Friday, August 26, 2011

How to Build the Perfect Pergola


Houzz
There is nothing like a pergola to give an outdoor area importance. They are wonderful for creating outdoor rooms for dining or lounging. So it's no surprise that a pergola was number one on the list for Maureen's new landscape.

Houzz
Pergolas can be tricky to build.
It's all about proportion.
For instance, the posts on this pergola could be a little fatter.

Southern Living
A pergola with a "craftsman" feel.
I'm not so sure about the posts here. Wouldn't columns be better?

bhg
I love this one.
The cross braces give it more stability and make up for the posts that could have been beefier.

Houzz
Then there is the question, "to leave it natural, or paint it white."
Proportionally, this pergola is perfect.

The best contractor ever built Maureen's pergola.
Ward is a master craftsman and pays attention to the details like I do.
Such as the special cuts on the ends of the beams.
He's also Maureen's husband!

The view from the kitchen window was important. The height was considered because it served the purpose of blocking the view beyond the fence until the Pitosporum could grow.
Notice the details of the posts. They're notched.
This is a perfectly proportioned pergola!

I understand that it is a difficult decision to paint beautiful cedar, but the pergola needed to be white.
The back fence with the addition of the trellis also needed to be white!

Now that's a pergola!

Yesterday, we "guilded the lily" and added taupe stripe curtains from Ballard Designs.
Ward and I decided to hang the rods upside down as shown. In the winter, the curtains and rods come down, but the brackets remain. Then they can thread tiny outdoor lights around the perimeter.

Today is the final day for Maureen's landscape project.
The painter will faux finish the fireplace surround, making it look like stone.
The cottage is being furnished and staged.
Pillows added to the Adirondack chairs.
Flowers in pots.

The bridal shower is tomorrow!

Thank you Ward for being the best contractor ever.
Thanks also to Martin, my landscape contractor since 1986!

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21 comments:

Bonnie Bee said...

... just another AMAZING notch in your DESIGN VIGNETTE tool belt!!!
Lucky Maureen...

Sarah said...

What a lovely setting this will be for the bridal shower. Kudos to you, Delores! Outdoor spaces to enjoy for years to come.

bj said...

I am so wanting one...Maybe next summer. :)
This is beautiful.

Lauren@BaylorSays... said...

Oh this is super great. I had a pergola built last year (I love it, but it is in no way beautiful, just functional and 'regular') to create shade in our backyard that faces due East with no overhang. I recently decided, since the vines we planted aren't growing a bit, to weave canvas or whatever through the top like you showed in one picture. Trying to figure out just how to do that?

Thanks!! Those really are beautiful!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Love the pergola and the curtains. The entire yard is stunning and all the white paint just makes it. So beautiful and so fresh and inviting. Hugs, Marty

The enchanted home said...

Love it! The curtains really add so much and this is one of my favorite looks for outside. Stunning, great job...hope to have one one day myself.

Karena said...

Delores! This is such a perfect pergola. I agree with all of your comments!

xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

Mimi said...

wow, that is beautiful!!! :D

<3, Mimi
http://whatmimiwrites.blogspot.com/

Tricia Rose Rough Linen said...

That is without a doubt the perfect pergola~

Anonymous said...

You can always "see" perfection, can't you? Positively lovely! Quite lovely!
Pink Hugs,
Dee

Taylor Greenwalt said...

Love the details and the curtains make it.

Carol S. said...

Wow, this is one gorgeous backyard. Great pergola and I love the drapes and fireplace. Keep going and keep taking pics! Enjoy yourselves on Sat!

La Vie Quotidienne said...

Very nice and quite elegant.(-:

Lizabeth said...

Big wow! Love your pergola(s) you created for their yard and the outdoor fireplace is quite a nice piece! I agree painting it white was the right move...great job!

under spanish moss said...

What a beautiful outdoor space. You guys did such a great job. They will enjoy this space for many years to come.
Angela and Renee

Kathysue said...

Delores it all looks amazing!! You did a wonderful design job and Ward did an amazing building job!! What a difference!!! Love it all,
Have a wonderful time at the shower,I am sure you will be hearing all kinds of wonderful compliments and well deserved one's at that, xo Kathysue

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

Beautiful, love it! Can't wait to see pics of the shower! XO, Pinky

Victoria said...

Not surprising for you, Delores, the pergola, with white paint (the right choice) and curtains look fabulous. Congratulations to you and Ward. Have a wonderful time at the shower.
Best,
Victoria

Barb @ The Everyday Home said...

Simply and perfectly beautiful! You have probably already shared the info, but I would love to know where you got the outdoor fireplace. I want one too. :) I am sure the bridal shower will be just as much of a success as the backyard design. Blessings, Barb

Bonnie said...

Great project to add to your portfolio of great designs you have done. White was the perfect decision!

Tanya Anurag said...

Perfect spot for morning tea or dinner. You guys did a great job!

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