COURTYARD COZINESS

The Lake Norman Group. homesoflkn.com

Space is at the top of most peoples' wish list when it comes to homes. I'm lucky to have a period house with a large yard, but lately I'm yearning the intimacy and coziness of a courtyard. One enveloped by greenery and lots of pots. A little outdoor sanctuary where I can drink my morning coffee and soak up the afternoon sun. Oh, who am I kidding? I just want to sit out there and drink Rose'. If you're lucky enough to have one, don't  dismiss it as a small, useless space. Have some fun with it and inject a little personality. Perhaps try a hanging chair or bench sitting with lots and lots of plants. Always lots of plants! Try different sized and shaped pots, both hanging and sitting on the ground, and there's always room for a gorgeous climber. Some string lights would also be great and perhaps some scattered oversized cushions to laze around. Think of it as an outdoor room - make it as comfy and inviting or as funky and cool as your indoor space.

lonnymag.com

Townhouse, New York City, Rees Roberts + Partners. remodelista.com

The garden of Siki de Somalie, Provence, France. Image by Country Houses of France by Barbara & Rene' Stoeltie

designsponge.com

housebeautiful.com

housebeautiful.com 

All images are credited where possible. Please feel free to share information on any where a source could not be located.

Inside Scoop. Interior Design Blog.

LIGHT THE FIRE OUTSIDE

Colder weather shouldn't keep you indoors. And there's no better way to enjoy the outdoors with friends during winter than around a fire pit or fireplace. There's something about the crackling of an open fire, glass in hand, some great cheese and perhaps even some marshmallows for the kids. It's also a great feature in your garden. Go on, get on out there!

homeadore.com

 japanesetrash.com

Spanish Colonial in Los Felix by DISC Interiors. lonny.com

Eric Aust Architect

Better Homes & Gardens bhg.com

Images via Pinterest and Instagram. All images are credited where possible. Please feel free to share information on any where a source could not be located.

Inside Scoop. Interior Design Blog.

MAKE A SPLASH - POOLS

On what is probably one of the coldest and wettest days in Sydney, it might seem a little odd to be reading a post on pools. But if you're planning to be swimming in a brand new pool this Summer, now is the time to get the ball rolling. Apart from needing council approval, you should be thinking about size, shape, colour, what materials you'll use to line the pool and how you'll finish the surrounds. I think the best pools have simple lines and I'd most certainly steer clear of the dreaded kidney shape! Create a little oasis by adding lots of poolside plants and loungers are a must. As well as offering some inspiration, perhaps the enclosed images can let us dream a little of warmer days to come. 

Moroccan house by Christophe Decarpentrie

Images via Pinterest and Instagram. All images are credited where possible. Please feel free to share information on any where a source could not be located.

Inside Scoop. Interior Design Blog.

IVY ENVY

As I sort out my own patio area, I'm experiencing some hardcore ivy envy. I'm a little obsessed with the lush greenery and structural privacy it offers. Don't underestimate how much your garden can affect how your house looks and makes you feel. Always try and create spaces you want LIVE in.

(Images via Pinterest and Instagram)