Have a brand new backyard this summer
Garden Design Series: Trendy pergolas turn outdoor spaces into enjoyable places
At Make it a Garden, we’re passionate about creative and low-cost ways to turn backyard spaces into inviting places to spend time. As large or small as a yard may be, this space often gets neglected if it’s not a comfortable place to hang out. Then, if you don’t use it much, there’s less incentive to mow it or do yard work.
With a pergola, the ‘look’ is that of an outdoor “room”. When set out in the backyard or garden, a pergola creates a ‘focal point’ or ‘destination’ that is so desirable for making outdoor spaces more usable.
Here’s why you should consider adding a pergola:
- Make outdoor spaces more comfortable
- fairly inexpensive to install
- provides a “destination” for solitude or entertaining friends
- easy backyard upgrade that adds value to the home
What’s a pergola?
The word ‘pergola’ comes from the Latin word for a “projecting eave” like the eave of your roof. An eave is the part of the roof that extends out beyond the walls of the house. Similarly, a pergola consists of four columns that support a roofing grid.
Although its open-framed structure might resemble a gazebo or arbor, a pergola has its differences. Mainly that pergolas do not have walls or a solid roof. They’re not supposed to be a shelter, and are designed to be open.
However, many people like a bit of filtered shade. The pergola’s framework makes it easy to drape a curtain across the top. It not only provides light shade, but a decorative pop of color. In fact, some fancier pergola models are designed with a retractable covering or louvers. In hotter climates, pergolas are often seen with lattice across the top to support a vining plant such as wisteria, honeysuckle or grapes that do the work of providing shade.
Hot trends for backyards
Pergola’s are a hot trend that’s transforming backyards and how we utilize that space. We’ve even made up new terminology like “holi-stay” or “stay-cation” which indicates that more people are traveling less or at least visiting attractions that are closer to home. It means there’s more of a desire to invest in yards and gardens to make them more restful and resourceful places.
For women, a “She Shed” (a dolled up storage shed) becomes a nifty personal space for crafting, reading, reflection or catching a nap. See our article on She Sheds and more for the kid-at-heart.
The popularity of structures like these indicates that people want to make the most of their outdoor spaces.
Pergolas make outdoor spaces more usable
If you’re looking to make just one single improvement in the backyard this year, I recommend a pergola.
A pergola may be free-standing or attached to the side of the house. They’re typically made out of wood. But some are also made of vinyl or even steel for areas that are known to get some serious weather.
String them with mini lights at night to give warm sparkle to the backyard for evening entertaining. I think you can see how a pergola can breathe new life into the backyard and boost your home’s value.
Pergolas make outdoor spaces into sun rooms
Another reason why pergolas are moving into the mainstream is because they function as an extension of the home. Outdoor rooms sometimes called “sunrooms“–like the one in the photo above– are comfortable places for a variety of activities. I’d love to sit out here and work on my laptop.
A Pergola can be budget friendly
There are low-cost options for a pergola, like this vinyl one above available at Target. (please note: I mention this only with the intent to assist readers. I’m not an affiliate and receive no monetary benefit) It comes as a set. The canopy is made of canvas with small holes down the middle to allow for rain to seep through so the covering doesn’t collect water.
I happen to know a bit of the story behind it. Luz, the lady who took this photo, wanted to treat herself to a nice little spot to relax in the back yard. She particularly likes to listen to the sound of rain so the only down-side for her is that it doesn’t have a solid roof.
But they made a nice little patio with pavers and river rock commonly found at the big box hardware stores. She topped it off with a chiminea. Luz says she just loves her new pergola that makes the backyard so much more enjoyable.
DON’T FORGET YOUR FREEBIE! If you’re enjoying this article, why not be part of our garden and art community? Scroll down just a bit to sign up and get “10 Artistic Ways to Make Your Yard or Garden Beautiful.”
Some final thoughts
I’m loving the new garden trends. With a pergola, you could have a whole new yard this summer. You may have a nice lawn, and even pretty flower beds. But a pergola is something that provides a “destination” so you can relax after the garden chores are done.
If there are wet or muddy spots in the backyard, a pergola gets you up off the ground. Hang up your baskets or set a few planters around and you’ve got a little piece of paradise. And a renewed motivation to mow the lawn or put in even more flower beds. And a fountain. What else can you think of?
I hope you’ll consider adding a pergola. It’s a best small budget upgrade around. You’ll get a lot of use out of it and so will family and friends. Hopefully the addition of one outdoor improvement leads to giving attention to the rest of the yard which is a “good” thing!
More great decorating ideas for outdoor spaces
Outdoor spaces for the small budget
The Magic of Mirrors in outdoor spaces
