The best backyards have a sheltered place to gather and keep outdoor fun lasting longer no matter what Mother Nature has in store. The gazebo has been the shelter of choice for many. Entire landscapes have even been designed around the structure. But a gazebo doesn’t need to look as if it has been simply plopped down randomly in your backyard. It could be integrated into your outdoor living space—having its own presence, but being part of a whole. Here’s how to create an outdoor living space centered around a gazebo in Old Westbury and Setauket, NY.
What Is a Gazebo?
A gazebo is a simple structure made from wood, metal, stone, or a combination of the materials. It has open walls and a closed roof to retain an outdoor feeling while staying protected from rain or overbearing sunlight. A gazebo is very similar to a pavilion, yet there are two key differences.
A gazebo is a round, hexagonal, or octagonal structure built with a wood or stone floor. It’s considered part of the structure and it often makes the gazebo that much more charming. A pavilion, on the other hand, is simply composed of the beams and roof with no attached floor. Pavilions are often built on an existing patio or set on a prepared surface such as gravel. Both pavilions and gazebos can be located anywhere; the difference is simply that with a pavilion, the floor is built separately.
Where Should You Put Your Gazebo?
The location of your gazebo depends on your outdoor living preferences: a quiet place for relaxing, “party central,” or a little of both. A gazebo can be prominently located as part of your main outdoor living space. Your gazebo could be located in the middle of the lawn, giving it a sense of grandeur and strong presence. It could also be tucked away in a quiet corner of the backyard, acting more as a secluded retreat—but also a wonderful destination for parties.
How Should the Area Around the Gazebo Appear?
Whether your gazebo is in the center of an outdoor living space or a secluded corner, the approach to this structure is ideally easy and free of obstacles, signaling that this is an important place. A welcoming walkway should entice visitors to want to explore what’s at the end of the path. Pavers, natural stone, or bricks offer plenty of design options and artistic expression. For example, a curved walkway would add a touch of romance.
What Are the Outdoor Lighting Options?
A gazebo can be even more beautiful in the evening when the right lighting strategies are used. The gazebo could feature enough ambient light to make it feel welcoming and safe, but not overly bright. String lights are a popular solution, but you can also use hardwired lighting such as recessed ceiling lights or even a chandelier within the structure.
What Else Should Consider for a Gazebo?
The location of a gazebo means that you can be much closer to nature when relaxing within this shelter structure. Surrounding the gazebo with trees or a flowering plant bed helps to integrate it into its natural surroundings.
Most gazebos are intended to shelter a seating area. To that end, you could incorporate a gas-fueled fire pit or fire table in the center of the structure, with seating all around. This helps to preserve the views from within the gazebo while adding much-appreciated warmth.
