5 Pavilion Ideas to Transform Your Backyard in South Russell, OH
design build pavilion shade outdoor structures Jul 28, 2025 1:02:41 PM Michelle Matty 3 min read

Looking to upgrade your backyard in South Russell, OH? A custom pavilion might be the perfect solution. Whether you’re entertaining guests, relaxing with family, or simply enjoying a quiet moment outside, a well-designed pavilion can turn your yard into a space you’ll love year-round.
At Exscape Designs, we specialize in creating outdoor structures that fit your property, lifestyle, and vision. Here are five unique pavilion ideas that can completely transform the way you use your backyard.
Related: Backyard Feeling Empty? A Pavilion and Patio in Painesville, OH, Can Make It Feel Like Home
1. The Outdoor Kitchen Pavilion
If you love to cook and entertain, this one’s for you.
An outdoor kitchen pavilion is more than just a grill under cover—it’s a true extension of your home. Picture a built-in grill station, prep counters, bar seating, and even a fridge or sink. Add lighting and ceiling fans, and you’ve got a comfortable space for gatherings, day or night.
Pavilions like this are ideal for hosting family barbecues or weekend dinners with friends. Plus, they keep your cooking area protected from the elements, extending your outdoor season in Northeast Ohio.
2. Poolside Shade Pavilion
Already have a pool—or thinking about one? A poolside pavilion brings it all together.
This pavilion style is designed for relaxing after a swim, offering shade, seating, and a place to store towels or pool gear. With the right layout, it can also serve as a cabana, a covered lounge area, or a space for poolside dining.
At Exscape Designs, we often coordinate pavilion designs with surrounding hardscapes, plantings, and pool elements so everything feels seamless.
3. Garden Retreat Pavilion
Not every pavilion has to be about entertaining. Sometimes, it’s just about peace and quiet.
A garden retreat pavilion creates a personal escape tucked into your landscape. It might include privacy screens, trellises with flowering vines, or a cozy bench for reading or reflection. Natural wood and soft lighting help the space blend beautifully with the surroundings.
Add a small water feature or stone path leading through the garden, and you’ve got a destination within your own yard.
Related: Pavilions of Paradise: Designing Your Ideal Outdoor Shelter
4. Pavilion With Fireplace or Fire Pit
This is a favorite for cool Ohio nights.
A pavilion with a fireplace or fire pit turns your backyard into a year-round retreat. Whether it’s a sleek gas unit or a rustic wood-burning fireplace, this setup creates instant atmosphere. Think warm drinks by the fire, fall gatherings, or even snowy winter nights under a covered roof.
We often pair this type of pavilion with a paver patio, built-in seating, or an outdoor kitchen to create a complete entertainment zone.
5. Multi-Purpose Family Pavilion
Looking for flexibility? A multi-purpose pavilion is the answer.
This structure is designed for everything—meals, playtime, work-from-home moments, or relaxing together as a family. Include a dining table, built-in games, lighting, and even retractable screens to make the space adaptable for any activity or season.
This kind of pavilion grows with your needs and becomes the central hub of your outdoor space.
Ready to Build a Pavilion in South Russell, OH?
Adding a pavilion to your property is more than just a design choice—it’s a lifestyle upgrade. Whether you’re dreaming of a poolside retreat, a space to gather with family, or a private garden hideaway, Exscape Designs can help you bring it to life.
We design and build outdoor structures that are customized to your space, built to last, and integrated beautifully into the landscape.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start designing your backyard pavilion in South Russell, OH.
Related: Shelter in Style: Designing the Perfect Pavilion for Outdoor Living