Into the Shade: Pergolas and Shaded Structures

(Pergola Design: Boston Pergolas, Photography: SZ Media)

We all know the joy of savoring New England summer days.

Adding a fabulous pergola to your outdoor living space offers a shaded oasis with more design possibilities than ever. Whether you’re keeping it simple or adding a few luxurious amenities, the pergola will be the place to be this summer. With innovative features such as temperature controls, custom lighting, a television, kitchen area, or fireplace, these cozy spaces stay comfortable even as summer fades into autumn. Read on for inspiration on how to maximize your little slice of paradise!

Cabana Heaven: a Blade of Grass

The pool area becomes a full on resort with a cabana-like pergola such as this one. Flanked by two pairs of sweet chaise lounges with luxurious movable curtains, a beautiful hammock offers a sweet escape. The natural cedar wood finish blends into nature, encouraging its inhabitants to kick back and relax.

For the landscape design team at a Blade of Grass, the project was a unique opportunity to collaborate with the talented Adams & Beasley Custom Builders team to design and build a pool, pool deck, and pergola that all work together in harmony. The pool boasts a swim out and sun shelf intentionally nestled beneath the cedar pergola’s protective canopy. 

On either side of the swim out are inviting seating areas gracefully framed by the custom pergola, where extra-large columns and beams eliminate the need for additional supports and preserve the pool’s seamless beauty. 

(Landscape / Landscape Architecture: a Blade of Grass, Builder: Adams & Beasley, Photography: Michael J. Lee)

Contemporary Oasis: Boston Pergolas

Owner and Director of Boston Pergolas Manolis Cristo observes that the pergola space has officially embraced black as its reigning color. “We find that this is mainly due to the black window trend as well as the standing seam metal roof trend,” says Christo. “The combination of a black metal pergola on a home with black elements is stunning, and of course adds a nice contrast to white composite materials.”

The concept of pergolas has evolved with the advent of "California Rooms", transforming outdoor spaces into fully-equipped living areas complete with fireplaces, TVs, cozy couches, outdoor kitchens, and even keg bars.

Beneath the engineered aluminum frame structure of a louvered roof, these spaces come alive, offering both shelter and style. Enhanced with built-in drainage, the Boston Pergolas StruXure pergola elevates outdoor living to new heights.

(Pergola Design: Boston Pergolas, Photography: SZ Media)

The Hampton: Boston Pergolas

White, a timeless hue, serves as a canvas to accentuate architectural intricacies, such as this pergola’s two-step cornice trim and decorative post caps and bases. “Much like the marble used in ancient times, white has a magic in the sun that cannot be compared to any other color,” Christo emphasizes. “White pergola spaces always look more open and grand.”

(Pergola Design: Boston Pergolas, Photography: SZ Media)

The Pinnacle Lounge: Boston Pergolas

The poolside cabana is a perennial favorite among Boston Pergola’s many offerings. With generous dimensions of 12'x20', it's the epitome of the perfect freestanding layout, ideal for hosting family gatherings and events.

Neither too compact nor overly spacious, it strikes the perfect balance, and its versatility knows no bounds. “It is so customizable that we’ve never built two identical units,” says Christo.

From slatted back walls to A/V walls, screen walls, glass walls, and bespoke lighting solutions, the possibilities are endless. “Dream it, and we can build it,” Christo declares.

(Pergola Design: Boston Pergolas, Photography: SZ Media)