|
|
||||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In early times, backyards were mere utilitarian areas. By 1950, these spaces
were popular for entertaining, featuring grills and folding lawn chairs. More
recently, backyards have been transformed into outdoor rooms with appliances
and furniture. Today’s modern exteriors call for yet more
flexibility.
A space designed to offer an alternating choice of sun or shade when desired is
key. Planning an outdoor space with structure and flexible cover does not have
to be a daunting task. Just ask Louis Maglio, president of Walpole Woodworkers,
and Steve Ostrowski, president of ShadeFX Canopies. They partnered to co-create
shade pergolas, a line of high-quality, handcrafted pergola structures with
exclusive re tractable and integrated canopy systems that provide functional
architectural style to outdoor areas.
By following design trends, and with knowledge stemming from years of outdoor
home products industry work, Maglio and Ostrowski help homeowners give new life
to their yards and patios. At the heart of planning these adaptable living
areas, understanding trends helps shape decisions.
Real Estate Rivalry
The market is causing people to remain in their homes and renovate spaces for
long-term value. The trend is to upgrade for gleaning higher value, not to
mention the benefits of beauty and usage. Shade pergolas address the call for
extended and remodeled outdoor living spaces. “Shade pergolas add square footage and can cover areas up to 600 square feet.
Typical re tractable awnings extend only 13 feet,” says Ostrowski. “Installation of one offers structural beauty and scale.”
Property value increases with living area, but the structure has to be sturdy
and suited for the elements. “Part of the reason we created shade pergolas was to offer homeowners the ability
to add true value. Our cellular vinyl pergolas are a low- to no-maintenance
realistic wood alternative and last more than 25 years. The durable canopies
offer 10 to 15 years of use,” says Maglio. The addition of a significant outdoor room like this will stand
out to potential buyers.
|
Wavering Weather
Climate change is leading to more unpredictable weather, causing shifts in when
people can plan outdoor events. With seasons out of kilter, homeowners are no
longer promised mild dry days for pre-planned barbecues. “Sanctuaries that are covered from rain, protected from prolonged sun, and
impervious against wind are very possible,” says Ostrowski. “Plan for spaces offering a high level of flexibility.”
A patio with a shade pergola allows homeowners to switch from sun to shade at
their leisure. Since shade pergola canopies are retractable, they address the
need for outdoor seating areas with the moderating comforts of sun and shade,
and protection from rain. This kind of reliability is essential when scheduling
outdoor gatherings.
Developing Design
Possibly, the most exciting trend includes new materials and technologies
reshaping the design of exterior areas. Innovative products and durable fabrics
are evolving to accommodate changing patterns of outdoor living. This is even
yielding whole new product categories, giving designers, architects and
homeowners many new options.
Technical advancements in new products that address consumer needs are leading
to creative changes in style. The example of shade pergolas creating a new
shade product category is reminiscent of advanced choices. “Shade pergolas combine the features of fixed awnings, covering large areas with
wind and rain resistance,” Ostrowski says. Ultimately, this led to the introduction of the new product
category.
Color options are also growing. Water-resistant fabric canopies for Maglio and
Ostrowski’s shade pergolas are available in five standard colors from Sunbrella, in
addition to custom options. Sunbrella was chosen because it is a leader in
performance fabrics. Homeowners designing with the latest styling options such
as these will end up with valuable at-home havens. To learn more, log on to www.familyfeatures.com.
|
