Arbors, Gazebos & Pergolas Add Architectural Interest to Garden Rooms
With warm weather on the horizon, many homeowners are looking forward to spending time outdoors after a long winter here in New England. Just as we refresh our homes with new décor each season, the same can be done in our garden rooms as well. In addition to incorporating a variety of flowers and plants, you can also enhance your space and add architectural interest with structures like arbors, gazebos and pergolas. Including all of these elements will make your garden feel more like a room, even in a vast, open landscape.
Arbors are freestanding structures that are typically arched or squared and create a transition point between one area of a garden and the next. Think of arbors as a frame or doorway that highlights the entry to your garden or the transition from one garden room to the next. They often provide the framework for climbing plants, which in turn helps soften sharp angles for a more organic feeling.
One of the more traditional ways to use an arbor is over a garden gate, whether it be an entry gate or one that divides your patio from the rest of the garden.
An extended arbor can also be combined with vertical walls to cover a portion of your garden path. It’s an ideal spot to provide seating, so guests can enjoy a cool reprieve from the sun, as well as the surrounding climbing plants and blooms.
Pergolas are a classic element of garden rooms and were a favorite in Italian Renaissance style gardens. These open-air structures define a particular outdoor space without completely closing it off.
This pergola highlights the outdoor dining space, creating a space where residents can enjoy the beauty of the surrounding landscape from the shade.
Pergolas can also highlight a focal point, such as a water feature, seating area, or flower bed by guiding the eyes to the intended destination.
Of course, gardens aren’t the only place for pergolas. We used a pergola to add interest and drama to a walkway next to this lakeside home. This one also offers a bit of shade and can protect windows from direct sun exposure.
Design by TMS Architects
Gazebos take the concept of a pergola a step further by creating a covered, open air retreat within a garden. If you have a stunning view, such as a pond, meadow, or vista, a gazebo provides a way to enjoy it year-round.
Have you enhanced your garden room with an arbor, pergola, or gazebo, or do you plan to in the future? Share your ideas for bringing one or all of these structures into your outdoor living space.
If you’re thinking about a renovation project or building a new home in New England, contact TMS Architects. Our team would love to speak with you about your project and how we can help bring all these details to life!
