To find shelter from the blazing sun under a beautiful canopy in the company of loved ones and watch the tranquility of nature from there – isn’t that the perfect way to spend time, be it summer, spring, or autumn? And thanks to a vast array of ideas for garden gazebos, these structures can become a real ornament on any plot. Let’s delve into them more closely!
Wooden Gazebos
Probably the most traditional option, offering a wide variety of design: from minimalism to classics, from a simple shelter to an enclosed gazebo. But before we talk about the exterior, let’s touch on the technical characteristics.
Wood is a natural material, which is easy and pleasant to work with. Choosing such a structure, you can be sure: it is as safe as possible for all family members, and it is also disposable, which is quite important considering today’s environmental situation.
Unlike more modern materials, which can look quite alien in a garden, wood blends in with it, giving a feeling of harmony and unity with nature. If you’re not particularly romantic or this aspect is not that important to you, note the practicality and durability of the wood – after being coated with lacquer, any structure will last more than 25 years, changing only slightly.
With its help, you can bring many design solutions to life. The skill of wood carving can help integrate a garden gazebo into a classic or even Russian style. For those who prefer modern aesthetics, simple structures with clean geometric shapes are suitable.
No matter which design you choose, the construction includes a standard set of elements: a foundation (mostly concrete), support beams, supporting and cross beams for the roof. Starting from this base, you can add other, more complex elements, which will diversify the typical look of wooden gazebos.
Stone Gazebos
A stone gazebo is a more appropriate fit for a plot with a monumental house. Some models resemble little palaces, others – ancient structures. A more restrained effect can be achieved by avoiding the use of decorative materials. In any case, stone is an excellent option that will serve you for centuries, maintaining its majestic appearance.
Stone gazebos have increased durability, so they can withstand any weather conditions, even natural disasters. You can visit your summer house every few months without spending time on the care of the structure, only on its contents.
Of course, such material is not affordable for everyone, and building work cannot be done without the help of professionals. But the unique appearance of a stone gazebo hidden in the garden’s shrubbery is worth the effort. Besides, you can choose a more affordable type of finish, given the variety of options available.
Stone doesn’t necessarily have to be used for all parts of the structure. It is often combined with wood, metal, and glass to create original modern buildings.
“Living” Gazebos
You can never have too many plants: even a gazebo surrounded by a garden can become one. This type of architectural structure was once popular in noble estates, but fashion tends to come back around.
Living structures consist entirely or partially of plants, which can serve as a roof or support structures. Of course, growing such “material” from scratch requires a lot of effort and several years, depending on the growth time of the chosen plant and the weather conditions of the area.
For a full-fledged gazebo, choose shrubs and trees that don’t grow too tall. Buy seedlings that are not too overgrown so that you can shape the crowns in the future.
You should use a metal frame in the early stages. However, for climbing plants, you can take the structure as a permanent base, wrapping it with maiden grapes or even roses. You can approach the decor of stone or wooden gazebos in a similar way to combine their strength with the aesthetics of living structures.
Romantic Options
When you think about it, a garden gazebo is a very romantic place where, in a peaceful state of mind, you can take a break from daily tasks, enjoying nature with your significant other. Some structures seem to be made just for this purpose and do their job perfectly.
Arguably, the most aesthetic are small-sized forged metal models with minimal furnishings – a table and two chairs in the same style. They won’t shelter you from rain or bad weather, but once you sit in such a cozy place, your mood instantly transforms. These gazebos fit perfectly in a blooming garden, surrounded by roses that entwine the structure.
However, flowers alone can create a romantic atmosphere: for instance, hanging chrysanthemums in neat baskets.
Airy white curtains can transform any garden gazebo, adding a sense of lightness and weightlessness on one hand, and providing shade and privacy from prying eyes on the other, without creating a sense of enclosed space.
In the evening, when artificial lighting is required, you can decorate the gazebo with fairy lights, candles, or install dimmed lights.
Japanese Style Gazebos
As it turns out, you don’t have to be Japanese to appreciate the beauty of Japanese culture, admire it, and want to organize your space according to its principles. This nation pays close attention to every detail in all aspects of life, turning them into art. Therefore, to design a garden gazebo based on their philosophy, you need to consider several points.
For a garden structure, the rules stipulate you select the most picturesque spot on the plot, often on a hill, from which you have a good view of the territory and the house. In our context, adhering to the latter conditions is sufficient.
Is it worth noting that the garden should be designed in an Eastern style, planted with Japanese plants, and include other architectural details, like a pond with a bridge? These requirements may diminish the desire to build a gazebo. Or conversely, “squeeze” it into the conditions of your plot, which seems to be an acceptable option, as long as the structure itself is somewhat simplified in this case.
The gazebo blends well with minimalism and other modern, concise styles, as minimalism itself comes from Japan.
As for materials, you should choose between hard wood types and stone, as the traditional bamboo does not thrive in the Russian climate.
Classic roofs come in three types: pointed double-pitched, four-pitched, and roofs with gables. This part specifically can identify the Japanese origin of the structure. Unfortunately, even a simplified version is hard to build on your own.
Bungalow-Style Gazebos
A bungalow is a light construction originating from tropical countries. Though it’s not large in size, it holds all the essential elements for living, turning the structure into an ideal summer country house. Of course, garden gazebos aren’t intended for habitation, but to create their original design, you can draw some stylistic features from the bungalow.
First, you need to pick the most picturesque spot in your area. Tropical plants don’t take root in our country for obvious reasons, but a densely planted garden can serve as a replacement.
A bungalow stands out with its straight, often straw roof, which is somewhat heavier than the base. People use wood in its construction, which acts as support beams. Ideally, you should make the construction as simple as possible, adorn it with curtains and place comfortable loungers inside.
Gazebos with a Stove or Grill
Everyone loves cooking over fire – arguably, it’s the favorite pastime at a summer house. You can bring the grill outdoors, arrange chairs, tables, gather family and friends. But there’s a hitch – if it starts to rain, a strong wind blows, or pesky insects don’t let you concentrate on your favorite task. Sure, you can arrange a temporary canopy, but why put in so much effort? If you equip the garden gazebo with everything necessary, you can always enjoy cooking outdoors in good company.
Let’s start by noting that the gazebo should be of an open or semi-closed type. It’s recommended to use reliable materials that don’t get too sooty from smoke. Brick is perfect for this not only in terms of characteristics but also in appearance.
Choose the hearth for the gazebo yourself: grill, barbecue, or bbq. In any case, you need to ensure safety, shelter the fire from the wind and install an exhaust hood.
It’s important to properly equip the food preparation area. Allocate a place for storing charcoal or firewood, set up a cutting table. For convenience, it’s better to organize storage areas with dishes as well.
Unique Garden Gazebo Ideas — Photos
Some of the above-mentioned garden gazebos might seem unusual, but they are typical for our summer houses and can be found in various settlements. But when imagination comes into play, the structures take truly amazing forms.
Among them are constructions shaped like carriages, which look quite organic as gazebos. Other models closely resemble gnome houses due to their low roofs and corresponding decor. Kids will definitely love them!
We also find modern design solutions unusual, which are meant for plots in styles like minimalism, high-tech, constructivism, or other directions. It’s a real playground for experimenting with shapes, materials, colors, and decor.
For example, a dome-shaped glass gazebo looks stunning. Most likely, it’s meant for countries with mild climates, as many here in the summer would “sell their soul” for a spot in the shade. But such garden structures encourage trying something new, even in familiar things.
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