A gazebo provides a cozy space...
A gazebo provides a cozy space in your yard, where you can entertain, relax, and enjoy your garden. There are plenty of ways to make your gazebo out of the ordinary using creativity. Read on to learn some creative ideas you can try for your gazebo.
Lighting is an often overlooked element of gazebos. You can go without lighting, but having it makes everything so much more fun. Lights in or around a gazebo allow you to use the gazebo at night.
You can add lighting within the space, or get creative with strand lights in or around the structure.
Often, adding lights to your gazebo means you need to hook up the structure to electricity. If you choose to add lights to the space, you can also take the opportunity to install a ceiling fan-based lighting fixture.
There are many unique lighting fixtures to reinforce your yard’s style besides fans. If you have a cottage-style garden with lots of flowers, match that energy by choosing a floral-inspired lighting fixture. A minimalist garden goes nicely with a simple light fixture.
Use a pretty chandelier to take up some vertical space. If you opt for string lights instead of or in addition to indoor lighting, you can highlight the area surrounding the space, and create a dreamy atmosphere.
Since a gazebo is often part of your plant-filled yard, why not make your gazebo as full of plants as the rest of your garden? Add sides made of lattice and plant climbing flowers near them. So, beautiful blooms and enchanting greenery will cover your gazebo.
Depending on your climate, you may enjoy star jasmine, scarlet runner bean, climbing hydrangea, morning glory, trumpet vine, clematis, honeysuckle, roses, black-eyed Susan vine, wisteria, nasturtium, or bougainvillea.
Compliment your climbing flowers with shorter plants along the periphery of the space. However, be conscious of attracting bees to your gazebo and consider planting your pollinator-friendly plants away from the structure.
If adding plants directly to the space is not an option, you can install a lattice around the gazebo. The plants can climb on that without much interference with the space itself. Trim or guide plants regularly to keep them off of the gazebo.
A gazebo can double as a greenhouse with a bit of planning. You can place plants within your space, without changing the structure. If you are building a gazebo from scratch, add some shelves to the outer edge. Fill those shelves with plants and create a little oasis for yourself.
A range of plants, including herbs, flowers, vegetables, and tropical greenery may benefit from being inside your gazebo. The essential factors for growing plants inside a gazebo are the same as anywhere else.
You must have enough sun, enough water, and choose plants compatible with the climate of the gazebo.
Some plants may do well in the summer, but not in the winter. In that case, you may need to bring those plants into your house during inclement weather. Plants in the gazebo can provide beautiful sights, improve the air quality, and even provide you with a natural vending machine.
In addition to shelves, hanging baskets are another great way to house plants.
Since a gazebo is all about having a relaxing retreat, being mindful about seating is essential. While chairs and chaises are perfectly fine, some built-in seating is convenient and can help bring together the look of the space.
Most built-in seating looks more organic than anything you bring in.
Bench seating is a common choice for built-ins. It allows everyone to sit together while being an efficient addition to most gazebos. It is much harder to run out of seats with a built-in bench. By comparison, you can run out of chairs.
A great benefit of a gazebo is it allows you to enjoy your garden in all seasons, even those with inclement weather. So, a fun way to enjoy your gazebo all year is by changing it with the seasons.
In the spring and summer, fill it with plants and decorative touches reflecting the burgeoning life right outside in your yard. Doing so will keep the gazebo fresh throughout the year.
In the fall, you can decorate your gazebo to reflect the harvest. Add pumpkins, leaf-themed decor, and items to celebrate the fall holidays. In the winter, you can add pine greenery, cold-hardy plants, and seasonal keepsakes.
Beyond decor, you can also ensure the functionality of the gazebo adjusts with the seasons. If safety requirements allow, you can add a small fire in the cold seasons or windows that open in warm weather.
A rustic neutral wood or metal is a common choice for gazebos. While a basic beige or brown can be lovely, you can communicate your creative style by choosing an unorthodox color or pattern for your gazebo.
Paint it a color that reflects your style, whether you prefer jewel tones, pastels, or bright colors. If you must do neutrals, consider painting an intriguing pattern or mural on the gazebo.
For example, you can paint your gazebo in black and white stripes or paint a mural that will camouflage the structure within your garden.
When painting your gazebo, ensure you use paint suitable for the outdoors and primer if necessary. Keep in mind that darker colors can attract heat.
Having a library or reading nook in your home is beautiful and relaxing. So, why not also have a reading nook in your gazebo? Being outdoors only makes the experience even better.
The exact needs of a gazebo reading nook will vary based on your preference and if you have an existing outdoor structure.
In general, most reading nooks need plenty of cozy seating, a place to put your tea, and a shelf of books to choose from is a solid place to start. A light to use in the dark is also great.
Before bringing books into the gazebo, it is essential to weatherproof the space. You would not want the reading material to get wet or wind-blown. Proper protection includes a solid roof and some protective walls.
You may think the entrance to your gazebo is simply a way to get in and out. However, with some thought, your entrance can set the tone of comfort in your gazebo. The place to enter will be different for each gazebo. However, there are a few general guidelines to consider.
Start with the trail leading up to the gazebo. A safe and clear path can guide visitors to the entrance and add to its beauty. It can consist of flagstones, gravel, wood slats, or different materials together.
The entrance itself should be marked. Ensure nothing obstructs the entry, and place a few pieces of decor marking the entrance. Putting some plants near the front of a gazebo can help highlight this as well.
While a lot of gazebos are a classic wooden style, many homeowners prefer a different style. When you build a gazebo from scratch, it can be whatever you want. Gazebos can be modern or asymmetrical. You can even shape them like a giant teapot.
In recent years, many people gravitate towards a modern style. Luckily, there are plenty of gazebos you can choose from that have a modern design.
Look for gazebos with hard angles and bold neutral colors. These tend to have less fussy design elements while serving the same purpose as other gazebos.
If you like a bit of fussy architecture, but want something different than the usual gazebo shapes, you have plenty of options. If you want a unique, or asymmetrical structure, you will likely need a custom design and build. If you are handy, you can even try to make it yourself.
A gazebo should be a cozy escape outside. However, your retreat can be vulnerable to insects, weather, and other elements that appear in certain seasons.
If you want to use your gazebo all year round, there are some design choices you can make to protect yourself from rain, wind, and unwelcome visitors.
The basic steps for good gazebo weather protection are a sturdy roof and impermeable sides. If people have an open gazebo, they may add protection by adding a gazebo top cover. To waterproof, try waterproof paint and a waterproofing spray.
Get a little creative with your weather protection by choosing a rust-proof, corrosion-proof metal roof, try elements to increase airflow in the summer, such as screens in windows, and preserve rainwater with a rain barrel.
A good gazebo can make a big difference in your garden. It provides a space to relax outside of the home and enjoy your garden. This structure provides you with the ability to unleash your creativity.
From the lighting to plants, to the overall structure, you can make your gazebo anything you want.
Spring Nee is an outdoor furniture expert with 18 years of experience.
She has extensive experience in outdoor design, including choosing furniture materials, following trends, and adding useful elements.
As a thought leader in the outdoor furniture industry, Spring has been a regular contributor to various blogs, magazines, and design forums
Contact SUNSHINE
