Made in the Shade, the Modern Way
I have an almost reptilian affinity for the sun. On days when most people run for shade, I slather on the SPF and drag my chaise longue into the warmest, sunniest spot I can find. Maybe it’s because I’m always cold, or maybe I’m just crazy, but I’ve never been one to spend a warm afternoon lazing in the shade.
Until now.
We’re fortunate that our home has a spacious, sunny deck. Until last year two large eucalyptus trees on a neighboring property diffused the light, satisfying my craving for rays while providing the perfect amount of cooling, dappled shade. Over the winter one of those trees fell and nearly hit another neighbor’s house. Fortunately, no one was hurt, and there was no property damage, but our neighbors were worried they wouldn’t get so lucky the second time and took the remaining tree down.
The result: My deck is now blindingly hot. And while I may enjoy an hourlong roasting, I’m finding myself running back inside to avoid being burned. While the simple solution would be to add an umbrella, we’d need a large one to shade our space, and we’re worried it will significantly block our view when folded up.
So I’ve been thinking of creative ways to create shade while honoring our home’s modern aesthetic. Here are the eight best ideas I’ve found.
1. Add a retractable awning. The idea of an awning may call to mind a cheerfully striped traditional shade, but these days more modern options abound, including high-tech versions that are automatically raised and retracted depending on weather conditions.
Bonus: This option also helps shade windows, which keeps the house cooler and saves on energy costs.
Awnings: Warema
See more of this house
2. Go retro with a sunshade. A disc-shaped midcentury-style sunshade is delicate and unobtrusive, blocking the sun in areas where you may not have space for an umbrella.
It’s especially great in spaces like this one, where a bulky umbrella stand would’ve partially blocked the view and separated conversational groups.
3. Say ahoy to shade sails. Shade sails make a sculptural statement while blocking up to 95 percent of harmful UV rays. They can be mounted via existing walls or poles, making them a versatile solution for a variety of spaces. Use a single shade or layer them — as in this custom design — for a more dramatic look.
Read more about shade sails
4. Put up a pergola. A sturdy pergola is a great option in climates where wind is a consideration. While the structure traditionally rests on four columns, modern architects often use it to create continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces, meaning it can have only two columns as well.
Here sliding glass doors can be left open during summer gatherings, enabling guests to mix freely throughout indoor and outdoor rooms.
Learn more about shading your patio with a pergola
5. Add retractable shades. While this structure is also technically a pergola, it employs retractable shades instead of a simple trellis, enabling control of the amount of sun the area receives.
The shade cloth is also a great opportunity to add color or accent a piece on the deck that already pops.
6. Extend your roof. If you’re doing a significant remodel, consider extending your roof to provide full shade during part of the day. Not only will this help shade both interior and exterior spaces, but it will also create a modern-style porch. If you enjoy dining outdoors during a romantic rainstorm, this one’s for you.
Read more about extended roofs
7. Create an outdoor room. In areas where you need a lot of shade, consider creating an outdoor room. Think of it as the adult version of a childhood tree house, a space for entertaining, lounging or relaxing solo.
Dean Herald-Rolling Stone Landscapes created this outdoor room that appears to float atop a reflecting pond using a dramatic arched pergola. The entire space is absolutely stunning.
See more photos of this space
8. Drape dramatically. Breezy outdoor drapery creates a spa-like, Moroccan-inspired vibe. Use a pergola as a foundation for your drapery — as in this photo — or add drapes around porch archways to shade vertically.
Find out how to create drama with draped fabrics
Houzzers: Please share a photo of your great shade solution in the Comments and tell us what you did!
