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.
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.
To create your perfect gazebo, visit www.amishgazebos.com
where you'll find design ideas to build a virtual prototype.
Select from an array of beautiful and functional designs and
extra features. You can either build it yourself or have
Amish Country Gazebos' experienced craftsmen install it for
you.
These gazebos are hand crafted by Amish carpenters and are
available in either wood or maintenance-free vinyl. Starting
at $1,695 they are a priceless investment with a life-time
guarantee.
Order online or call (800) 700-1777 for a free 40-page idea
book filled with photos of dozens of home gazebos in real
backyards, design tips and a complete collection of gazebo
styles and accents.