot this summer! #readyforfall
Plus, we are adding a projector and cup holders to the pergola for a super entertainment space! I think this will be a well loved space in the fall and spring!
We plan to add more plants and some sort of fun fountain to the rock area, just to make it more tranquil and zen! We are thinking maybe a couple pots with a Japanese maple and maybe something with a pop of color?! What are some of your favorite plants for the midwestern climate?? I want it to feel like you entered a zen rainforest when you enter the gate!
I hope this gives you some inspiration for your own space! Let me know if you have any questions!
