As we creep slowly into summer around here, I have to say that I’m beginning to wish my apartment offered a little bit out of outdoor space to enjoy the sunshine in… privately. Don’t get me wrong – I live one block from a lake and I love it, but it gets ridiculously crowded on a nice day. What I’d really love is… a courtyard.
There’s something magical about these spaces. You disappear into your own world the second you step into one. Surrounded by high walls covered in vines… potted trees… cobblestones under your feet…
Even in the largest city, these spaces offer a little oasis where when you look up, all you see is the sky, and really, you could be anywhere.
If you’re as lucky as Miss Moss, here, you even get a little balcony action. But there is hope for us small space dwellers too. Even the tiniest patch of a patio can be transformed into an urban oasis with enough effort…
Do you remember this infamous Domino shot? They created a little patio with fake (yes fake) boxwoods and real shrubbery. And that tiny little tent that I’m not sure has a purpose (perhaps a chic way to cover outdoor storage?) I have half a mind to go cordon off a parking space next to our lovely little brick building and recreate this myself…
*images via mark sikes as featured in house beautiful, the selby, charlotte moss via mrs. blandings, domino
So gorgeous, reminds me of so many charming hotels and hostels we’ve stayed at over the years.
xoxo
~Natasha Fatah~
~Natasha Fatah~
So beautiful…. makes me really miss my outdoor space now that I am living in a city.
Madebygirl.blogspot.com
MadeByGirl.com
Such lovely and idyllic spaces! If it weren’t constantly so hot in Texas, I would certainly have a beautiful courtyard.
Cheers, Elizabeth @ The Corner Apartment
Ohhhhh courtyards are my most favorite places ever. They have magical powers somewhere in their cozy little walls.
so beautiful! really love that dark painted furniture…unfortunately it’s too sunny and hot where i live for anything but white
Oh the mixed blessings of urban dwelling! I love having a walking lifestyle, having 8 parks within walking distance for our kiddo, and being close to so many awesome shops, restaurants, and culture. We have a shared yard but we do desperately miss an outdoor space of our own. These spaces you shared are beautiful – they give us reason to dream, right?!
Oh, I feel for you. I gave up a house on a 1 1/2 acres for a condo. I have a deck and that becomes our most used “room” in the summer. It overlooks a little retention pond with a fountain. How I love the sound of the hokey fountain.
Here is a photo: http://spiralstyle.blogspot.com/2010/04/gardening-for-green-pleasure.html
I loved your apartment “tour” Beautiful!
YOU SPEAK “COURTYARD!!” My favorite language!! franki
omigosh – all of this looks amazing. i want to go to an imaginary place that is all of those images put into one. and have creme de cassis and water like the french
Oh I love these images!! Specially the one with the lady holding up the puppy!
So charming!!