Gazebos Bring Indoor Comfort Outside

Escape from the hot summer heat with a poolside gazebo from Amish Country Gazebos.

(ARA) - For busy folks who don't have the time or the know-how to transform their outdoor space into a cozy garden room, outdoor structures like gazebos are a dream-come-true. Homeowners are turning to gazebos to transform their backyards into stylish outdoor living spaces, complete with indoor comforts.

Chet Beiler, owner of Amish Country Gazebos, the nation's leading retailer of custom-crafted gazebos, agrees. "People today want a covered retreat that adds distinction to their outdoor living areas," says Beiler. "They are looking for a focal point for their landscape, a way to upgrade their current deck, a special spot next to the pool to get away from the hot summer sun."

Escape from the hot summer heat with a poolside gazebo from Amish Country Gazebos.

Gazebos have been a backyard staple for centuries. From ancient times, Egyptian and Roman gardens were a focal point of entertainment and leisurely activities. Today, these architecturally and aesthetically pleasing outdoor escapes are an extension of your living space -- providing enjoyment and cool breezes on sultry summer days, a serene retreat, a relaxing nook to cuddle with a favorite book, and a charming yet functional room for entertaining.

Beiler says the first thing to consider before installing a gazebo is space and scale. "The larger your outdoor area, the bigger the gazebo you should install," he says. "Decide if you want your gazebo to be a focal point in a corner of the yard, a poolside bungalow, or a great room with kitchen and dining areas. That will help you determine the best shape and size to suit your needs."

These current gazebo trends help you achieve the look and function to fit your needs:

Eye-catching

When it comes to landscape design, a gazebo is the finishing touch as an accent or backdrop in any landscape. Select a spot that draws the eye to the gazebo and creates a focal point of interest.

When selecting a gazebo, try to keep a unifying theme such as the same color or style that is consistent with your home's architectural design. Continue this theme by matching the roofing tiles with your home's or consider using materials or a "motif" that connects the gazebo to the house: wrought iron ornamentation, a shell or pineapple motif, the use of slate, or native stone.

Poolside Paradise

Escape from the hot summer sun is just one of the many reasons people install gazebos. Poolside, they provide ample shade, a place for relaxing with the family, or to entertain friends. Add some curtains that can be pulled for privacy and you have an instant changing room. Add a splash of color with gorgeous floral and plant arrangements, and your pool is transformed, rivaling the best resorts, in your mini "tropical paradise."

Deck or Patio Enhancements

Adding a gazebo to an existing deck or patio is a great way to expand your living space without breaking your budget. Today's new outdoor rooms are being used in traditional ways for living space or for dining and cooking, complete with kitchens, ceiling fans and mood lighting.

Today's gazebos are great for multi-tasking spaces; serving as offices or recreation rooms by day- and intimate dining rooms at night. Trendy homeowners are wiring their gazebos for computers or flat screen televisions, or adding mega grills for entertaining.

The Great Room

The biggest trend in outdoor living is living large outdoors -- literally. Outdoor rooms are clearly reflecting our indoor trends, with gazebos leading the way as the new "great room."

Homeowners are installing very large gazebos, such as 40-foot rectangular options, which offer enough living space for a kitchen with a grill and refrigerator, a table for eight, and a few oversized chairs. It's the ultimate outdoor room with all the indoor comfort and style today's homeowners demand. Courtesy of ARAcontent