The Birth of courtyards came about rather accidentally. What started off as a simple concept, creating a fire in one’s residential central space with a small hole in the ceiling to keep smoke out, eventually evolved into the full fledged concept known today as the courtyard. Over time these minute holes were enlarged to expose the central space to the sky. Courtyards have historically been used for many purposes, including everyday activities such as sleeping, working, playing, cooking, gardening, and even places to keep animals and pets. This very much remains the case today, depending on what sort of courtyard you address, as there are numerous designs and styles that shape a court.  

It seems that these days we take these exquisite constructions for granted. When is the last time someone found themselves in a courtyard and took the time to admire them for their beauty and splendor? It is indeed a shame when people walk through courtyards and seldom recognize just how much thought and work has gone into beautifying our very society and improving our living standards.  Contrary to what is probably a general belief, courtyards are more than just a designated area that happens to be populated by plants. They are extraordinary plots of land that provide a certain area, be it public or private, a taste of the stars, and a view to the sky. Looking up a ‘proper’ definition to describe this magnificent wonder, as found in a dictionary, would do it a great injustice. It is merely described as ‘An open space that looks into the sky, surrounded by walls or buildings, adjoining or within a building such as a large house or complex.’ This technical term does not leave a lot to the imagination and is a pretty drab description of something that, to me, is visually stunning. The “room without a roof”, as some may call it, has a lot more to it than meets the eye. 

Having started out as nothing more than a solution for venting a fire, courtyards have evolved at an extraordinary rate. They are an architectural phenomenon and in this modern era can be found anywhere from the privacy of our homes, to the public domain of the workplace. They can be several things at once, fun, sociable, tranquil and thought-provoking. It is no wonder that they are often linked with the heavens as they definitely exercise a mesmerizing quality about themselves.

So the question remaining is why have a courtyard? What benefits would you gain from having one inside your home?

Courtyards work in such a way that they not only introduce an element of nature within a compound, but they also offer a place for meditation and relaxation, away from the hectic burdens of daily life; a place where ones mind can be at peace with its surroundings.
It also acts as a sheltered playground for the young and provides children with the opportunity to enjoy an array of activities. It places them in a free outside environment while remaining under the protective gaze of their parents. There is no limit to the enjoyment courtyards facilitate for both young and old.
Finally, it is a Mediterranean concept that allows our conservative society the ability to experience another culture while also spicing up our valued traditions.

If you are considering having a courtyard or are planning on renovating an existing one, how would you go about it? Here are a few helpful tips!

1) Create your courtyard by laying a patio with ceramic tiles and choose earth tones, such as reds and browns. You may also choose tiles with nature designs, such as suns, cacti or leaves pressed or drawn into the clay.

2) Set aside a space for outdoor entertaining. A hand-made brick oven or barbecue is a fun feature in larger courtyards and could be placed near wooden tables for easy serving of guests. You may also consider a small water feature, such as a fountain made from old pots or a miniature aquatic design to add to the garden atmosphere.

3) Choose outdoor lighting for your courtyard. You might consider wrought-iron candelabras for tables and other surfaces. For the real enthusiasts, lighting via lanterns and sconces, made from stamp metal and iron, may be a great way to add a more conventional and unique feel to your garden.

4) Use Earthenware and pots as decoration by incorporating them into your water features.

5) A great way of livening up your courtyard is through the cultivation and inclusion of plants and other various forms of wildlife. This is favorable because it not only beautifies the whole concept of a courtyard, but plants serve as modest cooling agents in our plant deserted countries. Recent studies have proven that the presence of vegetation enhances aeration and ventilation within enclosed spaces. This ofcourse provides for a more relaxed and peaceful atmosphere.   

6) On the issue of wildlife, depending on the size of your courtyard and the climate, you might consider orange, lemon or various nut trees. A small vegetable garden is also a key part of any Mission-style garden, and could include a variety of cooking and medicinal herbs as well as fruits and vegetables. More importantly however, is to ensure that you select a variety of decorative plants. No courtyard is complete without an assortment of flowers that will add the finishing touch to the design of your garden.

If you already have one, then there are many ways to add features to create a timeless area in which to retreat. These are some tips on how to beautify your courtyard:

·       Blurring the boundaries. This can be done between indoor and outdoor spaces through repeating colors, materials or decorating themes.

·       Create an illusion of space by choosing light- colored, large- format tiles or bricks. You may also apply this to surrounding walls. Use Light neutrals to make an area seem bigger since dark colors such as red and yellow have the opposite effect.

·       Add interest by Introducing level changes to add perspective and interest in featureless courtyards. Add curved elements to fool the eye and create the illusion on a less boxy area.

·       Catch the eye by placing a statue, fountain, or a large urn in a corner or at the center.

·       Use vertical climbers and hanging baskets to draw the eye upwards.

·       Dress your courtyard up by hanging wall art and espaliered plants. By doing this one can soften the look of a bare wall and generally help in the cooling effect.

The exquisite challenge of the courtyard lies in whether it can create a balance between being both public and private. An area that is accessible by all, complimented by affording individuals a place where they can reflect on life undisturbed and regardless of their surroundings. Such perfection should be cherished forever and it is up to make sure it continues.