Paradise is Only a Backyard Away

Transform forgotten space into an elegant escape

As American families get busier, the home becomes more of a place to recharge and relax. Homeowners look to their yards as an everyday getaway. New trends in home improvement and design reinvigorate backyards by creating inviting and relaxing escapes through outdoor living space. A fixed awning, retractable awning or canopy creates a stylish, upscale retreat designed for entertaining guests or simply relaxing with the family.

Whether you’re craving a dose of nature or just looking for a place to kick back and lose yourself in a good book, there are plenty of ways to customize your personal paradise. If an outdoor kitchen is your idea of a home oasis, customized grills, sinks and counter space can be created with stonework on patios or decks. Awnings can shield your equipment from the weather when not in use, as well as create an enclosed feel to the space.

If gardens are more your style, a change of plants and flowers can give a deck or patio a new personality. Add a fountain, some old benches or an arched awning and you have a tranquil escape to enjoy any day of the week. An awning may be the missing link you need to maximize the time you can spend in the outdoor space you’ve already created.

Awnings can echo the architecture of a traditional residence or complement more modern-style buildings via a variety of innovative designs. “These aren’t your grandma’s awnings,” says home improvement expert Lou Manfredini. “With the possible combinations of frames and fabrics, the stylistic choices are endless.” Awnings can add drama and impact to an otherwise ordinary façade or softness and color to any size or shape of home.

“Beyond just adding aesthetic value to your home, awnings are a great way to make your outdoor space more functional,” says Manfredini. “People want to spend more time outdoors on their decks and patios. There’s a big trend in home improvement to create products and spaces that extend the amount of time you can spend outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.”

Enjoy your newly designed outdoor space when protected from the sun and gentle rain with the push of a button. Sensor-controlled awnings feature sun, wind and rain sensors that will automatically extend and retract the awning, even if you’re not home.

For additional information, visit the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA), a division of the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) — the only international trade association committed to the awning industry — at www.ifai.com.

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