Outdoors

Pergola Roofing Design Ideas: From the Natural to the Motorized

Layering Up: A lot of pergolas will only have one layer of overhead beams – say going in a vertical direction. One way of adding more shade and roofing to the pergola is to add another level of beams – this time going in the horizontal direction as seen in picture (1).

Going Natural: A simple and inexpensive way of covering the pergola is to hang plants and vines across the beams (2) – this also adds to the decor of the space. Another eco friendly idea, though not as decorative, is to use the pergola as a solar station as seen in picture (3).

Retractable Canopies: A retractable roof lets you transform the pergola space, letting you control the amount of heat and light shining through. The most common canopy designs are fabric ones (4) (5) that are either motorized or manual pulling. Picture (6) shows a simple roofing system that can easily be done DIY – a fabric canvas slides along a wire that is attached the posts. Then there are motorized blind systems that can be opened to a certain angle, and can be solar powered like the system from Solarishield.co.uk seen in picture (7).

Fixed Covers: Here are some pergola roofing ideas and options that are fixed in place – a vinyl lattice (8), bamboo poles (9), a fabric mesh (10), glass (11), or polycarbonate (plastic) (12). 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12

Here are some other pergola posts for more ideas:

March 26, 2013 in Outdoors

Simple Outdoor Pergola Lighting Ideas

A pergola can be a relaxing and beautiful place to hang out in at night. Here are some pergola lighting ideas that will turn it into an amazing outdoor space:

Overhead: A light can be fitted to one of the overhead beams (1). Depending on where you live, you might not want a light that hangs down, say a pendant light, as it will sway around a lot in the wind.

The Posts: There are quite a few lighting options when it comes to the posts of the pergola. These will need some electrical and wiring work done. Some ideas include fitting small wall lights, down lights, or having lights embedded into the posts (aka recessed lights).

If you choose to use solar lights, all you’ll need to do is just screw the fixtures to the posts – quick and simple (2).

Whimsical Lighting For Pergolas: To create a more whimsical and enchanting outdoor setting, have a look at using string lights (3). These can be easily wrapped around the posts of the pergola, or you can hang them on the beams overhead to create a starry night effect.

Tabletop: Tabletop lights would be the easiest way of subtly lighting a pergola. Some ways of doing this is to use candles (4), oil lanterns, table fire pits or bowls, or solar power lanterns like the SunJar (5).

Other Lighting Ideas and Solutions: Attach a spotlight to the wall of the house pointing toward the pergola. Another simple and inexpensive idea is to plant tiki torches in the soil around the pergola, or plant them in buckets of sand to hold them upright (6).

February 12, 2013 in Lighting, Outdoors

Home Style and Safety with Outdoor Security Lighting

It’s pretty amazing the power one light bulb can have. Take for example Stockton, California. They have a high crime rate, so Councilwoman Diana Lowery is making sure every house has at least one light bulb on by their front doors. The Police Chief backed the campaign which has the slogan “Light up the night, crime hates the light”.

Outdoor security lighting is not just great for safety, but it also adds to the curb appeal of the house. A well lit home looks elegant, and also makes it easier and safer to get yourself in and out at night. All of the following lighting ideas are great for security, curb appeal and also personal safety.

The Front of the House

Let’s start at the front door and work our way out. Having a wall light right by the door is a good place for a light fixture as seen in picture (1), to deter intruders and also in making it more convenient for you when you are by the door at night (finding keys, etc). It is also works to light up your house number if you have it here. The sides of the garage doors is another area that could use wall lights (2). High up on the garage, or on the wall of the house or a tree, a great security light to have fitted is a motion sensor flood light (3). Once again, great for security and also for helping to light up the driveway for you at night.

Welcome Home: Front Door Ideas and Designs

The Driveway

Now leading out of the driveway – having lights line this area would be a good idea just like in picture (4). Stake lights work well, or if you want less intrusive lighting, take a look at recessed lights that can fit into the driveway itself. You’ll want to avoid the runway effect which is when you place lights in rows – just like a runway. Instead alternate the sides you put them on. The same applies to any pathways you have out front.

The Entrance

Then we come to the outer edge of your front yard. Some people will have a gate or posts to mark the entry of the driveway. Here is another place to put lights just like in pictures (5) & (6). Once again this is great for security, but also for safety when driving in or out of the driveway (to see if there are any pedestrians crossing). And also if you have your house number hung up here.

The best security lights will be electrical. They will shine brighter, be more reliable, and will add value to your home. They can be hooked up to a timer to save you the hassle of turning them on and off. But not all of your exterior lights need to be electrical. Solar powered lights, all of which will automatically come on at night, can help save on your electrical bill. You can find solar powered display lights for your house number (7) or there are even solar flood lights available. 1/2/3/4/5/6/7

February 12, 2013 in Lighting, Outdoors

Deck Decorating Ideas Mood Board

(1) A great way of decorating and even adding some color to your deck is to use an outdoor area rug or mat. Special outdoor rugs can be found in places like Lowes. (2) Privacy screens not only give you some privacy, but add a decorative element to a deck. (3) Swings are a great and relaxing addition if you have the space for one.

(4) Deck ponds can be small like the one pictured or can be large and custom built into the deck. (5) A cut out in the deck to allow for a tree provides natural shade during the day (and can be wrapped in string lights). (6) Adding flowers and plants can be done through planter boxes. Add a number of them and have your own garden on your deck. There is the choice of pots, wooden boxes, or having some custom built or DIY built to fit the shape of your deck. You can even find planters that hang from the rails to save you floor space. Or if you have any overhead cover – hanging pots will do the trick (Ideas for Covering Your Deck).

(7) An umbrella is a great addition. (8) Deck storage can come in the form of chests or benches with space underneath. (8) The type of outdoor furniture (and color) you choose will also determine the style of your space. 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9