Courtyards That Mesmerise
Let a courtyard define your home; find out different ways to fashion it
Do you know why it is suggested in Vastu Shashtra that one should have an open courtyard at the centre of the home? It is because this central space is believed to release positive vibes and enhance well being. Most traditional Indian homes had courtyards in earlier times. As big spaces turned into urban homes, this element was used less and less.
It’s not an impossible task to integrate and style an open space within your modern home. Courtyards can be as big as a mini garden or as small as a passageway. So, say goodbye to dark rooms and outward-looking interiors. Here are some inspiring, modern ways to embrace the good old courtyard in your home.
It’s not an impossible task to integrate and style an open space within your modern home. Courtyards can be as big as a mini garden or as small as a passageway. So, say goodbye to dark rooms and outward-looking interiors. Here are some inspiring, modern ways to embrace the good old courtyard in your home.
For a more dramatic look, create another conclave within the area, like a casbah. Water elements too can be installed to enrich the design of this space further.
If space is at a premium, consider simple treatments like bringing in a few signature accessories and furniture. Notice how the tiled floor extends half way up on one of the walls! A thoughtful but simple design lends a unique look to this tiny space.
Say it with glass
You can even bring in a courtyard to a fully air-conditioned home as well. Naturally, first your structure should allow space for a courtyard. The next key lies in framing this space in glass on all sides to maintain climate control. This will add an outdoor element to an inside area that also adds to the volume of the space. But more importantly, it will make for an excellent sun room.
You can even bring in a courtyard to a fully air-conditioned home as well. Naturally, first your structure should allow space for a courtyard. The next key lies in framing this space in glass on all sides to maintain climate control. This will add an outdoor element to an inside area that also adds to the volume of the space. But more importantly, it will make for an excellent sun room.
You can also make your own greenhouse in this space. Designate it with glass walls to mark the seam. See here how the restrained lushness adds to the look.
Tip: Choose indoor plants according to the climatic and soil conditions. Bamboo, areca palm, snake plant, dracaena, weeping fig etc. can be used indoors.
Tip: Choose indoor plants according to the climatic and soil conditions. Bamboo, areca palm, snake plant, dracaena, weeping fig etc. can be used indoors.
Add accent lighting
Add drama to your courtyard with accent and mood lighting. Light also enhances the look of textured surfaces like stone, exposed brick and wood. Elevate the overall spirit by adding Moroccan lanterns or wall-hung candlesticks.
Add drama to your courtyard with accent and mood lighting. Light also enhances the look of textured surfaces like stone, exposed brick and wood. Elevate the overall spirit by adding Moroccan lanterns or wall-hung candlesticks.
Create a separate living area
Bring about a visual demarcation by using contrasting materials within this open area. In this image, selected furniture is juxtaposed against a wall and floor treatment, to set the area apart.
Bring about a visual demarcation by using contrasting materials within this open area. In this image, selected furniture is juxtaposed against a wall and floor treatment, to set the area apart.
Create an indoor garden
Create a hideaway right inside your residence. Grow your own Mughal garden or design your own sectors of plantation and use a central point to bring in all the focus – could be through a sculpture, a tree or a fountain. In this garden, the sound of water and the aroma of the rich plantation feel so vivid.
Create a hideaway right inside your residence. Grow your own Mughal garden or design your own sectors of plantation and use a central point to bring in all the focus – could be through a sculpture, a tree or a fountain. In this garden, the sound of water and the aroma of the rich plantation feel so vivid.
Bring in water body
Infuse a water feature or reflection pool within your courtyard and light it well. Here in this Delhi home by Spaces Architects, the vertical garden with the contemporary water element, brings in a sense of serenity and liveliness.
Infuse a water feature or reflection pool within your courtyard and light it well. Here in this Delhi home by Spaces Architects, the vertical garden with the contemporary water element, brings in a sense of serenity and liveliness.
Do not have enough space for a pool in your backyard? Plan it within the courtyard and you are good to go! Minimal landscaping particularly goes well with this setting. Also, the water body cools the prevalent breezes entering the house.
Tip: Choose the finishing materials wisely. To create the right impression, balance dark and light, glossy and matt.
Tip: Choose the finishing materials wisely. To create the right impression, balance dark and light, glossy and matt.
Let it just exist as an outlet
Sometimes the courtyard needn’t be overtly stylised, it can simply just exist as an open space. Cover it up with a pergola or cover the floor with faux grass. Place a few accessories or plants and enjoy the simple niche that you have created.
Tell us:
Which of these would you integrate in your home? Write in Comments below.
Sometimes the courtyard needn’t be overtly stylised, it can simply just exist as an open space. Cover it up with a pergola or cover the floor with faux grass. Place a few accessories or plants and enjoy the simple niche that you have created.
Tell us:
Which of these would you integrate in your home? Write in Comments below.
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Informal and asymmetrical, this courtyard makes way for relaxed family pursuits and mini get-together sessions. If you have a large open area within your home then you can consider bringing in a design theme in this space. Like in this home, rocks and cement have been used and coupled with desert planters and outdoor furniture to create an easy lounge space.