Fountains and arches are typical elements of a Spanish courtyard.
Spanish courtyards have romantic architectural features such as arches, fountains, tile flooring and walls and wrought iron. If you have dreams of creating your own Spanish-style courtyard but fear that the cost would be too great, you'll be relieved to know that you can do it without breaking your budget. Accessorizing with candles, hand-painted tiles, terra cotta pots and Spanish-themed decor can yield a Mediterranean courtyard that inspires visions of tapas and flamenco dancers. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Measure your patio area, and write down the measurements. Draw diagrams to establish where you want to place your table and chairs, fountain, potted plants and other furnishings. Spanish courtyards sometimes have central fountains, but you may not have the space or money to do this. Place your smaller fountain where it can be heard indoors and out and where it won't interfere with foot traffic.
2. Shop for your wrought-iron pieces. You might be able to find inexpensive pieces online. But also browse the thrift shops. You can probably find some pieces that need only a coat of paint to be brought back to life. Thrift stores often have tiled bistro tables, as well. If you're unable to find a bistro table, look for one at a home-improvement store or a chain store than specializes in imperfections and manufacturer overruns.
While you're at the garage sales and thrift stores, look for accessories. Pick up pillar candles in warm Mediterranean colors. Look for wrought-iron candle holders, carved-wood pieces and painted ceramics.
Set up your table and chairs and the solar or electric fountain on your patio. Place candles on your table, along with an inexpensive bottle of Spanish wine. Alternatively, fill a painted ceramic bowl with oranges, and put it on the table. Position glazed and un-glazed terra cotta pots in groups on your patio. Affix wall decorations such as crosses, iron planters and tiles that you found on your treasure hunt to your courtyard walls.
3. Landscape your courtyard area with Mediterranean plants including bougainvillea, succulents and flowering perennials and annuals. Start with small plants to keep your outlay minimal. Fill in pots with herbs such as lavender, thyme and rosemary. Use potting soil suitable for the plants you've chosen, and water the plants well after transplanting them into the pots. Train the bougainvillea to grow up a wall and onto your roof, using a weathered trellis or tree stakes. Trim or train the bougainvillea into an arch-like shape as space and/or your landlord permit. Strive for a look of floral abundance with a variety of plant shapes, sizes and colors.
Tags: your patio, your table, cotta pots, Spanish courtyards, table chairs, terra cotta
