01
Jan

Bringing New Orleans Courtyard Charm to Your Southern Home

Guest article by Caleb Leonard

It only takes one trip to The Big Easy to fall in love with the hidden courtyards, where you eat po’boys and finally, truly, understand jazz. The key to bringing that New Orleans courtyard charm to your Southern home is adopting the city’s eclectic styles.

The French, Spanish and Creole influences of New Orleans blend and simmer like a good gumbo. The result is a formal elegance without pretense.

Here, heavy iron furniture mingles with feathery ferns and soft lighting flickers against antique brick as water trickles from an ornate, weathered fountain.

The juxtaposition of textures creates a space that is casually old-world.

Elements of a New Orleans Courtyard:

Brick, stone and hard surfaces

Courtyards are enclosed spaces flanked by buildings. If we imagine the French Quarter, with its brick and stucco walls, we can formulate the backdrop for our courtyard.

In your yard, this enclosed space might be in your side yard between your house and fence, or you could add a brick wall with a gate to close off your patio.

The floor of your courtyard can be concrete or flagstone pavers, but for that authentic look, consider adding brick or DIY cobblestones.

To tie the look together, add shutters or an iron facade to your windows. The Creole townhomes around NOLA have wrought-iron casings on the windows and more elaborate cast iron on the galleries (balconies).

You can find antique wrought- and cast-iron fixtures at flea markets and salvage yards.

Depending on your inspiration, you can paint your door to stand out, like the Greek revival period homes, or go muted to emulate the Creole cottages.

Whether your courtyard has a gate or a wooden door, most entrances offer some visibility, so wooden doors often include a barred cutout at eye level.

Furniture

The furniture of a New Orleans courtyard is worn and relaxed. You might think of it as “old money” without the upkeep. A weathered wooden dining table, heavy cast-iron chairs and a wrought-iron bench with a clean cushion encapsulate the laid-back charm of The Crescent City.

You won’t find this perfect furniture in any big box store. Search estate sales and antique shops to recreate this casually distressed look.

Plants

Before air conditioning, New Orleanians used courtyards to escape the summer heat. Since green spaces reduce air temperatures by 2-9 degrees, you can go nuts with the planting. Incorporate simple yet beautiful landscaping for southern charm.

Any low-maintenance trees, shrubs and ground cover will do, but prioritize green plants over colorful blooms, since most courtyards don’t get much sunlight.

Common plants found in a New Orleans courtyard:

  • Ferns
  • Caladium
  • Banana tree
  • Sweet Olive
  • Jasmine
  • Gardenia

Remember to layer plants of different heights to add dimension to your courtyard. Think outside the perimeter with elevated planters and hanging plants.

Water Features

Did you know that the Spanish introduced the courtyards in New Orleans in the late 1700s? When colonizing the city, they added these water features as an homage to their homeland. Now, these fountains are synonymous with NOLA courtyards.

You might not have room for a gothic 3-tiered fountain in your courtyard, but a trough fountain with a simple spigot is all you need. The sound of the trickling water will add to the ambiance.

Tiered pedestals, bowls, basins and wall fountains will evoke the Vieux Carré (you could even go solar-powered). Wall fountains with fish and lion faces are popular in French architecture and design, and they make great conversation starters.

Lighting

The courtyards in New Orleans don’t get much sunlight, wedged between buildings that are often several stories tall. The solution is outdoor lighting.

To fit the theme, you’ll need period-appropriate lighting. The French Quarter is famous for gas-powered Belovo lanterns. But before you install a gas line, you should know that electric replicas and bulbs that emulate flames are an easier (and safer, less expensive) alternative.

Other lighting options for a New Orleans-inspired courtyard include:

  • Wall sconces
  • Hanging lights
  • Pendant lights (under your porch)
  • Solar path and landscape lighting
  • Flood lights (to highlight trees, fountains, and architectural designs)

Now that you understand the influences that shaped New Orleans, you’re ready to begin planning your courtyard. Will you choose a singular reference? Or take inspiration from multiple periods? Either way, you’ll create something uniquely N’awlins.

FAQ

Can I use shrubs to create my courtyard?

Yes. Plants play a critical role in creating the courtyard. If you use shrubs as walls, I recommend breaking up the color with large terracotta planters, brightly colored shutters, or flooring that pops.

How much does a New Orleans DIY patio cost?

Homeowners who choose the DIY route can expect to spend $1 to $17 per square foot.

Factors affecting the price:

  • Materials and finishes
  • The condition of your yard
  • The size and complexity of your project
  • Permits and machine rentals

Do I need a permit to build or renovate my courtyard?

Yes. You will likely need permits for any new walls, fences or permanent changes to your property. Be sure to check with your local city or parish before getting started.

 

Bringing New Orleans courtyard charm to your southern home is easy once you incorporate the elements. However, planning the layout and perfecting the scale can be tricky. Let our team at Exterior Designs Inc., by Beverly Katz, transform your outdoor space. We’ll handle the design, construction and upkeep so you can relax and enjoy our courtyard.

Book your consultation today.