This courtyard entryway is another wonderful example of the possibilities for small spaces. This small space leading to the front door between the garage and driveway had been filled with various plants and garden ornaments and did not receive much use. As you can see, it was transformed into a sun-splashed front patio that the family now uses for Thanksgiving and other gatherings.

The open, airy feeling was achieved through a mix of colored concrete laid out to suggest pools of water, black Mexican beach pebble accents, and selected carefully placed small scale plants. A “peek-through” front gate, inspired by classic Italian gardens, combined with a vine-covered lattice fence provides a measure of privacy without closing in the open space.