Tips for Planning A Backyard Pergola

Tomorrow is officially the first day of summer, and our temps here in Southern Cal reflect just that.   Therefore the hot request we are getting from our client’s right now is for backyard pergolas.  Adding this type of feature to your home adds value, square footage, and a space to create  fun filled memories with family and friends.  In this post, we’ll share some quick tips on planning a pergola for your home as well as explore some interesting ideas to make your space unique.

For starters, you’ll want to find the perfect space in your yard, and one that is flat if possible.  If your land isn’t leveled already, that can be done by a construction professional.

Next, selecting a space with some trees for a bit of shade from another structure is best.  A pergola is meant to be open to the sun above, so on hot days a little shade will be welcome.

A fun way to add a little visual interest to your pergola is by adding laser cut sheet metal to the roof or custom wood work.  This details creates fun pattern play that simply adds another interesting layer, making your space fit your personality and style.

Think of a pergola as an added outdoor living space. Creating a space for outdoor dining to a home with a small dining room indoors would be an excellent solution to maximize space for your home.  Or, simply creating a fun outdoor space for your family to enjoy movie night via a large wide movie screening area as seen below.

Adding special touches makes your space your own, like the above with a rock path leading to the black pergola with globe chandeliers.  Or the poolisde pergola below with oversized beds and draping canopies for a dramatic solution for a shady spot to break from the hot sun.

Whether your pergola is free standing or attached, traditional or modern, creating an outdoor space to gather with friends will add value to your life as well as your home.  Relatively low in cost to build, a typical pergola can be built on the low end around $3500, but can climb upwards from there depending on your amenities.  For example a classic four post structure with comfy lounge chairs will cost less than one with an outdoor kitchen.  By definition a pergola is a four-pillared structures with an open, latticed roof, and are covered with concrete or a flagstone patio.  But even something as simple as mulch flooring and three pillars like the image below can break the rules, yet provide as much fun and relaxation as one on a grand scale with all the bells and whistles.

*JDG Tip-If you plan to go the DIY route, we recommend contacting your local utility companies to ensure you don’t dig post holes into underground utility lines.

Whatever your design style or budget, just make it functional, fun and most of all,  make it your own.

Be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @JigsawDesign4U.

The White House

A snow white room layered with white décor is stunning and displays confidence.  There are friends and foes in regards to this look, where some deem it as cold and lifeless, others would disagree.  While not only making a space appear larger it also is a good way to cover up architectural oddities making the eye flow from the pops of color and interesting shapes around the room instead of the imperfections.

dining white furn and curtains

modern indoor pool

 

white kids room

 

 

The All White House is also more flexible than you might think.  As we observed in the last blog in the Updated Beach Bungalow, the all-white look can fit nicely into most style categories;  french country chic, beach bungalow, modern, glam, and plantation to name it a few.   The look doesn’t have to feel staunch or stark, but actually comes across as inviting and calming.

Decorative Ceiling Molding with Modern decor

plush bedroom

 

traditional bath

Floor to ceiling white creates a crisp canvas for you’re the pure white room.   Accent colors pop, artwork leaps off the walls and accessories make a statement with little effort.  So how do you select the right white for your space?  The Jigsaw Designers have a list of their favorite white paint to work with.  Benjamin Moore’s Decorator’s White, and Behr’s Polar White are among the best.  Whites are either warm or cool, warm with it’s yellow undertones are more fitting for a traditional softer look, and cool white with more blue undertones are more stark  which are fitting for a more modern or Hollywood Glam style home.

white oversized living

 

traditinal living

 

outdoor

The perfect white doesn’t have to stop at the walls and trim.  White floors are the ideal way to complete this look.  White flooring can be accomplished many different ways depending on the style of your home, existing floors and budget.  Glossy resin finished concrete slabs for the modern home create a crisp look that is very fitting of the style.  Porcelain and white marble floors work perfectly in most styles from Hollywood Glam to The Traditionalist.  One trend we are seeing more of is painted hardwood floors in a variety of colors and patterns.  In white this look can fit into most style category across the board.  It can bring new life to older hardwoods with imperfections and transform the look of your home.

white chandelier

white-room-design-ideas-2

white flhardwood

Retro Sofa eams rocker

Layering white on white creates the perfect back drop for colors to stand out.  Additionally, shapes have added movement, art is appreciated more easily, and the eye can flow about the room.  For a warmer look, try adding natural wood into a room like seen in the images below.  The bright white perfectly complements the natural wood giving way for the Rustic Modern look and farmhouse style to come into play.

white hardwoods warmshabby chic bedroom bard doors

white hardwoods pink chair

 

white washed dining eames

Layering whites in different fabrics and textures enhance the drama in a room as seen in the Hollywood Glam space below.  Even adding materials like glass, crystal, metallic or mirrors blend in perfectly into the white palette.  The textured rug, chiffon drapes, mirrored table and metallic pillows all being simple in design add high impact to this gorgeous room.

glam living

shabby-chic-bedroom-2

formal living

The White House has no rules.  There is more freedom in this color palette that any other.  For as daring as the look appears, it’s certainly the most flexible in style and décor’.   Share with us how this look translated into your home, we love hearing from you!

Airy white kitchen

Easy white living

 

For more information on the all white trend and resources visit the contact page on the Jigsaw Design Group website at www.jigsawdesigngroup.com.  Someone will quickly contact you with more information.  Please subscribe to the blog for more informative articles like these, and check out our Facebook page for more tips and images!  Be sure to ‘like us’ on Facebook!

 

 

modern bath

 

 

Hot Trend: Neolith-Move Over Marble

Eco-friendly Neolith is an amazing stone that is growing rapidly in popularity.  Resembling Calacatta Marble in appearance, it behaves quite the opposite.  This impenetrable wonder doesn’t scratch or  stain,  so it’s ideal for counter tops in a busy household.

Can it really get better than that…yes!  Neolith is also fire resistant so it makes for a perfect option as a fire place surround.   This sleek look makes for a gorgeous focal point without the risk of fire damage.

Plus one can also use this stone on almost anything-bathroom/kitchen walls, floors and countertops without risk.  Durable enough to last a lifetime, and about a third of the price of Calacatta or Cararra Marble.

 

As if we haven’t said enough about being an excellent bathroom or kitchen option,  moisture absorption rate is very low and it also can stand up to some serious cleaning agents.  So you can get your ‘clean-freak’ on without harm.

This high gloss beauty will withstand the elements for a lifetime, making it a big contender to marble in the marketplace.  One can live a little more freely with this natural wonder.

Stay tuned for tried and true feedback on current Neolith installs by Jigsaw Design Group.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter @JigsawDesign4U.

P.S. Don’t forget to subscribe to the blog!