GARDEN DESIGN
‘ room ’ and provides complete flexibility to the user .
If you already have a veranda or pergola that needs a bit of a re-vamp , why not consider highperformance external blinds that can be mounted to the top and sides to effectively shield from the elements and create a cosy and pleasant environment all year round ?
Consider what your outdoor space will be used for
To help you decide which type of external shading will work best for you and your outdoor space , you need to consider a number of factors such as any obstructions ( trees , fences and guttering ), the position of the sun when it sets / rises and finally , what your patio or garden will primarily be used for .
A canopy or awning with a lower projection will be sufficient enough to cover a small outdoor dining table , however , if you ’ re part of a big family that likes to entertain al-fresco on a regular basis , a larger projection is highly recommended ! Most pergolas come in standard sizes ; however , some companies offer a customised design service and will be able to meet any specific requirements you may have by working to a bespoke brief .
Customisation is key
To help create a comfortable indoor / outdoor living space that can be used all year round , invest in additional personalisations such as ambient white LED lighting that can be dimmed to set the scene for a romantic meal or turned up for a family gathering ; infra-red heating that can be zone controlled ; coated
premium fabrics that generate a ‘ self-clean ’ effect and even weather sensors that can automatically retract a motorised awning if strong wind speeds are detected .
Whilst higher quality and more premium outdoor structures will already be designed to withstand heavy rain , gale force winds and even snow , opting for sliding glass , windproof zip screens or separate entrance doors will not only ensure complete control of the elements , but provide the ultimate luxury allweather outdoor living space , 365 days a year .
Utilise all technology
Finally , the latest technology means you can manage every element of your outdoor shading system digitally , from either a single remote or via an app on your phone . As long as you have a Wi-Fi connection , you can open and close the electric roof on your pergola in real-time ( or set a timer to do it automatically ), turn the lighting / heating on and off and even view the exact position of your pergola or awning – from anywhere in the world !
Stuart Dantzic Managing Director , Caribbean Blinds www . cbsolarshading . co . uk
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