7 Ways to Create Shade in Your Outdoor Space
Throwing Shade Upon Summer’s Rays
Triple digits have taunted us early this season, and there’s no escaping the sun’s head-pounding heat. These dangerous temperatures demand drastic measures. Staying hydrated is crucial, and a quick dip in the pool provides only a fleeting reprieve. In order to truly enjoy the outdoors during these dog days of summer, we need to take cover. From posh parasols and sublime sails to high-tech louvered structures and cabanas, check out our curated list of clever ways to create shade in your outdoor space.
1. Trees
Nothing beats nature’s canopy for creating shade. Trees help maintain our natural water resources, improve our soil, and serve as stunning shelters for wildlife and humans. Plus, they can reduce energy costs and increase your estate’s property value.
If you aren’t fortunate enough to have preexisting mature trees on your estate, try planting fast-flourishing bamboo, cedar elm, or live oak. Contact us to source and plant the right trees for your space.
2. Umbrellas & Shade Sculptures
With worldwide acclaim for their durability, style, and unparalleled function, Tucci’s outdoor shade technology is in a class of its own. Created in stunning shapes to suit every taste, Tucci parasols and shade sculptures provide pristine performance while “transforming outdoor spaces into comfortable destinations”.
Tucci’s Stingray Shade Sculpture offers an adjustable 360-degree rotational radiant barrier for 24-hours of stylish sun protection.
3. Sails
Take cover under minimalist marine-grade material sails by Opulant Outdoor Living. The Kheope sail provides durable, lightweight coverage for larger areas. These motorized sails offer UV protection and can withstand the elements year-round.
4. Awnings
KE’s tenacious tension curtains are ideal for terraces, porches, patios, and balconies. These customizable awnings are available in an array of 500 different weather-resistant textiles to suit your personal taste. With mechanism options such as folding and drop arms, or retractable cassettes and canopies, these bespoke beauties add electric elegance and superior solar protection.
5. Arbors & Pergolas
Our arbors and pergolas are custom-designed to complement the architecture of your residence. These airy structures create inviting shade from the scorching Texas summer sun and even provide light coverage from the elements during the winter. Couple them with features like angled rafters, lattice, laser-cut steel panels, semi-transparent screens, or even plants to create a gorgeous natural ceiling.
6. Louvered Systems
Struxture’s smart home system of motorized louvered systems allows you to control your system from any smart device. Equipped with wind and rain sensors and the ability to integrate with some of the most superb home automation systems such as Savant, Crestron, and more, these technological triumphs transform your outdoor space into the ultimate staycation.
7. Cabanas
Seek solace under a stunning, shady shelter. From variable structures to permanent dwellings, cabanas are the ultimate way to create shade. Couple yours with an indoor/outdoor kitchen, seating area, or even a guest bathroom for an exceptional, multifunctional entertaining venue.
Paola Lenti’s exquisite Cabanne couples galvanized steel with customized materials of choice to create personalized architectural shade structures.
At Bonick, our seasoned landscape designers can assist you by envisioning the shady space of your dreams. From sourcing and installing sails to designing and constructing a full outdoor space, we’ve got you covered from the Texas sun. Contact us today to discuss your options to create shade at your estate.
— by Tammy Dalke Vanderkolk
You May Also Enjoy:
Simplify Your Summer Outdoor Living
5 Ways to Elevate Your Outdoor Space
Beauty Beneath the Bough: The Benefits of Trees