During the cold days of winter, I like to mentally fast forward to the lazy lounging days of summertime. So even though warm weather has just arrived, I've already been spending quite a bit of time thinking about outdoor spaces...
This little courtyard before and after from Michelle over at Three Men and a Lady is just the thing to inspire me. Using supplies she picked up on sale at the end of last season, Michelle was able to turn this little patch of courtyard into an inviting space that's just begging for a lazy afternoon of iced tea and gossip. I love how the addition of pavers to the courtyard gives the space a punch of visual interest, turning this unused space into something far more inviting. And of course you can never go wrong with a couple of planters.
Even though I don't have a yard, Michelle's efforts have me thinking of ways I can spruce up the little patio of my apartment.
To see the full post about her courtyard makeover, visit her blog: Three Men and a Lady.
(Images: Three Men and a Lady)
(Re-edited from a post originally published 03.28.11 - NM)
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It is a great improvement. Personally I Hate rock yards. They are hot and uncomfortable to walk on. But this looks more livable and pleasant.
Lovely improvement.
need.more.plants.
I liked the before too, but I guess the stones make it easier to put the chairs there. Definitely agree that it needs more plants and possibly a table as well, but I guess there will be as soon as spring really arrives.
I was expecting to see more greenery.
I love it!
We have gravel in our backyard right now and would like to do something similar, but my sister's dog just had surgery for eating a rock... so with our 3 dogs we'll probably have to replace the gravel with grass to avoid the risk :(
I really like yours!
perfect.
It will look even better if you add a few flowering plants of varying heights!
This looks really good, I like it.
good but more plants would make it more inviting.
It's still cold in Chicago, I'm guessing that's why there isn't much greenery yet!
I have a question about the use of pavers set with large-ish gaps in gravel. I've never had good luck with that when trying to use chairs or anything that has legs, because the legs always manage to find the gaps and sink into the gravel. I'veended up redoing the whole area to reduce the gap, which of course means more pavers and more $, plus a different aesthetic. I did consider using crushed granite instead of gravel because I think it would pack down hard enough so the legs wouldn't sink in. But I don't like how crushed granite pieces end up in people's shoes, then in my house scratching up the floors. What's the secret?
Nice. I like that it's low maintenance.