Do you have a beautiful outdoor gazebo in your backyard, but it sits empty because you are not sure what to do with it?

Here's a look at some of the creative ways homeowners are decorating and enjoying deck and garden gazebos.

-Home Office

With computer notebooks, high speed wireless internet connections and cell phones there's no need to stay stuck inside doing business. If you work at home, then take your office outdoors and enjoy the warm sun and fresh air while you're wheeling and dealing.

All you need to add is a desk, chair, some leather stackable filing boxes, and a bulletin board for the ultimate gazebo home office. Accent your space with accessories in warm earth tones-browns, greens, and terra cottas for a connected to nature feel.

Imagine how your clients will love coming to meetings in your wonderful outdoor living space!

-Spa Gazebo

If you want to enjoy a hot dip in the whirlpool rain or shine, or on a chilly fall evening then this is a great solution. Many build deck or garden gazebos to incorporate a spa. If you do this you'll also have all the privacy you want.

Gazebos can be glassed or screened in and look great accented with baskets of crisply rolled neutral coloured towels in big wicker baskets.

Other Great ideas for Deck and Garden Gazebos? Turn your outdoor gazebo into a:

-Kid's Playhouse

Do you have children? A gazebo makes a fun kid's playhouse. Position the gazebo just slightly off to the side of the house so you can keep an eye on the kids. Fill it with big pillows, a small table and chairs and a throw rug.

Keep your color scheme bright and fun in playful shades of red, blue, yellow and green. Then add plenty of toys like Lego, board games, coloring books, and stuffed animals for a playhouse they'll never want to leave.

An added bonus - a playhouse gazebo will keep kids safely shaded on very sunny days.

-Potting Shed

Transform your garden gazebo into a potting shed by equipping it with a potting bench, seed packs, foliage, interesting containers, and all your favourite garden tools.

Hang some garden gloves, wall planters and a garden apron or hat at various points along the inside of the gazebo. Make a statement by artfully placing a watering can full of flowers just outside the entrance.

Your favourite hobby now has a spectacular new home.

- Exercise Space

You can create the ultimate space for outdoor exercise inside your gazebo. Remove your shutters to enjoy your backyard view and let the fresh air blow in.

It's always refreshing to position your gazebo close to water if you can. For example, near a swimming pool, a pretty pond, a rushing waterfall, or a trickling fountain so you can gaze out at the tranquil blue water and soak in its soulful sound.

Some people decorate gazebos with tulle to help give that breezy feel. Others add candles, mats and Asian garden accents if they're practising Yoga or Tai Chi.

- Dessert Room

If you love to entertain outdoors in the evenings, then you know by dessert time things start to get a little buggy. That's when it makes perfect sense to move your company into your screened in gazebo for a delicious dessert and a nice cappuccino.

A great way to make your garden gazebo more intimate is to build a cushioned bench that wraps all the way around inside. Top off the space with a nice big table covered in a pretty linen tablecloth and lots of glowing candles. It's the perfect cozy after dinner spot where you can laugh and enjoy until late into the summer night.

So start thinking today about new and interesting ideas for deck and garden gazebos. Collect images of gazebos from decorating magazines to get ideas. The possibilities for this timeless garden structure are endless. Just use your imagination.

Deborah Boland © 2006 All Rights Reserved