All this rain may be good for the plants—our hydrangeas are HUGE—but it's been putting a damper on one of our favorite summer activities: dining al fresco. However, we've been using the extra indoor time to amass inspiration for when we do have the pleasure of indulge our appetites outdoors. Currently, we're on a pergola kick. Pergola's are like the outdoor equivalent to exposed beams and paneled ceilings; they don't provide shelter, have no energy efficient perks, but they add more character to a space than four walls could ever hope. So, without further ado...
Outdoor Inspiration: Pergola Paradise
Wisteria, clematis, and Rambling Rose are the most common climbing plants associated with pergolas, but grape vines and a host of fruit-bearing vines can also be used for a functional and decorative use of the structure.
This is from Martha Stewart's dreamy Skylands home, complete with kiwi vines and a view.
Those blessed with big backyards often encounter a similar dilemma to those with large, open floor plans: how to create conversation zones? We love how pergolas define a space, and transforms a nondescript area into an inviting place for people to congregate. The outdoor fireplace doesn't hurt either...
For ambitious DIYers who love the look as much as we do, check out Popular Mechanics' instructions for building your own.
(Images: 1,4,5: House Beautiful, 2: Traditional Home, 3: Martha Stewart)
Tags
outdoor, entertaining, gardening, inspiration, dining, pergola, vinesRelated Links
- My Great Outdoors: Peacock Feathers' Patio
- Inspiration: Rooftop Deck Turned Outdoor Room
Southern Living - Outdoor Furniture by Lifeshop Collection
- Inspiration: Dining Al Fresco
- Don't Throw Out That Jar! New Uses for Old Jars
Share
Comments (8)
Daily Email
Top Tours
- Hunter's Dramatic DIY
- Michael & David's Modern Classic
- Rhoda's Southern Hospitality
- Supon's Vibrant Kalorama Oasis
- Elizabeth & Kevin's Eclectic & Very Narrow Rowhome
Top Posts
Today in Marketplace
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
If you want to see one in real life, there's a gorgeous example at Dumbarton Oaks.
view Suzyn's profile
Not a biggie but Pergola's in your text doesn't need to apostrophe. It's plural, not modifying something.
view Indy Jeffrey's profile
@indy jeffrey...you mean it's plural, not a possessive
view shoepins's profile
I am preparing to put a pergola in my backyard and, because I want to be able to use it all year, am going to put a corogated tin roof over it. A neighbor has something similar and it looks pretty cool. I am really thinking about turning it into an outdoor bedroom since I love sleeping outside. But I have a feeling that would become a wonderfully dirty dog bed for my pooch.
view sam's profile
We're currently looking to add a pergola with a brick floor to the back of our small urban backyard that will get double use as a shelter for our car and entertaining area. We need to get car out fo the summer FL sun and storms, but we don't want to lose precious outdoor space to a garage . . . so a pergola seemed like a great compromise. Move the car when the summer heat breaks, rearrange the outdoor furniture, and voila...outdoor space.
view JaxByDefault's profile
I would exchange spelling skills for these gardening skills any day! Wonderful garden spots!
view baileyb's profile
Um... in love. I like the idea of something similar to this with grape vines. Beautiful... and edible! Plus, the smell is incredible.
view caitlinmarie's profile
Oooh, pergolas! I am in love with them. Unfortunately, I find that they're a bit pricey for my taste. However, after searching around, I found a pergola that I think I can afford to buy (well, after saving up for it). I'll probably install this one in the garden just before summer starts next year!
http://justpergolas.com/Style_1063498_B001T8EV0C_Danove-7100-Series-10-X-6-Pergola.html
view CybersurfingJunkie's profile