Pergola makeover: Design inspiration

One of the areas that’s been bugging me since we moved in is the pergola. Not in an urgent kind of way, but in a “this could be so much better” sort of way. I mentioned it briefly in my 2025 renovation plans, but with summer on our doorstep it’s time to give this project its own moment.

The pergola sits at the edge of our deck and frames the outdoor dining area beautifully… in theory. In reality, it feels a little too hard-edged. The garden around it is lovely and maturing well, but the pergola itself? Too angular. Too country-house. Too generic.

The problem with edges

The whole space—deck, house, pergola—is full of straight lines and right angles. Which is fine structurally, but visually? It needs softening. Sure, the planting adds some movement, but there’s still a bit too much rigidity. I want to bring in a more organic feel, without having to bulldoze and start from scratch.

In an ideal world, I’d demolish the entire thing and build a new structure that connects directly to the house—something more architectural, more integrated. But as always, budget brings us gently back to earth. So this makeover is all about doing what I can with what I’ve got.

So what’s the direction?

A roof over our head

New Zealand is lush for a reason. We get drizzle. Often. And I’d love to actually use the space under the pergola even when it’s spitting. A roof will mean we can sit outside with a drink even if the weather isn’t playing ball and it’ll keep the table clean. No more wiping off leaves, petals and mysterious green sludge before every meal. Plus, it’ll help trap the last warmth of the day once the sun dips.

Colour shift

The pergola is currently stained in a generic reddish-brown tint, which screams ‘home improvement store’ and not design. A little too countryside for my liking. I want to take it somewhere more modern—something grounded and earthy, or maybe even a deep inky tone that blends better with the garden.

And then there’s the colour that doesn’t come from paint: accessories. I’ll be layering in vibrancy and personality with lanterns, outdoor cushions, candles and other little bits. Things that can change with the seasons—or my mood. These are the moments where I get to be playful again, even if the structure stays a little more grounded.

Slats, but make them fewer

Right now, the top is a grid of close-set slats that make it feel busier than it needs to be. I’m planning to remove some of them to create a cleaner, more open silhouette. It’ll instantly feel less fussy and more like an intentional structure than a kitset frame.

Introducing curves

Since I can’t redesign the entire frame, I’m thinking about adding softness elsewhere. Maybe some gently draped outdoor fabric. Maybe climbing plants with rounded foliage. Maybe a few shapely furniture pieces or decor touches that nod to curves and contrast all those angles. I don’t want it to feel frilly—just a little less… rectangular.

This pergola makeover won’t be a total reinvention, but it will be a shift. A move towards something that feels more like u, a bit more urban, a lot more functional and with just enough softness to balance all the sharp lines.

Watch this space—once the roof’s on and the colour changes, I suspect the whole area will feel very different.