<h2 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt"><font size="3" color="#990000">Gazebos Bring Indoor Comfort Outside</font></h2><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt">(ARA) – For busy folks who don’t have the time or the know-how to transform their outdoor space into a cozy garden room, outdoor structures like gazebos are a dream-come-true. Homeowners are turning to gazebos to transform their backyards into stylish outdoor living spaces, complete with indoor comforts.</span></p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt"><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Chet Beiler, owner of Amish Country Gazebos (www.amishgazebos.com), the nation’s leading retailer of custom-crafted gazebos, agrees. "People today want a covered retreat that adds distinction to their outdoor living areas," says Beiler. "They are looking for a focal point for their landscape, a way to upgrade their current deck, a special spot next to the pool to get away from the hot summer sun." </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/17b.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/17b.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="282"></embed></object></div>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Gazebos have been a backyard staple for centuries. From ancient times, Egyptian and Roman gardens were a focal point of entertainment and leisurely activities. Today, these architecturally and aesthetically pleasing outdoor escapes are an extension of your living space — providing enjoyment and cool breezes on sultry summer days, a serene retreat, a relaxing nook to cuddle with a favorite book, and a charming yet functional<span>  </span>room for entertaining.<span>  </span></p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Beiler says the first thing to consider before installing a gazebo is space and scale. "The larger your outdoor area, the bigger the gazebo you should install," he says. "Decide if you want your gazebo to be a focal point in a corner of the yard, a poolside bungalow, or a great room with kitchen and dining areas. That will help you determine the best shape and size to suit your needs."<span>  </span></p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">These current gazebo trends help you achieve the look and function to fit your needs:</p> <strong>Eye-catching</strong> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">When it comes to landscape design, a gazebo is the finishing touch as an accent or backdrop in any landscape. Select a spot that draws the eye to the gazebo and creates a focal point of interest.<span>  </span></p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">When selecting a gazebo, try to keep a unifying theme such as the same color or style that is consistent with your home’s architectural design. Continue this theme by matching the roofing tiles with your home’s or consider using materials or a "motif" that connects the gazebo to the house: wrought iron ornamentation, a shell or pineapple motif, the use of slate, or native stone.</p> <strong>Poolside Paradise</strong> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Escape from the hot summer sun is just one of the many reasons people install gazebos. Poolside, they provide ample shade, a place for relaxing with the family, or to entertain friends. Add some curtains that can be pulled for privacy and you have an instant ‘changing room.’ Add a splash of color with gorgeous floral and plant arrangements, and your pool is transformed, rivaling the best resorts, in your mini "tropical paradise."</p> <strong>Deck or Patio Enhancements</strong> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Adding a gazebo to an existing deck or patio is a great way to expand your living space without breaking your budget. Today’s new outdoor rooms are being used in traditional ways for living space or for dining and cooking, complete with kitchens, ceiling fans and mood lighting.<span>  </span></p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Today’s gazebos are great for multi-tasking spaces; serving as offices or recreation rooms by day- and intimate dining rooms at night. Trendy homeowners are wiring their gazebos for computers or flat screen televisions, or adding mega grills for entertaining.<span>  </span></p> <strong>The Great Room</strong> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">The biggest trend in outdoor living is living large outdoors — literally. Outdoor rooms are clearly reflecting our indoor trends, with gazebos leading the way as the new "great room." Homeowners are installing very large gazebos, such as 40-foot rectangular options, which offer enough living space for a kitchen with a grill and refrigerator, a table for eight, and a few oversized chairs. It’s the ultimate outdoor room with all the indoor comfort and style today’s homeowners demand. </p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">To create your perfect gazebo, visit www.amishgazebos.com where you’ll find design ideas to build a virtual prototype. Select from an array of beautiful and functional designs and extra features. You can either build it yourself or have Amish Country Gazebos’ experienced craftsmen install it for you. </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/17a.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/17a.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="282"></embed></object></div>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">These gazebos are hand crafted by Amish carpenters and are available in either wood or maintenance-free vinyl. Starting at $1,695 they are a priceless investment with a life-time guarantee.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Order online or call (800) 700-17
77 for a free 40-page idea book filled with photos of dozens of home gazebos in real backyards, design tips and a complete collection of gazebo styles and accents.</p>  <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt">Courtesy of ARAcontent</span></p></span>