Provence Style inclosed Courtyard Featuring Antique Stone Fountains by Ancient Surfaces.

March 24, 2015

Antique Pool Fountain in an Inclosed Californian Courtyard Provided by Ancient Surfaces

Provence Style inclosed Courtyard Featuring Antique Stone Fountains by Ancient Surfaces.

Mediterranean Style home in Shady Canyon California. Custom carved by Ancient Surfaces and delivered to a local dealer.

A Custom Carved Stone Fountain by Ancient Surfaces sold to a local dealer.

The most important characteristic of indoor courtyard wall fountain design is serenity. A courtyard wall fountain mounted on a bed of antique stone cladding including salvaged rough iron fencing or even plants is simply breath taking. Walls fountains of an indoor courtyard can vary in size as long as they can esthetically and synergistically be layered onto their wall space.

Antique Fountain Sink in an Al Fresco style dining space. By Ancient Surfaces.

An Enclosing en-plein-air type of outdoor dining spaces can typically be open on all 3 sides and will be sufficient for creating a sense of enclosure. In order to avoid a fortress-like appearance, many homeowners opt to use one wall or partially see-through short wall with a small stone sink of trough fountain padded with a line of thick foliage shrubs or trees. This helps create a sense of greenery and intrigue while welcomes visitors, yet providing privacy for courtyard activities.

Antique Fountain atop salvaged antique landscaping stone pavers separated by grass.

Antique Fountain atop salvaged antique landscaping stone floors and grass. Provided by Ancient Surfaces.

A roof or patio cover can be added to a courtyard to further increase the sense of enclosure. However, this may make the garden space feel small and dark. One way to fix this problem is to have windows cut into the walls or fence. Consult a landscape designer to determine the best way to let the maximum amount of light into your courtyard.

Al Fresco Antique Fountain Sink With Trough by Ancient Surfaces.

Al Fresco Antique Fountain Sink With Trough installed in an inclosed courtyard in California by Ancient Surfaces.

Courtyard Water Features

A inclosed courtyard can’t be complete without a central water stone fountain. The sound of moving water will help to mask ambient noises such as traffic and neighbors. In a formal courtyard design a classically styled fountain can serve as a centerpiece, while in an informal courtyard a wall, or disappearing urn fountain will have the same effect.

Crystal Cove Showcase House Inclosed Courtyard Stone Fountain by Ancient Surfaces

Crystal Cove Showcase House Inclosed Courtyard Stone Fountain. This piece was provided by Ancient Surfaces.

The size of an antique water stone fountain should be proportionate to the size of the courtyard. For example, a large tiered Spanish style fountain will visually overpower a small courtyard and produce too much noise for the space. A landscape designer or architect will be able to help you determine the proper scale for your courtyard water feature.

Antique Pool Fountain in an Inclosed Californian Courtyard. This Piece was Provided by Ancient Surfaces.

Adding Furniture, Plants, a fire element & Lighting to your courtyard fountain

The size of your courtyard will determine how you put the finishing touches on the space. A large courtyard may be able to accommodate an outdoor dining table and chairs and possibly even a fire feature such as a small stone fire pit. On-the-other-hand, a small courtyard can be easily overwhelmed with accessories. In this case, keep things simple – a basic bench and a few potted plants with a simple wall fountain will do the trick.

Antique Stone Wellhead Pool Style courtyard Fountain Provided by Ancient Surfaces.

Antique Stone Wellhead Pool Style courtyard Fountain Featuring an antique jar. Provided by Ancient Surfaces.

Plants are the key to softening both the inside and outside of courtyard walls. Hedges and ornamental grasses can be grown along the walls, or a grouping of container gardens can be placed in a corner. Climbing plants are great because they will grow up and over the walls. If you live in a climate that allows, bougainvillea will add a nice pop of tropical color. The plants you choose can help establish a theme in your courtyard. For example, ferns and evergreens will create a South East Asian vibe.

A Massive 16 Feet Long Pool Stone Fountain Doubling as an Outdoor Jacuzzi Spa. Provided by Ancient Surfaces.

Finally, a courtyard needs lighting. First and foremost all pathways should be lit for safety. Then you can think about lighting your water feature to make it a nighttime focal point. And last but not least, you can add sparkling string lights or Moroccan inspired lanterns for ambiance.