With summer in full swing and outdoor entertaining high on the agenda, it’s the perfect time to enhance a home’s outdoor areas for maximum comfort and versatility. Whether looking to protect against the sun or keeping indoor spaces cooler, there are stylish shade solutions to suit every style of home from contemporary to coastal and country chic.
“Outdoor awnings not only extend a living space but also provide essential sun protection and airflow for a more enjoyable entertaining area,” Luxaflex Window Fashions head of product and marketing Diana Altiparmakova says.
“Windows are a major source of heat gain, with up to 87% of heat gained through uncovered windows. Stopping the heat of the sun from entering the home is significantly more efficient than attempting to cool the home after the heat has entered. By reflecting harsh Australian UV rays, awnings also help maintain a home’s internal temperature, offering both comfort and energy efficiency.”
She adds that maximising living spaces with a seamless indoor-outdoor transition has been a key home design trend over the past years and shows no signs of slowing down.
“Choosing the right outdoor shading solution is a combination of functionality and design to create spaces that are comfortable as well as visually stunning to add long-term value to their properties,” she explains.
Finding the perfect awning
When selecting an awning, consider a home’s architectural style, the area that needs to be shaded and preferences for colour, fabric and functionality.
For Australia’s harsh climate, the Luxaflex Evo Awning range is a versatile option with six different models designed to suit a variety of home styles and layouts, and a choice of fabrics, finishes, and operating systems to meet a homeowner’s unique needs. Luxaflex Evo MagnaTrack Awnings can – eliminate up to 95% of solar heat when paired with Luxaflex Spectra Fibreglass Sunscreen fabric. This not only enhances comfort but also reduces cooling energy costs by up to 60%, making it a smart choice for energy-conscious homeowners.
When dealing with large openings or challenging weather conditions, the Luxaflex Evo MagnaTrack Awning is a standout option. Equipped with advanced Neodymium Magnet technology, it’s the most technologically advanced straight-drop outdoor awning on the market, offering superior wind resistance and stability.
Flexibility is key to creating functional outdoor spaces. For ultimate flexibility, retractable awnings like the Luxaflex Folding Arm Awning provide shade on demand, allowing home owners to adjust based on the time of day or weather. In smaller spaces, Straight Drop Awnings add a stylish and contemporary finish while delivering privacy and sun protection. For a touch of traditional charm, Canopy Awnings pair beautifully with mid-century homes, adding classic appeal to doors and windows.
