An “Any Day” Getaway

Let a garden gazebo shade your summertime moments with cheerful, refreshing design.

Text: Matt Sorrell
Photos: Anne Matheis

“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.

 

“This design is something you can look at and say – I can do that.”

- Robert Newton, ASID, Robert Payne Newton and Associates Inc.
Interior designer Bob Newton’s vision for the outdoor setting beckons the notion of a cozy dinner for two after a day’s planting and puttering in the garden. Although the perfect-for-two setting is somewhat romantic, Bob’s design is grounded in reality. “This design is something you can look at and say – I can do that,” says Bob.

The beauty of a gazebo is that you can interact with your surroundings and incorporate them into your space, taking full advantage of nature’s design elements. Greenscape Gardens & Gifts once again provided floral accents and plants to do just that. A tropical tree gardenia by the entrance adds natural aromatherapy, and tropical hibiscus trees provide a lush background in the breezy, color-filled space.

With an eye for style, Bob draped a hand-painted floral fabric from the studio of  Dorothy Draper & Company Inc. on the well-dressed dining table to lend a touch of elegance and a splash of color without being garish. Creating a delightful table setting, many of the items that Bob chose are ones he has had for years – goblets, lettuce-leaf plates and silverware – but never paired them for outdoor dining. Their well-placed combination in this casual, inviting setting was ideal.

Vintage rattan armchairs offer a classic patio look to the comfortable space for spring or summertime dining. The space is complemented by a unique, provincial chandelier from Twigs & Moss, planters and candle stands in the likeness of urns that tie the space together with ease.