Modern Pergola Ideas: 15 Stunning Designs to Transform Your Outdoor Space

There’s something magical about stepping into a backyard that feels like an extension of your home—a place where indoor comfort meets outdoor beauty.

Modern pergolas have become the secret ingredient to creating these dreamy outdoor sanctuaries, and for good reason.

They’re not just functional structures that provide shade and definition to your space; they’re architectural statements that can completely transform how you experience your backyard.

Whether you’re dreaming of intimate dinner parties under twinkling lights, lazy Sunday afternoons with a good book, or simply a stunning focal point that makes your neighbors do a double-take, the right pergola design can make it all happen.

Today, I’m sharing fifteen modern pergola ideas that blend contemporary aesthetics with practical functionality, each one designed to inspire you to create your own outdoor oasis.

Let’s dive into these stunning designs that prove a pergola isn’t just an addition to your backyard—it’s the foundation of your outdoor lifestyle.

1. Sleek Minimalist Pergola with Clean Lines

The beauty of minimalist design lies in its simplicity, and a sleek pergola with clean lines embodies this philosophy perfectly. This modern approach strips away unnecessary ornamentation, focusing instead on geometric precision and quality materials that speak for themselves.

Step by Step

1. Choose materials with a contemporary finish such as powder-coated aluminum in matte black, charcoal gray, or crisp white to establish your modern foundation
2. Design the structure with straight beams and posts arranged in a precise grid pattern, avoiding any decorative curves or traditional embellishments
3. Keep beam spacing uniform and calculated, typically 12-18 inches apart for optimal shade while maintaining the airy, open feeling
4. Install the pergola with flush mounting hardware that disappears into the structure for a seamless, floating appearance
5. Consider adding a retractable canvas shade system that slides smoothly along the beams for adjustable coverage without compromising the minimalist aesthetic
6. Integrate LED strip lighting within the beam channels to provide ambient illumination that enhances rather than clutters the design
7. Pair with simple, modern outdoor furniture in neutral tones and maintain a clutter-free space underneath to let the architecture shine

Picture this: Your backyard features a stunning black aluminum pergola that seems to float effortlessly above a pale gray concrete patio. The perfectly spaced beams cast dramatic linear shadows that shift throughout the day, creating an ever-changing pattern on the ground below. Beneath this architectural marvel, a low-profile sectional in crisp white cushions beckons, while hidden LED strips illuminate the beams at night, transforming your outdoor space into a sophisticated evening retreat that feels like it belongs in a design magazine.

For more inspiration on creating cohesive outdoor living spaces, explore these outdoor living room ideas that complement modern pergola designs.

2. Biophilic Pergola with Living Roof

Bringing nature directly into your architectural elements creates a harmonious blend that’s both environmentally conscious and visually stunning. A biophilic pergola with a living roof takes the traditional structure and transforms it into a thriving ecosystem.

Step by Step

1. Build a sturdy pergola frame using treated wood or steel that can support the additional weight of soil, plants, and water retention systems
2. Install a waterproof membrane over the top beams, followed by a root barrier layer to protect the structure from plant root penetration
3. Add a drainage layer using lightweight aggregate materials or specialized drainage mats that prevent water accumulation while allowing excess moisture to escape
4. Create planting pockets by filling the space with a lightweight, nutrient-rich growing medium specifically designed for green roofs
5. Select drought-tolerant plants like sedums, succulents, or native grasses that require minimal maintenance and can withstand varying weather conditions
6. Install a drip irrigation system with a timer to ensure consistent watering without the hassle of manual maintenance
7. Add climbing plants at the pergola posts to create vertical green walls that enhance the living aesthetic

Picture this: You look up from your patio lounge chair to see a lush carpet of green succulents covering the top of your pergola, their varied textures creating a living tapestry against the sky. Delicate purple sedum flowers dot the surface in spring, while cascading vines drip down the posts, creating natural curtains that sway gently in the breeze. Butterflies and beneficial insects visit throughout the day, and you notice the space beneath stays noticeably cooler than the rest of your yard—nature’s own air conditioning at work.

Continue your journey into nature-inspired outdoor spaces with these zen garden ideas that complement living structures beautifully.

3. Geometric Modern Pergola with Angular Design

Breaking away from traditional rectangular forms, geometric pergolas introduce dynamic visual interest through unexpected angles and modern shapes that command attention and create architectural drama.

Step by Step

1. Sketch or digitally design your pergola using angular elements like hexagonal shapes, asymmetrical triangles, or overlapping rectangular frames at varying heights
2. Work with a structural engineer or experienced contractor to ensure your creative design maintains proper load-bearing capacity and stability
3. Select materials that can be precisely cut and joined at various angles—steel beams with welded connections work particularly well for complex geometries
4. Paint or finish the structure in a bold, contemporary color like charcoal, deep bronze, or even a striking burnt orange to emphasize the unique shape
5. Position the pergola to maximize its sculptural impact, perhaps as a standalone focal point rather than attached to the house
6. Incorporate lighting that highlights the angular lines, such as uplights at the base or linear LEDs along specific beams to create dramatic shadows
7. Keep the surrounding landscaping simple and modern to avoid competing with the pergola’s architectural statement

Picture this: Your backyard showcases a stunning angular pergola with intersecting beams that create a three-dimensional geometric pattern against the evening sky. The steel structure, finished in matte charcoal, features beams that cross at unexpected angles, forming a canopy that looks different from every viewpoint. As the sun sets, strategically placed uplights cast dramatic shadows that dance across your patio, while the bold design becomes a conversation piece that transforms your outdoor space into a modern art installation you can actually use.

If you love bold architectural elements, discover more contemporary living room ideas that embrace geometric design principles.

4. Pergola with Integrated Outdoor Kitchen

Why separate your cooking and lounging areas when you can create one cohesive outdoor living space? A pergola with an integrated outdoor kitchen becomes the ultimate entertaining hub where functionality meets style.

Step by Step

1. Plan your layout by positioning the pergola to cover both the cooking zone and an adjacent dining or lounge area, typically requiring a structure of at least 12×16 feet
2. Install proper utilities before construction begins, including gas lines, electrical outlets, water supply, and drainage for sinks
3. Build or purchase a custom outdoor kitchen island that fits proportionally under one section of the pergola, including features like a built-in grill, refrigerator, and ample counter space
4. Add weather-resistant cabinetry for storage, choosing materials like stainless steel, marine-grade polymer, or sealed wood that can withstand the elements
5. Incorporate task lighting directly above the cooking surface using pendant lights or recessed fixtures mounted in the pergola beams
6. Create distinct zones by using different flooring materials—perhaps stone under the kitchen area and wood decking in the seating section
7. Install a ventilation system or ensure adequate airflow to dissipate cooking smoke and heat effectively

Picture this: Weekend mornings find you standing under your beautiful pergola, flipping pancakes on your built-in griddle while your coffee stays perfectly warm on the heated stone countertop. The pergola’s beams frame your cooking area like an outdoor room, with pendant lights providing perfect task lighting even as twilight approaches. Your guests gather around the adjacent dining table, all under the same elegant structure, while the smell of grilled vegetables mingles with fresh herbs growing in planters along the pergola posts. Everything you need is within reach, and the entire space feels like a natural extension of your indoor kitchen.

For more ways to enhance your outdoor cooking experience, check out these outdoor bbq area ideas that pair perfectly with pergola designs.

5. Retractable Canopy Pergola for Variable Shade

Sometimes you want full sun, sometimes you crave complete shade—why not have both? A retractable canopy pergola gives you total control over your outdoor environment with the push of a button or pull of a cord.

Step by Step

1. Select a pergola kit or custom design specifically engineered to accommodate a retractable canopy system, ensuring the frame can support the hardware and fabric weight
2. Choose between manual rope-and-pulley systems for smaller pergolas or motorized retractable systems with remote controls for larger structures
3. Install guide tracks along the top beams where the canopy will slide, ensuring they’re perfectly parallel and properly secured
4. Select weather-resistant fabric in a color and opacity that matches your needs—lighter colors reflect heat while darker shades provide more UV protection
5. Attach the retractable canopy to the track system according to manufacturer specifications, testing the mechanism multiple times before final installation
6. Add tie-down points or wind sensors for motorized versions to prevent damage during storms when the canopy should be retracted
7. Consider installing side curtains on the same track system to create a completely enclosed outdoor room when desired

Picture this: It’s a perfect Saturday afternoon, and you’re hosting a backyard barbecue when clouds suddenly roll in. Instead of rushing everyone inside, you simply press a button on your remote, and the retractable canopy glides smoothly across your pergola’s beams, creating instant protection from the unexpected drizzle. Later, as the sun breaks through and warms the afternoon, you retract the canopy to let the golden light filter through the beams, giving your guests the option to sun themselves or retreat to the shaded sections. The flexibility transforms your pergola from a single-purpose structure into an adaptable outdoor living space that works in any weather.

Explore additional patio design ideas to complement your flexible outdoor space.

6. Industrial Modern Pergola with Metal and Wood Mix

The industrial aesthetic brings raw, honest materials together in unexpected ways, and a pergola combining weathered metal with natural wood creates a striking balance between rugged and refined.

Step by Step

1. Choose black steel or rusted corten steel for the vertical posts and main support beams to establish the industrial foundation
2. Select rough-hewn or reclaimed wood beams for the top lattice, leaving the natural texture and even some weathering visible for authentic character
3. Expose all bolts, brackets, and connecting hardware rather than concealing them—make these functional elements part of the design aesthetic
4. Consider adding industrial-style Edison bulb string lights with visible black cords running along the beams
5. Finish the metal components with a matte black powder coating or allow steel to develop a natural rust patina for additional texture
6. Keep wood elements natural or apply a clear sealant that preserves the grain and color variation rather than staining uniformly
7. Pair with industrial furniture like metal chairs, concrete side tables, and vintage-inspired accessories to complete the look

Picture this: Your backyard transformation is complete as you stand beneath a pergola where blackened steel posts rise from the ground like the columns of a reimagined factory, supporting thick wood beams that still show the saw marks and natural splits from their previous life. The contrast between the sleek metal and weathered wood creates instant visual drama, while exposed bolt heads and metal brackets add functional beauty. As evening descends, Edison bulbs strung along the beams cast a warm amber glow that softens the industrial edges, creating a space that feels both urban-chic and surprisingly intimate.

For more industrial-inspired outdoor designs, browse these outdoor lighting ideas that enhance architectural features.

7. Pergola with Built-In Seating and Planters

Why add furniture when you can make the pergola itself provide everything you need? Built-in seating and planters create a self-contained outdoor room that’s both practical and impossibly charming.

Step by Step

1. Design the pergola with extended lower beams or platforms that form built-in bench seating along one, two, or three sides
2. Frame the bench areas with sturdy 2×6 or 2×8 lumber, ensuring they’re properly supported with posts extending into the ground or secured to a concrete foundation
3. Add comfortable outdoor cushions with weather-resistant covers in coordinating colors that tie into your overall design scheme
4. Build raised planter boxes directly into the pergola posts or as integrated elements at the ends of bench seating
5. Fill planters with trailing vines, fragrant herbs, or colorful flowers that soften the structure and add natural beauty
6. Include storage compartments beneath flip-up bench seats for cushions, gardening tools, or outdoor entertaining supplies
7. Paint or stain all built-in elements in a cohesive color palette that makes the entire structure feel intentionally designed as one piece

Picture this: You’ve created the perfect outdoor reading nook under your pergola, where built-in benches wrap around two sides, topped with plush navy cushions that invite you to settle in for hours. At each corner, tall planter boxes overflow with jasmine vines that climb the pergola posts, their sweet fragrance floating on the breeze. You lift the bench seat beside you to retrieve a throw blanket from the hidden storage, then return to your book while purple petunias cascade from the planters above, creating a living frame around your personal sanctuary. Everything has its place, and the entire structure works together as one cohesive, beautiful unit.

Discover more integrated outdoor design with these outdoor deck ideas that maximize functionality.

8. White Modern Pergola for Mediterranean Vibes

Nothing captures the essence of sun-drenched coastal living quite like a crisp white pergola that seems to glow in the sunlight, creating an effortlessly elegant Mediterranean atmosphere in any backyard.

Step by Step

1. Construct or purchase a pergola in traditional rectangular form using white-painted wood or white vinyl materials that resist yellowing over time
2. Keep the design relatively simple with classic proportions—posts slightly smaller than the beams they support, and beam spacing that creates dappled shade
3. Paint everything in the same shade of bright white using exterior-grade paint with UV protection to maintain the fresh appearance
4. Add sheer white curtains to one or more sides that can be tied back during the day and closed for privacy or wind protection
5. Surround the pergola with Mediterranean plants like lavender, rosemary, citrus trees in large terracotta pots, and climbing bougainvillea
6. Install a gravel or light-colored stone patio underneath that reflects light and enhances the airy feeling
7. Furnish with natural materials like wicker or rattan furniture with white or cream cushions, and add blue accents through pillows or pottery

Picture this: Stepping into your backyard feels like arriving at a Greek island villa as the brilliant white pergola stands gleaming against the azure sky. Sheer white fabric panels flutter gently in the breeze, creating dappled shadows that dance across the limestone pavers below. Terracotta pots filled with lavender line the base of the pergola posts, their purple blooms providing the perfect color contrast, while a climbing white rose winds its way up one corner. Beneath this Mediterranean-inspired structure, you recline on a cushioned lounger, the scent of lemon trees and herbs creating an intoxicating atmosphere that transports you thousands of miles away from your everyday life.

Continue your Mediterranean journey with these spanish mediterranean style home design ideas for comprehensive inspiration.

9. Floating Pergola with Minimal Ground Contact

Creating the illusion of a pergola that barely touches the earth adds an ethereal, contemporary quality that makes your outdoor structure feel like a piece of modern sculpture floating in your garden.

Step by Step

1. Design the pergola with slender steel posts powder-coated in a dark color that visually recedes, making them nearly invisible from certain angles
2. Set posts in deep concrete footings that provide stability while keeping the visible ground contact points as small as possible
3. Cantilever sections of the pergola beyond the support posts to enhance the floating effect, working with an engineer to ensure structural integrity
4. Choose thin profile materials for the overhead beams that provide shade while maintaining the light, airy aesthetic
5. Paint or finish all components in a single color to create visual continuity that makes the structure appear to be one unified, floating element
6. Keep the ground beneath the pergola free from built-in features or heavy furniture that would anchor the visual weight downward
7. Add lighting underneath the beams or in the ground pointing upward to enhance the hovering effect at night

Picture this: Your guests do a double-take when they first see your backyard pergola appearing to levitate above the lawn, its slender black posts so thin they nearly disappear against the garden backdrop. The canopy extends well beyond its minimal support points, creating generous shade that seems to float in defiance of gravity. At night, the magic intensifies when subtle uplighting makes the structure glow against the dark sky, the beams casting delicate shadows that shift with every breeze. The overall effect is so striking that your pergola becomes less of a backyard addition and more of an art installation that happens to provide the perfect spot for your morning coffee.

Find more innovative outdoor structures in these pergolas ideas for varied inspiration.

10. Smart Pergola with Automated Features

Welcome to the future of outdoor living, where your pergola responds to weather conditions, adjusts lighting based on time of day, and can be controlled from anywhere through your smartphone.

Step by Step

1. Install a motorized louvered roof system that opens and closes individual slats to control sun exposure and ventilation with precision
2. Integrate weather sensors that automatically close the louvers when rain is detected or retract fabric panels when wind speeds become unsafe
3. Add smart LED lighting systems that can change colors, dim, or turn on/off through voice commands or smartphone apps
4. Install outdoor speakers discreetly within the pergola structure, connected to your home’s smart audio system for seamless entertainment
5. Include motorized screens or curtains that descend at the touch of a button to block sun, wind, or create privacy
6. Connect heating elements like infrared heaters to your smart home system for temperature control on cool evenings
7. Program scenes and schedules so your pergola automatically prepares itself for morning coffee, afternoon shade, or evening entertaining

Picture this: As you arrive home from work, you tap your phone while still in the driveway, and your pergola springs to life—the louvered roof opens to let in the cooler evening air, string lights fade on to a warm amber glow, and your favorite playlist begins streaming through invisible speakers. Later, as you’re reading beneath the pergola and the first drops of rain fall, the louvers automatically close overhead before you even notice the changing weather, keeping you perfectly dry. When dinner guests arrive, you simply say “Alexa, party mode,” and the pergola transforms—lights brighten, side screens descend to block the setting sun, and the overhead heaters warm the space to comfortable perfection.

Enhance your smart outdoor space with these outdoor table decor ideas that complete the experience.

11. Rustic Modern Pergola with Natural Wood

The warmth of natural wood brings an organic, approachable quality to modern design, creating a pergola that feels both contemporary and timeless, perfect for those who want modern function without cold minimalism.

Step by Step

1. Select high-quality wood species like cedar, redwood, or ipe that naturally resist rot and insects while developing beautiful patina over time
2. Leave wood in its natural state or apply a clear sealer that enhances the grain without adding artificial color
3. Design with substantial beam dimensions—think chunky 6×6 or 8×8 posts and thick overhead beams that celebrate the wood’s natural heft
4. Keep joinery visible and interesting, using traditional techniques like mortise-and-tenon or decorative metal brackets that complement the wood
5. Allow natural imperfections in the wood to remain part of the design story—knots, grain variations, and color differences add authentic character
6. Pair the natural wood with other organic materials like stone pavers, natural fiber rugs, and linen cushions
7. Let the wood weather naturally over time, embracing the silvery-gray patina that develops rather than fighting against nature

Picture this: Your backyard pergola stands as a testament to natural beauty, its thick cedar posts still showing the subtle variations in grain and color that make each piece unique. The substantial beams overhead cast bold shadows that shift throughout the day, while the wood’s natural honey tones warm the entire space. Over the seasons, you watch as the cedar begins its slow transformation, the sun-exposed surfaces taking on hints of silver-gray that only make the structure more beautiful and authentic. Beneath this natural canopy, surrounded by potted ferns and stone pavers, you’ve created a space that feels both modern in its clean lines and timeless in its organic materiality.

Explore additional natural design elements with these rustic bedroom ideas that embrace organic materials.

12. Pergola with Glass Roof Panels

For those who want weather protection without sacrificing natural light, a pergola with glass or polycarbonate roof panels offers the best of both worlds—a covered space that still feels open to the sky.

Step by Step

1. Design or select a pergola frame engineered to support the additional weight of glass or polycarbonate panels, typically requiring stronger beams and posts
2. Choose between clear glass for maximum light transmission, tinted glass for heat reduction, or frosted panels for diffused light and privacy
3. Install panels with proper flashing and weatherstripping to ensure complete water-tightness at all connection points
4. Add a subtle slope to the roof design—even just a few degrees—to ensure water runoff rather than pooling
5. Include gutters and downspouts to manage rainwater collection and direct it away from the patio area
6. Consider adding retractable shade panels or exterior solar shades that can block intense afternoon sun when needed
7. Ensure proper ventilation by leaving some sections open or installing operable windows within the glass roof

Picture this: Rain patters softly on the glass panels above you as you curl up with a book in your cozy outdoor room, completely protected from the weather yet still connected to the drama of the storm. Light filters through the transparent roof, keeping the space naturally bright even on cloudy days, and you watch birds fly overhead without a single obstruction to your view. When summer arrives, the glass panels protect you from sudden afternoon thunderstorms while still allowing you to enjoy the garden’s beauty. At night, you lie on your outdoor sofa looking up through the crystal-clear panels to watch the stars wheel overhead, combining the best parts of indoor comfort with outdoor freedom.

Complete your covered outdoor retreat with these screened porch ideas for additional weather protection.

13. Two-Toned Modern Pergola

Breaking away from monochromatic designs, a two-toned pergola uses contrasting colors to highlight architectural elements and create visual depth that makes the structure pop.

Step by Step

1. Select two complementary colors that create contrast without clashing—popular combinations include black and natural wood, white and charcoal, or navy and light cedar
2. Decide which elements will receive which color, typically using the darker shade for posts and main beams while lighter colors highlight the roof lattice
3. Prepare all wood surfaces properly through sanding and priming before applying exterior-grade paint in your chosen colors
4. Use painter’s tape to create clean, crisp lines where the two colors meet, taking extra care at intersections and joints
5. Apply multiple thin coats rather than single thick applications to ensure even coverage and durability
6. Consider extending your color choices to surrounding elements like planters, furniture, or fencing for a cohesive design
7. Seal painted surfaces with clear protective coating to maintain color vibrancy and protect against weather damage

Picture this: Your backyard showcases a stunning pergola where charcoal-painted posts rise from the patio like bold exclamation points, supporting a lattice of natural cedar beams that glow golden in the afternoon sun. The contrast between the dark structure and warm wood creates instant visual drama that draws the eye upward, while the two-toned design makes the pergola feel intentionally designed rather than simply built. Friends comment on how the color combination makes your outdoor space feel more sophisticated and pulled-together, while the contrasting tones help define different visual planes that add architectural interest from every angle.

Discover more color-blocking inspiration in these accent wall decor ideas that use contrast effectively.

14. Pergola with Privacy Screens and Vertical Gardens

Privacy doesn’t have to mean boring walls—a modern pergola enhanced with slatted screens and vertical gardens creates seclusion while maintaining an open, airy feeling that’s anything but closed-in.

Step by Step

1. Extend your pergola design to include vertical elements on one, two, or three sides depending on where you need privacy from neighbors or street views
2. Install slatted screens made from horizontal wood slats, metal panels with geometric cutouts, or modern composite materials with interesting patterns
3. Space slats close enough to obscure direct sightlines while leaving gaps that allow air circulation and filtered light
4. Attach planter boxes or living wall systems to the privacy screens, filling them with cascading plants, herbs, or colorful flowers
5. Include climbing plants like jasmine, clematis, or climbing roses that will eventually soften and partially cover the screens
6. Add drip irrigation to wall planters to simplify maintenance and ensure plants receive consistent water
7. Consider making some screen sections removable or on hinges to adjust privacy levels seasonally or as plants mature

Picture this: You’ve created your own private paradise where slatted privacy screens filter the late afternoon light into beautiful parallel lines across your patio, while neighbors’ views are completely obscured by the vertical garden growing lushly on the screens. Herbs cascade from wall-mounted planters, releasing their fragrance every time you brush past, and climbing jasmine winds through the slats, its white flowers creating a living tapestry that changes with the seasons. The screens transform your pergola from a simple shade structure into a secluded outdoor room where you can relax without feeling exposed, all while maintaining an airy feeling that never feels claustrophobic or closed off.

Enhance your private outdoor sanctuary with these outdoor privacy screen ideas for additional seclusion options.

15. Fire Feature Pergola for Year-Round Use

Extending your outdoor season into cooler months requires warmth, and a pergola designed around a fire feature becomes a cozy gathering spot that’s usable from early spring through late fall and beyond.

Step by Step

1. Plan your pergola layout to safely accommodate a fire pit, outdoor fireplace, or fire table as the central focal point beneath the structure
2. Ensure adequate height clearance—minimum 10 feet between the fire source and overhead beams, following local fire codes and safety regulations
3. Choose fire-resistant materials for the pergola components closest to the heat source, such as metal posts or cement board panels
4. Install the fire feature on a non-combustible base like concrete pavers, stone, or a poured concrete pad
5. Add comfortable seating arranged in a circle or semi-circle around the fire, allowing 3-4 feet between seats and the fire for safety and comfort
6. Include storage for firewood, fire starting supplies, and fire safety equipment like a fire extinguisher within easy reach
7. Consider adding a spark screen or glass enclosure to contain flying embers while still allowing full enjoyment of the flames

Picture this: Cool autumn evenings find you and your loved ones gathered beneath your pergola, faces glowing in the flickering firelight from the stone fire pit at its center. The overhead beams are perfectly positioned to create a sense of room and shelter without interfering with the rising warmth, while strategically placed Adirondack chairs create an intimate circle where conversations flow as easily as the heat. As temperatures drop and stars emerge overhead, you pull your sweater a bit tighter and add another log to the fire, grateful that your pergola isn’t just a summer structure but a year-round destination that transforms chilly nights into cherished memories wrapped in warmth and flickering light.

Extend your outdoor season further with these outdoor grill and bar ideas that complement fire features perfectly.

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Your modern pergola journey starts with a single decision—which of these fifteen designs speaks to your style, your space, and your vision for outdoor living?

Whether you’re drawn to the clean simplicity of minimalist lines, the innovation of smart technology, or the cozy warmth of a fire-centered gathering space, the perfect pergola is waiting to transform your backyard from ordinary to extraordinary.

Remember, a pergola isn’t just about adding shade; it’s about creating an outdoor room that extends your living space, increases your home’s value, and provides the backdrop for countless memories.

Take inspiration from these ideas, adapt them to your unique space and needs, and watch as your backyard becomes the destination everyone wants to visit. The transformation begins now—your dream outdoor oasis is just one pergola away.