A new awning is a business detail that can have enormous impact. Probably more impact than any other single physical change you could make to your place of business, at least on the exterior. And that’s equally true for any type of office, not just hotels and restaurants and retail stores. New awning trends and options make finding what you want easier and more fun than ever, too.
There’s no need to wait till your existing awning is tired and you’re tired of looking at it. A new awning can breathe new life into your business, perking up interest from long-time clients as well as passersby. And a new look can give your own attitude a lift — every day when you approach your office.
Here are a few new awning trends that might get your creative juices flowing.
Making the most of outdoor space.
The hottest new awning trend among homeowners continues to be creating more outdoor living space. Why not do the same for your office? If you’re lucky enough to have a courtyard or balcony, you could create an outdoor work space or client meeting room – comfortable enough for a consultation or catching some fresh air while working on your laptop or sitting through an endless conference call.
Your new awning could be a simple umbrella over a chair or work table. Or a retractable awning that covers a larger space. Retractables are wonderfully versatile, and you can close them up when you don’t need them. You can even get remote control to operate them.
No more working in a fishbowl.
Now there’s a trend any office-dweller can appreciate. If your desk is just inside a street-level window, as in many storefront offices, salons, professional practices, etc., you face an ugly choice every day: either you feel like pedestrians are looking over your shoulder, or you have to close your curtains or blinds and eliminate your opportunity to enjoy the benefits of natural light.
Forget that. One-way mesh roller blinds are the latest “new awning” for your windows. They provide cooling and privacy on the inside, yet you also get filtered light. And – you’ll love this – you can print the outward-facing side with your logo or any promotional artwork or message you want.
Subtle colors.
Popular new awning colors for homes are those that match or blend subtly with exterior colors, so the awning appears to be a seamless extension of the building. If you have a tiny storefront, a matching color could make your business exterior appear larger. On the other hand, you might want to go the other direction and choose a contrasting color that makes your office stand out more from your neighbors.
Interesting shapes.
Typically, it’s the top and sides of an awning we think about when we consider color and design. The framing assures assure strength and durability for your new awning, but it’s usually not much of a visual consideration. One new trend for larger awnings flips that point of view, with creative criss-cross or other structural variations that form interesting patterns when viewed from below. Make the most of this trend with lighter color fabric, so the under-structure appears backlit.
Consider curvy shapes, if you’re looking for a new awning that really says “new.” Not just the popular arched or domed or quarter-round canopies we’re used to seeing, but wavy configurations that can give even the sturdiest awning a softer, almost fluttery appearance. Perfect if your office is located at the beach, fun for the middle of NYC, too.
What’s right for your office depends on many factors other than what’s trendy, especially when you remember that your new awning will probably be in place for several years. Talk to your local awning professional to get the best advice on what new looks are most appropriate for your business.
