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Landscape designers often use the concept of outdoor rooms when they are creating a landscape master plan or garden plan for the home landscape. A yard or property can be thought of as a series of rooms that are delineated as part of the design process.

Though outdoor rooms typically do not have actual walls like rooms in your house, they can be defined by things like trees, shrubs, fences and other elements in the landscape.

Pergolas and Gazebos

Pergolas and Gazebos

One of the most effective ways to create an outdoor room is through the use of a garden structure such as a pergola or gazebo. Both of these structures have open sides and a series of posts to support a roof or overhead joists and beams. Gazebos have a roof and may have partial walls. Pergolas have an open overhead framework and are often planted with flowering vines that can eventually grow up and over the structure.

Prefabricated gazebos and pergolas can be purchased for easy installation by do-it-yourself homeowners or landscape contractors. They come in a variety of styles and sizes.

To create an outdoor living room, select a style that compliments your patio furniture and intended use. Be sure to choose a size large enough for your needs. You will want to have at least a couple of comfortable chairs in your gazebo, but an outdoor couch, lounge chairs and end tables are also nice additions that will make the space more versatile.

Hot Tub Shelters

Hot Tub Shelters

Some gazebos and pergolas are marketed as hot tub shelters. They are just what they sound like, providing a sense of enclosure and, sometimes, a roof and privacy for hot tub users. You can also use a hot tub shelter for your outdoor living space, if you’re not the hot tub type. No one has to know that it was supposed to be a hot tub shelter!

Where to Place Your Gazebo

Hot Tub Shelters

An outdoor living space should be convenient to the rest of the house. It may serve as an extension of your indoor living room or be accessed by sliding doors from your master bedroom or a dining room. While it is appropriate to have some separation between your house and an outdoor structure, don’t place it too far away. Going outside to your gazebo should feel like going from one room in your house to another and not like a trek to a remote corner of your backyard.

Planting and Landscaping

Planting and Landscaping

Use trees, shrubs and perennials to help your shelter blend into the rest of your yard. While the structure itself provides some shade, a deciduous tree close by can help to keep you cool in the summer. Loose, flowing arrangements of shrubs and perennials define your outdoor space while providing a feeling of separation from the house. Don’t place tall shrubs right next to your outdoor structure; it is best not to block the view. Carefully placed plant materials will complement your gazebo without vying for attention.

An outdoor living room will add value to your home. More importantly, it will make your yard a more enjoyable place to spend time. A gazebo, pergola or outdoor shelter expands the living space of your home, bringing you into the fresh air and the naturally relaxing properties of the outdoor environment.

Looking for furnishings for your outdoor living space? Browse our extensive catalogue now.

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