Hello World! Welcome Friends! Summer is here and that means it’s time to get outside, break out the grill and relax by the pool. But what do you do if your backyard is not exactly the warm weather oasis you’ve always dreamed of?
If you’re tired of looking at the same old outdoor living space, it’s time to transform it by adding a pergola. These ancient cousins to the porch awning, gazebo and arbor are experiencing a major comeback right now. They can be designed, built and installed by a specialized contractor or built from pre-designed pergola kits. Regardless of which route you choose, they provide great places to shelter from the sun or stay cool with just right amount of shade.
Not sure where to start? The three creative décor themes below will inspire you to create a backyard space so perfect you’ll never want to come inside again, unless it rains.
1. Southern Porch Pergolas
If you love the look and feel of a deck or porch that captures the Southern summer spirit of sipping mint juleps just outside French doors, you might like an attached pergola that features bright white patio furniture and whitewashed wood slats that let in the perfect balance of sun and shade. Add Roman blinds, shades or curtains for extra shade.
You could also consider a lattice pattern pergola accented with wicker or basket weave outdoor sofas, a rocker or two—maybe even a porch swing. For contrast, add farmhouse style planters or baskets overflowing with bright blooms and seasonal plants. Light hues on the walls and furniture create a blank canvas that makes the vibrant flower colors pop. Add extra charm with a wagon wheel cart as your own personal lemonade and iced tea stand for those extra hot days.
2. Luxury Resort-Style Pergolas
Missing your most recent vacation? You don’t have to spend a fortune on a remote private island in the Caribbean or South Pacific. Recapture the beachy bliss in your own backyard with a detached poolside deck and pergola just like those you’ve seen at expensive tropical resorts.
A dark stained pergola, thatched roof pergola or bamboo pergola are all excellent options for matching your favorite holiday retreat. Furnish it with plenty of seating, such as a couch, chairs and a dining table. Next, add stringed lights, hanging lanterns or a fire pit. For extra tranquility, add a water feature such as a fountain, pond, spa or hot tub. Lastly, accessorize your island pergola theme with tropical plants and palms.
For smaller pergolas, add off-white curtains and oversized cushions to complete the look. The extra pillows make your at-home resort extra cozy, and the curtains provide optional extra shade and privacy. For seating, add an oversized chaise or outdoor bed so you can lounge with your favorite summer vacation cocktail.
3. Perfect Hideaway Pergolas
Is your favorite book The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett? For the avid readers in your family, you might decide to build a small freestanding pergola over a comfy bench, a chaise lounge or a classic bistro set. Situate your mini oasis of calm in a hidden corner of your backyard or beneath any large, leafy trees. You can escape into your favorite book, nestled under greenery and in perfect solitude away from the hustle and bustle of work and family.
Style your tree-covered reading nook with a small- to medium-sized columned pergola. Encourage climbing plants to grow over the roof. Choose from honeysuckle, passion flowers, rambling roses, grapevine or wisteria, depending on where you live, any allergies and what you like best. Copy the chameleon and further camouflage your hiding spot with chairs and accessories in shades of green and cushions that match any flowers nearby.
Final Thoughts
When you experiment with adding a pergola to your backyard, porch, deck or patio the possibilities are endless. If you don’t like the three ideas we explored above, come up with your own or scour the home improvement magazines and television shows for more ideas. The important thing to remember is to think of your pergola design concept the same way you would when you purchase items for inside your house. Ask yourself if you want to extend your living room outside, create a new space in an underused portion of your yard or recapture childhood memories or a past vacation. In no time at all, whether you hire a contractor or purchase a DIY pergola kit, you’ll have a new outdoor space your entire family will enjoy for years to come.
Author Bio
Ray Ko has been creating effective visual merchandising and interior design strategies for retailers for more than 20 years. Today, he is the senior ecommerce manager for shopPOPdisplays, a leading designer and manufacturer of stock and custom acrylic product.
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