Pergolas Perfect for Summer

Architects Simone Carneiro and Alexandre Skaff transformed a cramped São Paulo apartment into a mid-city refuge. On the terrace, plants, vines, and pergolas form a barrier against the city’s notorious noise and pollution.

The tricked-out outdoor kitchen features a fleet of appliances from Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet. The company's K750HB Hybrid Fire Grill anchors the space and offers burners and a grill that can be fueled with wood or charcoal. An Energy Star–rated outdoor refrigerator and ample weatherproof storage ensures that all cooking and prep can take place on the deck—no running back and forth between inside and out. "It's a wonderful kitchen," says Burgum. "One of the things I've appreciated the most is a full venting system over the grill. Being able to pull the heat and the smoke away when you're grilling is a key. The team anticipated the need for a refrigerator and the two burner stove. There isn't anything you can't cook up there—maybe just a cake!" Photo by: David Bowman

Mass Studio completed the renovation of a 1960s house in Brentwood, California, that came complete with a classic midcentury kidney pool. During the renovation, the patio and area around the pool was refreshed with a lounge area, fire pit, and plants.

The family spends summers and school vacations at the bach. New Zealand's relatively mild winters mean they use the house year-round.

Urban Renovation (Foster Dale Architects) Created from composite materials, the deck gives this modern home a desirable outdoor space in a crowded city lot.

“The patio was always part of the original design, as we knew we would be living inside and outside during the warmer months,” says Horne. “Keeping it covered also helps keep it dry and provides a feeling of containment.” The wicker swing chairs are from eBay, and the fabrics are from Ikea.