Outdoor spaces are becoming more than just patios and gardens—they’re extensions of our homes, offering a place to relax, entertain, and connect with nature. If you're considering ways to elevate your outdoor space, a pergola can add both architectural interest and functional value. This pergola by FineHouse is a great example of how classical design elements can blend seamlessly with modern innovations to create a versatile and elegant addition to any home.

At first glance, the pergola’s classical features stand out. With its Tuscan columns and detailed crown moulding, it evokes a timeless aesthetic that complements a wide variety of home styles. These architectural elements are rooted in history, appreciated for their symmetry and elegance. If you appreciate the look of traditional structures, this pergola could provide a sense of grace and cohesion for your outdoor area.

But there’s more to this pergola than just its good looks. Beneath its classical...

There’s no question about it—spending time outdoors is good for you. At FineHouse, where we create architectural garden structures that blend with the natural landscape, we’re passionate about helping people enjoy the outdoors, no matter the season. Here’s why getting outside, even in winter, can lead to a happier, healthier you.

1. Boosted Mental Health and Reduced Stress

Spending time in nature has a profound impact on mental well-being. Studies consistently show that even brief exposure to green spaces lowers cortisol levels (the body’s stress hormone) and reduces feelings of anxiety and depression. The calming effect of nature helps counteract the constant overstimulation of modern life, grounding us and giving our minds space to reset.

For this reason, having a designated outdoor retreat in your garden or backyard can be incredibly beneficial. Structures like garden rooms, pergolas, and shelters create inviting spaces where you can escape for a few...

Coffered trellis ceilings on pergolas bring together architectural style and practical functionality. Originally seen indoors, these designs now find a fitting outdoor application. The structured beams not only enhance the outdoor space but also provide shade and define the pergola's boundaries. The interplay of light and shadow within the coffered trellis adds visual interest, making the pergola a captivating focal point.

Beyond aesthetics, coffered trellis ceilings contribute to the overall atmosphere of a pergola. The repetitive geometric patterns create a sense of order, making the space inviting for relaxation and socializing. Gaps between the beams allow sunlight to filter through, adding a dynamic touch. This makes the pergola suitable for both daytime retreats and evening gatherings. The coffered trellis ceiling blends form and function, turning pergolas into timeless outdoor sanctuaries with architectural finesse and a welcoming ambiance.

Architectural garden structures play a pivotal role in enhancing the overall appeal and value of a home, contributing positively to both aesthetic and financial aspects. These structures, meticulously designed and integrated into the landscape, serve as focal points that not only add visual interest but also create a harmonious connection between the interior and exterior spaces. A well-designed garden structure, such as a pergola or a gazebo, provides a sense of continuity and cohesiveness, seamlessly blending the natural environment with the built space. This synergy can significantly elevate the overall ambiance of the property, offering residents and visitors a serene retreat within the confines of their own home.

Beyond their aesthetic charm, architectural garden structures can substantially increase the property value. Potential buyers are often drawn to homes with thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces, viewing them as extensions of the living area. A beautifully crafted garden...

Biodiversity in the backyard is crucial for maintaining a healthy and resilient ecosystem. A diverse range of plant and animal species contributes to the overall balance of the environment, promoting natural pest control, pollination, and soil health. In a backyard setting, this biological diversity not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also creates a self-sustaining ecosystem. By fostering a variety of plant life, from native flowers to trees, homeowners can attract diverse insect species, including pollinators like bees and butterflies. This intricate web of life not only beautifies the space but also plays a pivotal role in the overall health of the surrounding environment.

Architectural garden structures further amplify the significance of biodiversity in the backyard. These structures, such as arbors, pergolas, and trellises, provide vertical spaces for climbing plants and vines to flourish. This not only adds a visually appealing dimension to the garden but also creates...

A water level can be a very efficient and cost effective alternative to a laser level. When in the field a water level can allow the ability to maneuver around corners.

In a residential setting within Washington D.C., a backyard garden showcases the utilization of Accoya wood for its pergola, fence, and deck structures. Crafted for durability, the pergola is entwined with climbing vines, while the fence surrounding the garden provides privacy using the same sturdy Accoya wood, painted in Garden Grey for a neutral aesthetic. The deck, constructed from this same resilient wood, serves as a functional space. This garden exemplifies the application of Accoya wood in various outdoor structures, emphasizing durability, functionality, and aesthetic cohesion within an urban environment. This is also a great demonstration on how to achieve a wonderful outdoor space within a smaller area.

Accoya deck with rails and pergola

Accoya fence viewed from outside the yard

Accoya pergola with hanging plants

Trellis Ceiling

The integration of coffered trellis ceilings in pergola design signifies a harmonious marriage of architectural elegance and functionality. By incorporating recessed panels within the lattice, the pergola achieve a captivating interplay of light and shadow, transforming it into a visual masterpiece. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the coffered trellis ceiling provides practical benefits, offering partial shading and controlled light penetration, enhancing the pergola's adaptability to various weather conditions. This meticulous detailing exemplifies how thoughtful design can elevate outdoor spaces, embodying both refined aesthetics and utilitarian purpose.

Pergola with coffered trellis ceiling

In the heart of Concord, North Carolina, stands a historical artifact, a 77mm field gun, a German cannon dating back to World War I. This cannon, originally crafted in Germany, found itself embroiled in the conflicts of its time before its journey led it across continents to a new home in Concord, where it is now protected from the elements by a FineHouse pavilion. Used during the tumultuous years of the Great War, this cannon was later distributed among victorious Allied nations as part of Germany's post-war disarmament.

Following its passage through history's hands, France, among the Allied powers, received this particular cannon. Rather than keeping it as a war trophy, France made a poignant decision to extend a gesture of goodwill. The cannon was gifted to the United States, and installed prominently in Concord, NC. Today, it stands as a historical artifact that not only preserves the memory of past conflicts but also symbolizes the enduring ties between nations despite the...

The shape and style of your roof can have a large impact on the overall aesthetic of your structure. Different styles go well in different scenarios. Here are a few different shapes that we utilize here at FineHouse.

Pyramidal

Swaled

Bell

Gable