Often all it takes is one image that sets my mind to thinking. The simple outdoor courtyard below was one of the inspiration photos I collected when I was imagining my outdoor space. This image from Martha Stewart has the simplicity of design and the vibe of the European country lifestyle I admire. Making such a space in our own yard would be my intention. One designated for outdoor dining or early morning cups of coffee. The rear of our home has just such a space that I though would convert nicely to this idea of a French courtyard. I had piles of cobblestones just waiting for me to use them, and so this weekend it all came together. Although I started the project on Saturday, and did a lot of back breaking handwork and digging, Mr. Maison Decor came to the rescue on Sunday with his dump truck and skid steer and made my dreams come true very quickly! He has an excavation business and its super handy at times like these to have this equipment and knowledge of how to set the stone and all that. He first removed the grass that was growing in the courtyard area. We leveled out a space in front of one of the stone walls to create a dedicated grilling area. This would be the grill station, and hubs would put down the two large slabs of blue stone for the grill to rest upon. This is me supervising hubby. He was doing an amazing job! By the end of the day we had set up a cobblestone courtyard that we had leveled out so we could set up our dining table. Then we put down a weed barrier fabric and on top of that the tiny pea gravel was sprinkled over that. The bluestone was perfect for the grill and my two large black urns were dragged over to their new spot. I have taken those urns everywhere I go! One was even in front of my old shop. We worked our butts off and today Colin and I are going to level out the pea gravel a bit more and put the dining table into position. Its a big step forward in the courtyard project, but still more things have to happen. A pair of French doors that lead to the back yard will have to be installed, as well as another wall trellis for the big blank backside of the house. Only one window is on the north side of the house out here so it feels awkward. One trellis has been installed and I think I need to put up one more.....I am back out into the yard to plant some lavender and add some mortar behind the cobbles to secure them. One more thing that is headed to the courtyard! I found it on Craigslist and it is an antique garden arbor. Woo Hoo! Not exactly sure where I am putting it, but I am picking it up today! Look for another exciting courtyard post tomorrow!! At least I am excited, lol. Its the little things in life that get me that way.

Often all it takes is one image that sets my mind to thinking. The simple outdoor courtyard below was one of the inspiration photos I collected when I was imagining my outdoor space. This image from Martha Stewart has the simplicity of design and the vibe of the European country lifestyle I admire. Making such a space in our own yard would be my intention. One designated for outdoor dining or early morning cups of coffee. The rear of our home has just such a space that I though would convert nicely to this idea of a French courtyard. I had piles of cobblestones just waiting for me to use them, and so this weekend it all came together. Although I started the project on Saturday, and did a lot of back breaking handwork and digging, Mr. Maison Decor came to the rescue on Sunday with his dump truck and skid steer and made my dreams come true very quickly! He has an excavation business and its super handy at times like these to have this equipment and knowledge of how to set the stone and all that. He first removed the grass that was growing in the courtyard area. We leveled out a space in front of one of the stone walls to create a dedicated grilling area. This would be the grill station, and hubs would put down the two large slabs of blue stone for the grill to rest upon. This is me supervising hubby. He was doing an amazing job! By the end of the day we had set up a cobblestone courtyard that we had leveled out so we could set up our dining table. Then we put down a weed barrier fabric and on top of that the tiny pea gravel was sprinkled over that. The bluestone was perfect for the grill and my two large black urns were dragged over to their new spot. I have taken those urns everywhere I go! One was even in front of my old shop. We worked our butts off and today Colin and I are going to level out the pea gravel a bit more and put the dining table into position. Its a big step forward in the courtyard project, but still more things have to happen. A pair of French doors that lead to the back yard will have to be installed, as well as another wall trellis for the big blank backside of the house. Only one window is on the north side of the house out here so it feels awkward. One trellis has been installed and I think I need to put up one more.....I am back out into the yard to plant some lavender and add some mortar behind the cobbles to secure them. One more thing that is headed to the courtyard! I found it on Craigslist and it is an antique garden arbor. Woo Hoo! Not exactly sure where I am putting it, but I am picking it up today! Look for another exciting courtyard post tomorrow!! At least I am excited, lol. Its the little things in life that get me that way.

Often all it takes is one image that sets my mind to thinking. The simple outdoor courtyard below was one of the inspiration photos I collected when I was imagining my outdoor space. This image from Martha Stewart has the simplicity of design and the vibe of the European country lifestyle I admire. Making such a space in our own yard would be my intention. One designated for outdoor dining or early morning cups of coffee. The rear of our home has just such a space that I though would convert nicely to this idea of a French courtyard. I had piles of cobblestones just waiting for me to use them, and so this weekend it all came together. Although I started the project on Saturday, and did a lot of back breaking handwork and digging, Mr. Maison Decor came to the rescue on Sunday with his dump truck and skid steer and made my dreams come true very quickly! He has an excavation business and its super handy at times like these to have this equipment and knowledge of how to set the stone and all that. He first removed the grass that was growing in the courtyard area. We leveled out a space in front of one of the stone walls to create a dedicated grilling area. This would be the grill station, and hubs would put down the two large slabs of blue stone for the grill to rest upon. This is me supervising hubby. He was doing an amazing job! By the end of the day we had set up a cobblestone courtyard that we had leveled out so we could set up our dining table. Then we put down a weed barrier fabric and on top of that the tiny pea gravel was sprinkled over that. The bluestone was perfect for the grill and my two large black urns were dragged over to their new spot. I have taken those urns everywhere I go! One was even in front of my old shop. We worked our butts off and today Colin and I are going to level out the pea gravel a bit more and put the dining table into position. Its a big step forward in the courtyard project, but still more things have to happen. A pair of French doors that lead to the back yard will have to be installed, as well as another wall trellis for the big blank backside of the house. Only one window is on the north side of the house out here so it feels awkward. One trellis has been installed and I think I need to put up one more.....I am back out into the yard to plant some lavender and add some mortar behind the cobbles to secure them. One more thing that is headed to the courtyard! I found it on Craigslist and it is an antique garden arbor. Woo Hoo! Not exactly sure where I am putting it, but I am picking it up today! Look for another exciting courtyard post tomorrow!! At least I am excited, lol. Its the little things in life that get me that way.

Learn how to create a French country garden by taking small cues & elements from elegant, French style & putting them into your own yard!

Learn how to create a French country garden by taking small cues & elements from elegant, French style & putting them into your own yard!

If you’d like to decorate with a taste of Provence, click through to learn how you can create a French Country look in your own home and garden.

If you want a serene yet private outdoor space, considering creating a courtyard. Here's how to create a Parisian courtyard with ideas from Paris!

Adore the French country farmhouse style and looking for some ideas on how to recreate it in your home? Read on to discover the major...

Creating Exemplary Gardens

These eight French garden design ideas are beyond beautiful and can be used to create a quintessentially French garden. Idea #3 is so easy!

Imagine transforming your home into a charming French country retreat. Discover the key elements of French country exteriors, from rustic stonework to elegant shutters, and learn how to create a timeless, inviting facade that exudes Provençal charm and warmth.

Here's how we created a backyard French Country garden on a slope, as well as how you can get the French style for yourself

Learn how to create a French country garden by taking small cues & elements from elegant, French style & putting them into your own yard!

Imagine transforming your home into a charming French country retreat. Discover the key elements of French country exteriors, from rustic stonework to elegant shutters, and learn how to create a timeless, inviting facade that exudes Provençal charm and warmth.