Decor & Design
An “Any Day” Getaway
Let a garden gazebo shade your summertime moments with cheerful, refreshing design.
BY
Matt Sorrell
PHOTOGRAPHY
Anne Matheis

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“Use fabrics that pull all aspects of your colors together so they make sense.”

- Ellen Edwards, ASID, Inspired Spaces
Nothing evokes thoughts of the leisurely pace of summer more than relaxing in an outdoor gazebo on those carefree days. These timeless, open-sided garden structures provide shade, rest and respite from the everyday cares of the “real world” and are a transformable, blank canvas. Working with the same “canvas,” our talented designers created two very distinct spaces that take advantage of the gazebo’s abundant space and light.

Interior designer Ellen Edwards wanted to make a “vacation spot in the backyard,” a perfect place to relax with a good book on a lazy day. Utilizing pops of coral and earthy green against a backdrop of sea-inspired blues, Ellen gave the space a soft, tropical air. Plenty of pillows and throws were combined to create a comfy, relaxed atmosphere with custom sewing by Jeanette Longfellow of Material Girl. Flowing floor-to-ceiling drapery panels control light and keep the sun at bay – essential if you’re planning to spend the day “outdoors.”

Liberally arranged spring blooms like bright Gerber daisies and Southern magnolias from Greenscape Gardens & Gifts allowed Ellen to connect the space to its natural surroundings. An area rug from Ageless Rug Treasures brings a little bit of the indoors to the outside and serves to ground the scene. A vintage 1920s chandelier from Jon Paul Designs & Collectibles is a sophisticated touch and adds sparkle and unexpected surprise.

Ellen used an outdoor lounge with removable ottoman from Summer Classics at Mansfield Nursery as the centerpiece of the space. To leave your new gazebo design in place for any length of time, Ellen advises using items that are durable and resist the elements.