This post is authored by Priya at Once Upon a Tea Time…Design Stories - an interior design and lifestyle blog.  Priya is based in Northern California and writes about décor, traditional arts and crafts from all over the world and shares her inspiration with her readers.

When I think of interior courtyards, I instantly visualize this most romantic of places – lush greenery, terracotta tiles or tiles of any sort, the sound of water and a table set for two.  Or maybe a low settee piled high with cushions.  The two styles that I am most inspired by are the Moorish-influenced courtyards seen in the Mediterranean region and those seen in traditional houses in both Northern and Southern India.  It is a great way to bring the outdoors inside for you and your family to enjoy in complete privacy.

These gorgeous courtyards are perfect for warm weather.  They bring  much needed coolness to the interior and you have to agree that watching the rain fall from the coziness of the surrounding rooms has to be the most wonderful experience. 

I live in Northern California and am a huge fan of the Spanish Colonial style and my dream house would definitely include one of these gorgeous courtyards!

Image credits (top to bottom): Riad Kniza; Mangala Heritage Home; WeHeartIt; Southern Accents;  Mick Hales /Southern Accents

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