Solstice, I love your courtyard idea! I didn't know I wanted one until I saw yours. I particularly like your use of tile to define the courtyard space. I will definitely download this home when you're finished. I'd be happy to get it unfurnished if you finish the outside first. What size lot is it?
In real life I live in a town with spanish/mediterranean-styled homes and buildings. I'd love to make one at some point, but the building materials available in the game don't really fit with that.
I've seen mention of finding inspiration in home plans found online. I'd like to try that, but I can never find a key to the symbols used, so I can't read them. It seems that each site should provide a key.