A decade of dedication: How we've created our very own garden oasis

Part 4: The evolution of our pergola

Welcome back to the final instalment of my Garden Series.

In Part 4, I’m excited to share the evolution of our pergola, from its initial construction to its current state.

Over the years, this space has transformed into our very own tranquil sanctuary; where we spend countless hours here; whether it’s relaxing with a book, working from home or entertaining guests.

If you’re new to The Stylish Home, be sure to catch up with the previous three parts of this series, I hope you enjoy this final chapter and feel inspired to embark on your own garden transformation journey.

Part 1:

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A decade of dedication: How we've created our very own garden oasis

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Part 2:

A decade of dedication: How we've created our very own garden oasis

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And Part 3 can be found here:

A decade of dedication: How we've created our very own garden oasis

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This originated as an exclusive mini-series, available only to my paid members, however since making some changes to my Substack, I’ve now removed the paywall, and all posts are now accessible to everybody.

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To re-cap:

Part 1 showcased a “then and now” visual, comparing the original estate agents photos with the decade-long transformation of our garden.

Part 2 detailed the trials and tribulations of commissioning a garden designer, and how my partner and I ultimately decided to take on the back-breaking task of creating our very own garden oasis ourselves.

Part 3 shared the mammoth task of tiling our newly transformed garden.

In 2021, almost three years to the date, my other half suggested we should consider adding a pergola to the garden, and offered to build one for my birthday.

Just when I thought we had finished all the work in the garden, he springs this on me!

To be fair, suggesting we add a pergola, was a fabulous idea; not only to make use of the empty space at the bottom of the steps, but to add some structural interest to the garden. And what a cool birthday present too!

For anyone that follows me on Instagram, you’ll know that the pergola has evolved over the last few years. In Part 4 I’m going to share the details of how our pergola started as an initial frame and the fabulous social space it is today.

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Phase 1: The Frame

This was the initial drawing, created by my other half, on a back of a piece of cardboard. Nothing too technical, and more for my benefit so I has something visual to reference.

From initial drawing on a piece of cardboard

I’ll admit when this was first presented to me I wasn’t exactly bowled over with excitement. However I was assured it would completely transform the space at the bottom of the garden, and I’m so pleased I went with it.

I’m very fortunate, that my other half likes to have a project to work on. As long as he’s left to his own devices to crack on, with minimal interference from me, all is good.

We’ve also been together long enough (14 years) to trust each other. He knows how meticulous I am and would never arrange to create something I wasn’t going to love.

Once we’d reviewed all the details, and I shared my contribution, defining the number of batons required for the mid-section (it’s all on the detail), we headed to the local wood supplier.

First phase of the pergola

It wasn’t too long before wood was being cut to size and coated in black wood stain, and the frame started to take shape.

Construction of the pergola frame

As you can see from the above photos. our pergola is a simple five-post frame. We added an additional post along the back section for extra strength.

Once the frame was in place, we added the wooden rafters and a mid-section screen made from thin wooden batons for that all-important finishing touch.

In less than a month, we had a pergola in the garden¹, which turned out to be the perfect birthday gift.

I thought I’d share a mini video with you to show the construction process, should you be interested in watching. This video provides a visual overview from start to finish, for this first phase.

Phase 2: Add Seating

It wasn’t too long before we decided that the pergola would benefit from some seating.

Once again, I let my other half get on with what he had in mind for the construction.

Given how impressed I was with the pergola, I knew adding seating would only enhance this space.

Phase 2 gave us a place to sit and enjoy this space

Batons were attached to the original frame posts to construct a simple seating frame.

Wooden panels were then attached to the frame, creating a straightforward box seating construction. Painted in black wood stain, it just needed cushions to complete the look.

We purchased high-density foam online, customised to our exact shape and size.

These were covered in a water and mould-resistant fabric, and I found a brilliant local seamstress who covered them for us.

To complement the seating area my other half also made a small table from some leftover wood.

During a visit to Topps Tiles, I selected a combination of Mediterranean-inspired tiles which were the perfect finishing touch.

And as these were a discontinued range I was able to pick up each tile for just 25p each, absolute bargain!

My bargain find at 25p per tile!

With the addition of the seating, and some festoon lights, we now had the perfect space to relax and enjoy the summer with friends.

For anyone that lives in the UK, we’re all very aware on how unpredictable our summers can be, especially this year!

So it wasn’t too long before phase 3 was put into action, adding a roof.

Phase 3: The Roof

Using polycarbonate bitumen sheets, the roof was in place in no time at all.

Phase 3 of the evolution of the pergola

Large wooden panelled sheets were added to the top of the pergola, to serve as a base for the roof, before attaching the polycarbonate bitumen sheets.

My other half even added guttering and a down pipe; he thinks of everything!

For anyone that’s interested, here’s a little video:

Adding the roof has been an absolute game changer, and has transformed this space to an area which can be used all year round.

Since adding the roof I’ve also managed to train some of the climbers to entwine around the lighting.

I have also purchased a wisteria, and the plan is to eventually have it trailing up, with the beauty of wisteria blooms hanging down. Although we’re some way off that happening, I’m excited for the future transformation.

Nothing beats being able to enjoy this outside space late into the evening, and even during the colder months. Lighting the chiminea and adding some extra throws, it’s our very own private sanctuary, which can be enjoyed all year round.

Plus the added benefit of the roof has given us additional privacy from overlooking neighbours.

Which leads me nicely to the final phase, adding the finishing touches.

Phase 4: Finishing Touches

Like many, we’re not in the privileged position to live in an area where our nearest neighbours are 5 miles away. There’s always something that makes me feel a little uncomfortable when relaxing in my own garden, which is the thought of prying eyes.

From the left of us we’re relatively private, especially since adding the roof to the pergola, as the space is now completely private. However at the bottom of the garden, and especially when the plants are no longer in full bloom, we are slightly overlooked.

This year I thought of the genius idea to add voiles to provide complete privacy. This way I can lay in the garden in my bikini (it doesn’t happen too often, remember we live in the UK!), or on the odd occasion where a Saturday evening may have involved a little more Prosecco than planned, enjoy a Sunday afternoon nap.

This was the simplest and cheapest addition to the pergola (excluding my bargain tiles for the table).

We purchased an extendable curtain pole, some curtain ring clips both from Amazon, and a pair of voiles from Dunelm.

Here’s a little video if you’re interested:

Not only have I added complete privacy to this space, it’s also now giving off all the Ibiza vibes, right here in Suffolk!

Final phase of the pergola

So, that concludes how the pergola has evolved over the last three years, and this mini-series.

I wonder what will be in store for next years addition….

I hope you’ve enjoyed following our journey, and should you have any questions please feel free to drop me a message.

Evolution of the pergola

This weekend will actually be my Substack 1 year anniversary, I’ve no idea where the last twelve months have gone, however have throughly enjoyed sharing my interior trends, inspiration, colour themes and styling tips with you all.

I’ll be back next week and I’m thinking of sharing one of my colour inspiration posts.

Until then…

Please do tap on the heart 🤎 if you have enjoyed reading this post, a comment or re-stack click helps even more with visibility in getting my work shared with more readers 😊.

1. I should mention here that the other half constructed this whilst working, and wasn’t spending all day every day for a moth on constructing the pergola!