Outdoor Furniture, Patio Furniture and more!

Highlight the beauty of your wildflowers or spacious grassy knolls with a backyard gazebo that can redefine the space you call home. When considering the design of an outdoor area, less is often much more. We’ve all seen the one-too many look of holiday decorations or fake deer, and the point is to not replicate this image ever again. Thought it may be hard to believe, the wrong gazebo for the shape and scale of your backyard space is easy to mess up if you ignore the helpful hints of scale, weather protection, and interiors.

Less Gazebo is More Grace: Since size is not everything, focus on a small retreat that can hold a small get-together should you want to take your cocktail hour outdoors. The backyard structure should be built to last. With a cedar gazebo or pine gazebo that comes in many different shapes – octagonal, hexagonal, circular, rectangular, etc. – you can create the perfect getaway area for just you and your book too.

A Deeper Sense of Screening: If living in an area of sharp weather patterns changes, screens are a must. You’ll achieve the most use out of a gazebo that is prepared to keep out biting mosquitoes and rainfall alike, not to mention its resistance to strong winds and roaming birds or twigs. That said, keep screens intact and floorboards healthy with a gazebo that contains both of the above instead of wasting your energy on a wind or rainfall that hardly seems worth the trouble.

Keep the Austere Interiors:  The last step to making your backyard structure shine is the comfortable and functional interior design that belongs inside. Rather than trying to duplicate similar themes as your interiors, set it apart by using weather-resistant materials such as high quality teak furniture sets or pine and cedar shelving to match the façade.

Without trying to recreate your living room in the middle of your backyard, think of the cozy gazebo as a place for relaxation and contemplation that has the potential to completely redesign the way you and your guests interact with the surrounding design space.

Tags: backyard gazebo, cedar gazebo, cedar shelving, gazebo, pine gazebo, teak furniture sets

Instead of throwing together a room in our homes with random items, we typically spend days considering the options. From there, we analyze, debate, ask opinions, and finally, come up with what we think best represents us. The same amount of thought should go into designing the interior of our outdoor gazebo. Often times with outdoor spaces however, it’s hard to know where to start.

In most cases, there are a few ideas to try on for size in order to best direct your attention. The first begins with the type of space you’d like to create based on the size of your backyard gazebo.

To get the feel of an austere, rustic style of a gazebo, you may want to outfit it in light, natural wood tones that appear untreated. An example of this might be opting for whole log White Pine or White Cedar outdoor furniture collections. Typically, you’ll find these styles in matching patio chairs, garden benches, and porch  swings that can be purchased individually, based on the size of your gazebo.

If you value the old-fashioned feel of a log cabin with a slightly polished finish, the Red Cedar Adirondack chair or Cypress Adirondack chairs and garden benches offer a traditional approach. Their vertical, slatted backrests come in a variety of finishes from light and natural to shades as dark as night. A quintessential choice for gazebo and patio arrangements, Red Cedar and Cypress Adirondack designs are as recognizable to the world of outdoor seating as Abe Lincoln is to American history.

For a less rustic or traditional spin on wood furnishings, set your sights on a modern set of Teak wood chairs or an Outdoor Dining Set. Each of these lend themselves to a more luxurious feel while still retaining the forest vernacular. Since Teak is known for being hearty and self-reliant, complete your modern gazebo with a deep seating collection and coordinating cushions. Maybe even finish it with set of outdoor lamps to perfect the ambiance. Besides using Teak, the other way to create a modern outdoor gazebo is by creating a dining room. The use of an outdoor dining set or cedar picnic table in various shapes and sizes is another way to make your normal meal a beautiful, outdoor experience.

Gazebos should be designed the way you feel most comfortable enjoying the great outdoors. With that, live vicariously through the rustic or traditional designs inspired by the past, or bring the present into your outdoor space with modern comforts and dining.

Tags: backyard gazebo, cedar picnic table, cypress adirondack chairs, deep seating collection, garden benches, gazebo, Gazebos, modern gazebo, outdoor dining set, outdoor gazebo, patio chairs, porch swings, red cedar adirondack chair, teak wood chairs, white cedar outdoor furniture

Whether you’re a hopeless romantic or a realist, choosing the right backyard gazebo to fit your
lifestyle is a key to unlocking the magic of an outdoor space. Before diving into the hunt -
deciding on which roof, size, material, location, and shape – there are a few guiding
characteristics that you should know about the various backyard structures on the market.

Recognized as a classic shape for roofed outdoor spaces far and wide, the Octagon gazebo is
tradtional and romantic. Seen in residential gardens, community spaces and public parks all
around the world, they can often be accessed at more than just one of its eight angles.

Creating a completely different perspective is the Rectangular gazebo. Without as many turns as
the many-sided gazebos, the solid quadrilateral architecture of a rectangle offers a standard space
design ideal for those who want to recreate an indoor space outdoors. In addition to the wall area
simulating a large picture window, the rectangular shape is recommendable for those who
entertain more often since it fits a large dining room table or lengthy seating arrangements with
ease.

The Belle Roof gazebo – also known as a Hexagon Gazebo – demonstrates a similar, yet distinct
appearance when compared with the other outdoor spaces. Similar in plentiful sides to the
Octagon and Dodecagon gazebos but without the typical roof style, the Belle Roof of this sixsided structure sets it apart with a more fluid descent that resembles a large bell. Often described as unique and eye-catching, this option is ideal for those interested in creating a more luxurious or upscale effect.

No need to feel overwhelmed with structural decision-making once you’re informed of these
three popular shapes of gazebos. Consider the space you have as offering a relaxing room away
from home with the decorating scheme you’re shooting for. After that, let the Octagon, the
Rectangle, and the Belle Roof gazebos take the reins and show you that creating your perfect
outdoor area is as easy as counting to four, six, and eight.

Tags: backyard gazebo, backyard structures, belle roof gazebo, dodecagon gazebos, gazebo, Gazebos, hexagon gazebo, octagon gazebo, rectangular gazebo

Looking out on your backyard, you’ve decided to take the plunge into fabulous outdoor living with the addition of a gazebo.  Fantastic. But, the dreaming is the easy part.  Planning for size, style, material, and customizations can require a lot of thought.

Determining the approximate size of your gazebo is a great first step.  Even if you haven’t fully decided on an octagon gazebo or a rectangle gazebo, you can still get an idea of what kind of parameters you’re working with.

Most people determine the best gazebo size for them in a three-step process.

How Much Space Do You Have?: If you have acres and acres of land, this doesn’t affect you as much.  But, for those with smaller areas, it’s important to measure your space.  I’ve seen Belle Roof gazebos fit into tiny DC courtyards, so never think you simply don’t have enough room! Knowing your square footage and perimeters is the best first step to choosing the right size gazebo.

How Much Space Are You Comfortable Filling?: If you have the majority of your backyard dedicated to a gorgeous flower and vegetable garden, installing a gazebo may mean rearranging some plots.  Be realistic about how much space you need for outdoor living and how much space you need for other outdoor activities.  But, if you’re someone who cringes at the site of a lawnmower, replacing much of your landscape with a maintenance-free gazebo might be the perfect solution!

How Much Can You Afford:  This is the true reality-check! If you have 10 acres that you hate to maintain and want a 50 ft gazebo, budgeting may be an important step to take.  On the flip side, don’t skimp on size just to save a few bucks.  Having a large enough space to accommodate outdoor entertaining and family get-togethers will be well worth it in the end.  Many manufacturers offer layaway plans and extended payment options, so you can get what you really need.

Planning for the size of your gazebo will help you make the rest of your design decisions with confidence.  There’s no need to be overwhelmed with the addition of a fabulous outdoor living space.  You can’t fit a 20 ft gazebo on a 10 ft patio, so take your time and choose a size that works for your space, your needs, and your budget!

Have Fun!

Hazel.

Tags: belle-roof gazebos, dodecagon gazebos, gazebo, Gazebos, maintenance-free gazebo, octagon gazebos

Well, it’s here!  We all gathered around the small television in our owner’s office yesterday morning to see our beautiful belle roof gazebo make its debut on the famed morning talk show Live! with Regis and Kelly.

Without getting too sentimental, we were all buzzing with the opportunity.  I won’t lie and say we weren’t thrilled about the exposure, but it wasn’t just that that had our hearts racing.  We do have a global reach, but at the end of the day we’re still a small business.  We know our customers by name, we are consistently calling meetings to make sure we are giving the best service possible, and are truly passionate about helping both commercial properties and homeowners create outdoor spaces to love and enjoy with their families. We’re a business that, no matter how many people try to convince us we should, will never use an automated service to answer our phones or direct calls.  Every time the phone rings, some one is going to pick it up.  These are all small things, but they’re important to us.  Seeing one of our favorite gazebos on a show we’ve all watched before from our couches was like watching a best friend finally land the starring role in her favorite play after helping her rehearse lines.

It looked gorgeous up on that stage, and as we huddled around the television with travel mugs of coffee and that early Monday morning feeling of ambition…it became clear how we got it there in the first place.  After the first five minutes of the show, we all realized that we should be working on creating happy customers instead of watching television.  So, we turned it off and all scurried back to our desks… ready to make a backyard as breathtaking as the Regis and Kelly Stage.

Have Fun!

Hazel

Tags: gazebo, Gazebos, Outdoor Furniture, regis and kelly

I wanted to let everyone know the really amazing news!  Regis and Kelly of Live! with Regis and Kelly are heading up to Prince Edward Island on July 12 to film a week of destination episodes.  What will they call home base? One of our Belle Roof Elongated Hexagon Gazebos!

We hope that if you’re not a regular Regis and Kelly viewer, that you’ll catch one of their shows filmed from the gorgeous Prince Edward Island in dynamic Eastern Canada. The gazebo will be the show’s home away from home in Confederation Landing Park within historic Charlottetown, the capital city of Prince Edward Island.

The producers of ‘Live!’ were looking for an outdoor structure that could provide the perfect covered yet open venue for the hosts and their guests. We were selected based on our ability to create the traditional look the historical setting demanded as well as our ability to meet their tight time frame and international shipping needs.  The gazebo will be  assembled on site and measure 10′ x 20′ to accommodate the show’s conversational style staging.  The Live! gazebo will be constructed of the weather resistant and most requested vinyl material with classic cedar shake shingles and cedar flooring.  It’s no surprise that set designers chose the striking Belle Roof gazebo, as its romantic and eye-catching silhouette is a favorite with any institution with people constantly snapping photos.

Want to see what it might look like?  Get excited by checking out how other people have used a similar style.  Regis and Kelly will be putting their own unique touch on their gazebo (just as everyone does!) but here’s a sneak peak of how other people have used their belle roof gazebos!

They’re all so gorgeous; I can’t wait to see the lovely Regis and Kelly sitting in one!

What do you think? Weigh in with your thoughts by leaving a comment!

Have Fun!

Hazel

Tags: belle-roof gazebos, gazebo, Gazebos, regis and kelly

We talk a lot about creating your own at-home oasis.  After all, “stay-cations” have become one of the most popular family destinations as people use backyard structures and outdoor furniture to create beautiful paradises.

But, what about the professionals?  Your backyard haven is just one aspect of the many parts of your home you balance.  But, vacation resorts are completely focused on creating relaxing and rejuvenating environments that will turn people’s everyday stress into invigorating retreats.

Caneel Bay is a luxury resort situated in the pristine natural surrounding of The Virgin Islands National Part on St. John Island.  If anyone knows every detail of get-away design, it’s certainly the island resorts of the Caribbean.  And, the experts turned to our experts for gazebo and cabana design!

First, this open air gazebo serves as a wonderful sheltered outdoor living room.  Using bright teals to add bursts of unexpected color, it reserves an island feel without pushing over into cliché or overwhelming themes.  The outdoor deep seating collection exudes relaxed elegance, as the rich hardwood pulls together the entire outdoor room set that coordinates, but isn’t too “matchy.”

(Click photo to view larger)

This is certainly a design you could emulate in your own home!  For those who do not have a full staff of house keeping, however, you might want to try deep seating that has storage within the arms and back for the cushions.  That way, you can put the cushions away without lugging them into your storage shed, when you’re headed in for the night and rain seems to be on the way.  There are also a lot of stylish deck boxes that could hold your cushions and keep them safe outdoors.  What are your thoughts on it?

And, within sight of this fabulous outdoor living room… is that a cabana?  Why Yes! Can you guess what it’s used for?

Think the ultimate in relaxation…

Yes! A massage space overlooking the ocean proves this resort as one wonderful place!  The hardwood floors, bamboo-style shades, and exposed rafters create a rustic, yet refined feeling of secluded retreat. The palm-leaf style outdoor ceiling fan will keep the sea breeze moving, and fits seamlessly with this tropical décor.  My favorite part is that the rafters are painted white to match the walls, while the exposed ceiling remains its natural wood color.  Such a subtle color choice really brings through the marine feeling of this oasis.

You might be thinking, “What would I do with something like this in my home though?  I can barely get my husband to rub my shoulders!”  Okay, Okay, a massage chair and full spa might be a little over-the-top for your at-home oasis.  But, a cabana with rich hardwood floors, exposed painted rafters, a fabulous outdoor ceiling fan, and bamboo-style blinds can make much more than just an open air spa…  How about a dining area? A meditation retreat? An art or writing studio?  The options are endless. Plus, with walls and a closing door, you can use it for more seasons and in inclement weather!

So, if you hadn’t planned to go toward the islands this summer… that’s no reason to miss out on fabulous outdoor retreats.  Create your own tropical resort this summer, and enjoy it every day: Not for a week, not on one trip, everyday!

After all, if even the top tropical resorts are turning to us…why would you turn to anybody else?

Tags: backyard structures, cabana, deck boxes, deep seating, gazebo, outdoor ceiling fan, outdoor deep seating, Outdoor Furniture, storage shed

Centuries ago, in its first role, the gazebo performed in-the-round on rooftops.  Eventually, however, tired of playing such a lofty character, and wanting to seem more down-to-earth, it reinvented itself, as a separate, free-standing structure.

This was a bold move, as it risked a terrible loss of status; but, luckily, the transformation was such a resounding success, that it made the gazebo a star.  In my last entry, I began chronicling its endless run since then; and I believe I left off somewhere in the Middle Ages.

During the Renaissance, gazebos were in greater demand than ever; and no proper garden would be without one. Succumbing to the perils of such a high degree of celebrity, the more attention-grabbing gazebos became so outrageously extravagant that they actually caused scandals.

At the same time, many others remained humble, and served in the gardens of monasteries, as shrines, prayer houses, and places of meditation, where people could get in touch with their spiritual sides, or simply enjoy nature.

In the 14th century, France had four gazebos built at the Louvre.  The French style influenced those in many other countries, including England, where they surged in popularity in the 15th century.  In Elizabethan gardens, where they were commonly designed after the main houses, gazebos were used for entertaining.

During the late 1700’s, England, and other parts of Europe, got caught up in a craze for Chinese-style summerhouses.  This led to William Halfpenny’s 1752 book, ‘New Designs for Chinese Temples,’ which featured the first known appearance of the word, gazebo.

As is always the case, American audiences are the toughest.  This was especially true in this country’s early (a-hem!) stages, as the colonists were otherwise occupied.  So, gazebos didn’t get their big break here until the mid-1800’s, when the new middle class prospered.

They had some competition around the turn of the century, when houses were being built with grand porches, then made a comeback around 1930.  In the 40’s, patios had the edge for awhile, but some time during the 80’s, the resilient gazebo orchestrated a huge resurgence.

Indeed, the gazebo’s decision to come down from its perch really paid off.  After hundreds of years, it’s um, descendents, with their more grounded, approachable image, are more popular than ever, and still living the high life!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: gazebo, Gazebos, history of garden structures, outdoor structures

So, where were we?  Oh, yeah – talking about gazebos, of course.  This is a subject about which one can never say enough (and I oughta know!).  They originated as rooftop structures that would offer sweeping views of the surrounding landscape; and, apparently, they did that job well.

However, their more noteworthy accomplishment came years later, when people began building them on the ground.  While others may have been washed-up after such a letdown, for gazebos, the curtain then rose on a spectacular second act.  Performing under stage names that have commonly included summerhouses, screen houses, kiosks, pavilions, arbors, grottos, pergolas,  and pagodas, they have played continuously for centuries, to thrilled audiences around the world.

To say that gazebos have enjoyed a long run would be an understatement.  Although no one is certain of the precise date on which they made their debut, 5,000 years ago, they are known to have been playing the gardens of Egyptian royalty.  There, they were so highly prized that many people had their gazebos depicted in their tombs, along with the other possessions that they wished to take with them to the next world.

Also crowd-pleasers in ancient Rome and Pompeii, gazebos were built along the Mediterranean, as summerhouses for the affluent and aristocratic, who furnished them richly.  I guess that means that they had solid gold lounge chairs, porch swings, dining tables, accent tables, and  sofas.

In the East, the gazebo was such a smash hit that it had to add a second floor.  Indeed, in tenth-century Persian gardens, gazebos were elaborate, two-story structures, with cupolas, marble columns, and golden seats.  Often, they were built across pools or streams, in order to be cooled by the water running beneath their marble floors (I guess they didn’t have ceiling fans back then).

China’s gazebos were quite ornate as well, while those in Japan were frequently called teahouses, and used for the sacred Tea Ceremonies.

Everywhere they went, gazebos were getting rave reviews; and they hadn’t even come to America yet (because it was still undiscovered, of course).

Perhaps we’ll have to explore this further in the future.  I’m dying to see how they got their big break, and finally began playing in “The States.”

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: accent tables, Arbors, ceiling fans, cupolas, dining tables, Gazebos, lounge chairs, pavilions, Pergolas, porch swings, sofas

When I say that I know what I’m talking about when it comes to gazebos, I really mean it.  Now, I don’t claim to be as much of an authority as any of the talented crafters here, at GazeboCreations.com, who construct them.  No-o!

However, after having written about them for years, I have uncovered certain facts about gazebos that even the pros don’t know.  Ye-es!  Of course, it’s important to note that this information is not crucial to our designers’ expertise, which is second to none.  In fact, nobody really needs to know it at all.

It’s just that, when I write about something, I want to know everything concerning it, beginning with the basics.  This includes not only the history of the thing, but its etymology as well, especially when it has a name as intriguing as gazebo.

In most cases, I can break words down to their roots, and figure out where they came from; but, when first I pondered this curious specimen, I was, well, a bit nonplussed.  The only guess that I could make was that it had something to do with the word, gaze, because gazebos started out as rooftop structures that were built specifically for viewing surrounding areas.

I may never know whether or not I was right in my conjecture, because, as it turns out, after centuries of debate by scholars and etymologists, the origin of the word, gazebo, is still a mystery.  Apparently, its first known use was a sudden appearance in a 1752 book, by William Halfpenny (pseudonym for Michael Hoare), a prolific architectural writer, and his son, John, which was entitled, ‘New Designs for Chinese Temples.’

The speculation is that Halfpenny playfully added the Latin ending, -ebo (as in, videbo, which means, ‘I shall see’), to the word, gaze, to get the humorous meaning, ‘I will look.”‘  That could make sense, as gazebos were initially used primarily as points of observation (and, more importantly, it would make my theory correct!).

So, you see, my cup runneth over with knowledge about gazebos; and, even if some of it seems trivial, I still like to have it at the ready.  After all, one of these days, someone will bring up the subject at a cocktail party, and I’ll sound like a real genius (I’m so sher!).

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: etymology, garden structures, gazebo, Gazebos