Find Some Shade All Summer Long With These 5 Stylish Pavilion Ideas in Madison and McFarland, WI
Replacing the once-ubiquitous front porch, backyard pavilions are the ultimate in outdoor shelter, with open walls and a solid roof to protect you from the elements and give you a serene spot for entertaining and relaxing. Backyard pavilions are extremely versatile - but choosing the right style can be a challenge. Here’s how to find some shade all summer long with these 5 stylish pavilion ideas in Madison and McFarland, WI.
Why choose a pavilion over a pergola? Pergolas are wonderful shade structures that allow hot air to escape through the open roof, for a cool and breezy space. However, they are limited in that they do not offer shelter from the rain. A backyard pavilion lets you utilize your outdoor space to the fullest, whether you want to escape the blazing sun or a sudden downpour. You can enjoy cooking, dining, relaxing, and entertaining in the shelter of a pavilion, no matter what Mother Nature has in store.
A pavilion can be any size or style you want, to fit your space and your lifestyle. To make your pavilion a cozy place to hang out all season, be sure to add an outdoor fireplace along one side.
Related:Why Adding a Pavilion to a Poolside Patio in Monona, WI Is a Smart Move
1. A Modern Pavilion
Modern pavilions are characterized by clean, streamlined design. The pavilion may use raw materials such as metal and wood, and celebrates the contrasts between materials including textures, colors, and shapes. Instead of a peaked roof, the roof may be sloped; or, a peaked roof could be made of unvarnished copper which would provide even more of a contrast against the sleek materials as it gains a weathered patina.
2. A Back-to-Nature Pavilion
Large (and sometimes reclaimed) beams, stone pillars, and a majestic stone fireplace give your rustic pavilion the appeal of a mountain log cabin. The roof style is often a gable style, to expose beams, which gives the roof visual interest.
3. A Poolside Pavilion
Spending time in the pool is fun, but having a retreat where you can get out of the sun makes your backyard absolutely incredible. Add a beverage cooler and some hammock hooks for the perfect poolside retreat.
4. An Entertainer’s Paradise
If you have the space for a grand pavilion, consider creating an entertainer’s paradise in your backyard. Shelter an outdoor kitchen, dining area, and seating area (complete with outdoor fireplace); add a full bar, comfortable outdoor furniture, and a TV for movie night, and you’re all set for entertaining family and friends. A grand pavilion has enough amenities to take your outdoor fun well beyond the summer entertaining season, which actually makes it a great investment because you’re actually likely to use your outdoor space instead of just looking at it from the kitchen window.
A scaled-down version of this grand-scale pavilion could house an outdoor kitchen with a seating bar; an outdoor fireplace could offer warmth and shelter, and a TV will let everyone enjoy the big game together.
5. A Zen Retreat
To really get away from it all, you need some sort of noise cancelling. A water feature with moving water such as a fountain, rain curtain, waterfall or water wall installed along the side of a pavilion will provide enough white noise to drown out any traffic sounds nearby. As well, a rain curtain can help cool the air inside the pavilion, which makes it even more appealing on a hot summer day.
To complete the zen atmosphere, consider monochromatic plantings around your pavilion along with comfortable seating.
Related:The Benefits of Adding a Pavilion to Your Outdoor Kitchen Design in Cottage Grove, WI
About the Author
With over two decades in business and maintaining an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau the entire time, Proscapes LLC is a leading landscape company in the Madison, WI, area. As a Unilock Authorized Contractor, we are recognized as the best-of-the-best in our craft—earning numerous awards along the way.