Cher Quietly Built a Timeless European Escape in Her 1960s Garden – And Why It Still Feels Decades Ahead of Its Time
This easy-to-buy and build garden accessory transformed Sonny and Cher's backyard into a Mediterranean wonderland in 1966
If you make one addition to your garden this summer, it should be a pergola. These structures add height, style, and growing space to your design, while integrating more shade for increased comfort. Though the European-inspired look has become a popular garden design trend for 2026, it's been around much, much longer.
For proof, look no further than Cher's California backyard in 1966, where she and her husband, Sonny Bono, were building a wooden pergola. Though the structure is a work-in-progress in the photos, its upcoming benefits for the outdoor space are already apparent. It is there to add height, space for planting, and a European touch to the seaside design. It sits beautifully among the groomed hedges on the property, creating a shift in the distribution of light.
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Sonny and Cher at their California home, 1966
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These editors picks will help you upgrade your outdoor set up for al fresco entertaining this summer. From the perfect pergola to stunning lights, it's everything you need to elevate the season.
This elegant wooden pergola echoes the style seen in Cher's garden. Its timeless design looks stunning when adorned with climbing wisteria or verdant ivy.
This elegant pergola turns any backyard into a private yet chic retreat. With plenty of room for dining sets, lounge furniture, or a hot tub, it creates a striking focal point for entertaining.
Wisteria is a striking choice for trellises or pergolas. Its robust growth makes it ideal for adding color and elegance to any garden space.
This holly bush, also known as Ilex Crenata or Japanese holly, is an easy-care evergreen that can be grown just about anywhere. It’s a hardy evergreen that can tolerate low temperatures. It is popular with birds in the winter due to berry production. These would be gorgeous planted pergola-side to emulate the Cyprus in Cher's backyard.
Available in medium and large sizes, these lanterns are a perfect way to elevate your Pergola walkway. They provide a warm source of light while also adding depth and dimension as a stylish layering accent.
What some experts call the best pruners ever made, they're remarkably robust, incredibly comfortable, and the safety catch is secure but easy to open. We also love the stylish red and white handle on this pair. A great pick to prune all of the plants that will be growing up your pergola.
Joseph tells Homes & Gardens: 'A pergola is an incredibly effective architectural feature for enhancing both the function and experience of a backyard space. In a recent project, we introduced a pergola to the terrace to thoughtfully respond to its southern exposure and urban surroundings. By filtering strong sunlight throughout the day, the structure creates a more comfortable and usable outdoor environment, particularly during peak afternoon hours.'
As we see in Cher's backyard, this feature is a clever way to create a conversation between the surroundings and the garden idea. Joseph echoes this idea, explaining: 'Beyond shade, the pergola adds a critical layer of spatial definition. It helps establish a sense of privacy without fully enclosing the space. This balance is key— it allows the terrace to feel open and connected while also offering a sense of intimacy and retreat. From an aesthetic standpoint, the pergola introduces an architectural framework that elevates the overall composition of the backyard.'
Another reason to put up a pergola is that it increases opportunities for outdoor living, as Sonny and Cher were certainly conscious of in Southern California.
Joseph states: 'In terms of functionality, the pergola plays a central role in supporting outdoor living. It helps define zones for dining and lounging, allowing them to coexist in a way that feels both intentional and relaxed. This makes the space equally suited for larger gatherings or quieter, more intimate evenings. Just as importantly, the pergola strengthens the connection between indoor and outdoor areas, creating a seamless transition from the kitchen and living spaces onto the terrace.'
So, how can you emulate Cher's idea in your own backyard? Joseph advises: 'When designing a pergola, scale is the most critical consideration. A structure that’s too small can feel purely decorative, lacking real purpose, while one that’s too large may overwhelm the space and disrupt the architectural balance. Properly scaled, a pergola provides definition, comfort, and presence without feeling heavy-handed.'
He further recommends: 'Material selection is equally important. It not only affects durability and maintenance but also sets the tone for the entire space. Thoughtful material choices ensure the pergola ages gracefully and continues to enhance the backyard both visually and functionally over time.'
Designing a backyard isn't easy, but sourcing ideas for the kinds of structures that add zones and shape to the space is a great place to start. From the '60s until now, pergolas are still inspiring us.
