From House To Home

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Summer breezes swirl gently through the trees and create a place of serenity. A vast expanse of nature flows out beyond where your eye can see. Peace and quiet reign supreme. This is your back yard, right? This is not your back yard? The reality is probably something more like the smell of barbeque from next door, a road or house encroaching on your space, and horns, kids, dogs, and music obliterating any peace and quiet you may have dreamed about. This transformation house was no exception.

Problem:

This yard was originally up against an open expanse, but as building continued in the area, the landscape changed from fields to houses. Less than pleased with the new view, the homeowners built a small, brick wall. Three stairs led down to a four-season porch where they eventually put in a flagstone area that led to a man-made pond. The owner says, “It just didn’t feel like an intimate space; it wasn’t cozy.“

Concept:

To unite all these disparate elements, a pergola was constructed to wrap around and connect the sliding door and large windows to the porch and pond beyond. This marriage would take the small, existing flagstone space and create a warm area that would provide both privacy and a visually beautiful piece of architecture.

Solution:

A multilevel pergola was constructed out of cedar. While this wood is slightly more expensive, the quality far outweighs the price. It also comes dried and holds stain better. White stain paint was applied to the entire surface. The outer pergolas are 7 feet by 7 feet, and the middle one is 7 feet by 9 feet. The patio is a half circle about 300 square feet, and adding these pieces helped to create intimacy. The owner says “it’s now a conversational area.“

The overhead beams of the pergola offer areas of shade from midday sun and provide ample spaces to hang baskets of flowers and bird houses.

Additionally, vertical stainless steel lights were applied to the frames of the pergolas. This creates both a safety and a beauty element at night and allows activities to continue well into dark.

Finally, a porch swing was attached to the middle pergola. Reminiscent of a simpler time, this swing invites intimate conversation, looks welcoming, and adds to the overall appeal of the new area.

An excellent feature of the pergola is that it can be customized to fit any size or shape desired. Climbing roses or ivy add an additional element of privacy and natural beauty. Where a fence might feel too intrusive, a pergola is aesthetically pleasant to look at. The homeowner notes, “It kind of outlines your personal space. Instead of going from house to yard, it marries the two together. It’s unique.“

The Details

Multilevel pergola allows for artful hanging of flower baskets and wind chimes.
Porch swing invites everyone to enjoy the extended living area.
Plants and shrubs add interest and beauty to this outdoor space.
Stone wall provides personality and an ideal spot for shrubs.