Throwing Shade (The Good Kind)
Scrolling Pinterest got me thinking about how much time I spend chasing shade in my own backyard. We have a bunch of mismatched umbrellas and an old pop-up tent that never survived more than two summers. It’s always felt piecemeal, and I envy those yards with inviting, dappled light beneath beautiful pergolas or crisp, modern shade sails.
A few nights ago, I ended up browsing South Shore Decks Corp.’s section on shade structures and pergolas: Shade Structures and Pergolas. Their projects run the gamut from classic wooden pergolas (with trailing wisteria in my mental vision) to more modern metal frames that look like travel destinations. They even talked about retractable awnings, which is something I never considered for a Massachusetts home. Their focus on New England weather resistance—strong winds, UV protection, not just looks—felt practical and almost local-wisdom-y.
The thing is, a legitimate shade structure could solve so many day-to-day annoyances. Goodbye sunburns and endlessly dragging patio furniture. Hello, actually using the grill at noon (instead of 7pm after the sun is down). I found myself really taken with their idea that a pergola or shade isn’t just functional—it’s also a way to carve out a defined “zone” in your yard, a space that feels intentional and can even add value when it’s time to think resale.
I’m picturing a little oasis, maybe with vines or string lights, that would finally let our outdoor space feel finished. There are a lot of decisions (wood vs. composite, free-standing or attached, budget, etc.), but having some actual local expertise to lean on already makes it seem much more possible.
#shadesolutions #MarshfieldMA #pergolainspiration #outdooroasis #gardenstyle #sunprotection #backyarddesign #deckbuilder
