Outdoor Pergola

This huge white outdoor pergola is really something else -- even though it is large and open, it really has a strong presence in the backyard (in the best way of course).  This is actually my aunts house but I am using it as inspiration of sorts for our backyard makeover.  We know that we want to incorporate at least one of several pergola design plans that we have come across, but we are not sure how exactly to layout the yard in order to maximize the space that we have. I definitely want to have a large square patio area like the one she has in this picture.  I think that the space is so versatile and could be used for dining like she does, or replace the table and chairs with some couches for a more lounge feel.

We have been considering adding an outdoor pergola to our backyard for quite some time now. The only thing that has been holding us up is that we have a distinctly contemporary architectural style all throughout both the interior and the exterior of the home.  We knew we needed to find some type of modern pergola plans to give to our contractor but, surprisingly, it is actually harder than you would think. Most designs that I have seen are your classic white painted design that oftentimes have grape leaves growing throughout. I am so happy that I stumbled upon these pergola ideas on here because I finally found the perfect type of structure for our home.

I have worked on a lot of outdoor pergola projects throughout my years in the business, but this has to be one of my favorites because of the unique modern and colorful design.  To most people, I would imagine that red painted covered patio ideas would not spark that much interest but, here in the landscape design world, you really don't come across many homeowners that are willing to take a risk and think outside of the box like that.  The homeowners told us that they wanted to incorporate some sort of outdoor patio covers that would give them both a completely shaded as well as a partially covered zone to entertain in.

If any of you all are like me, you love the shade that an outdoor pergola can give to your backyard play areas without being too overbearing like a full covered porch could be.  Our landscape architect was actually the first to introduce pergola covers to us, and I am grateful for his wisdom and design eye.  We knew we wanted a large dedicated lounge/dining space next to the pool without the investment of a fully built cabana.  As you can see, the outdoor pergola ideas that we chose provided just the right amount of structure and coverage while still making the backyard pool area feel very open and transparent.

I think that you can find inspiration in anything, and I was actually inspired by the sandy beaches of the Mediterranean when I was designing this outdoor pergola (even though it is located in the desert haha).  I loved the deep tan color and rocky terrain of the beaches I visited in Spain and, although it may sound crazy, I really wanted to incorporate that ambiance somehow into the pergola plans we were working on.  I started with the color palette and kept to really earthy white washed woods to evoke that same warm tan tone of the sand I was mimicking.  I also kept everything open and area, not only to maximize our small patio ideas, but also to stir the same feelings as a soft sea breeze would.

For years I have thought that an outdoor pergola would be the perfect addition to our backyard living spaces because it would provide a lovely (and decorative) shaded area to shield us from the sun and occasional summer rain shower. In my opinion, you can't go wrong with any sort of backyard pergola ideas because they beautify your yard and make it more functional -- its as simple as that.  What I like most about our new structure (pictured here) is that it blends well with the preexisting architectural style of our home, plus it certainly adds beautify and functionality to our yard. We looked all over the place for pergola designs before we settled on this simple white structure and, after going through the process, I would definitely say that minimal decor is better.