A formal structure for a formal garden a classic design for a classically laid out garden a flowing design for a garden with swept paths and flowing planting borders If your home has a distinctive architectural or artistic style, you may want to have your Raleigh NC arbor, pergola or patio cover match it.

Craftsman Arbors ~ Start with smooth planed wood beams and posts. Add in simple yet strongly defined joinery. Add in "japanese" style joinery and decorative pegs for a Greene & Greene look. Embellish with latticed accents, trellises, craftsman style lighting fixtures and copper accents for this style.

Mission & Spanish Arbors ~ Use large, heavy beams, corbels and decorative beam end cuts to create this look. Then add rough metal work and period lighting to complete it.

Modern & Asian Arbors ~ Create a sleek design that echoes the elegance and simplicity of these styles. Accent with minimalist or traditional Asian lighting fixtures for nighttime use and garden viewing.

Medieval, Tudor & Mediterranean Arbors ~ Start with heavy beams and posts and assemble them using simple period joinery. Use carved accents, decorative metalwork and candle lanterns for finish accents. Stain or paint a dark color.

In addition, the overall dimensions should also fit with the proportions of your garden, home and other Raleigh NC outdoor structures. If your arbor is intended to support plants, the size and proportions should be appropriate and provide enough strength for the size, weight and density of the plant. For example, wisteria (a common Southern California arbor vine) requires a much more substantial structure over its lifetime, than does a climbing rose.

The final color should compliment the colors used in your landscaping. If you want to blend into the landscaping, the natural color of the wood or browns and greens work well. If you want the structure to stand out or highlight nearby plants, strong colors like white or black can be used.