As UK homeowners get a taste of the summer sunshine, their thoughts turn to shade!

There’s never been a better time to invest in a stylish Apollo awning, to provide shade to outdoor living spaces and keep adjacent rooms cool.

And one fabric is tipped to be a major seller in homes across the UK this year – Apollo’s green multi-stripe fabric. As pictured here.

Made-to-measure awnings are one of the most effective ways to provide flexible shade and shelter.

A range of optional extras such as integral heaters and lights can extend the use of an awning, allowing you to sit outside longer into the night and in colder months.

And, for those who like gadgets, the awnings are available with sun sensors, which extend the canopy automatically depending on the strength of the daylight.

For a limited period, Apollo’s 4 x 3 metre motorised Tortola awning in green multi-stripe fabric, is available at £1,999; it includes a remote control handset and vibration sensor (which automatically retracts the awning in windy conditions).

Apollo awnings are available in a range of 240 fabrics, adding style and comfort to the outside of any home.
There are also four types of frames, which can be motorised or manually operated, and a range of optional extras.

Key benefits:

• Fabric is UV rated 801, and colour, light and weather fast – so won’t fade.

• Suit all house types, from traditional and period to modern and minimalist.

• Awnings fold neatly away when not in use.

• Choice of options & year round comfort pack available including, remote controlled Somfy motor option; Lights; Sun sensor; Wind setting.

All Apollo awnings and canopies are professionally surveyed and installed by their team to guarantee they fit beautifully.

For more information and stockist details visit the Apollo Blinds website.

Tel: (01924) 413048.

After three years in development, Thomas Sanderson has launched the Nexus Patio Awning.

Boasting advanced technological design this exclusive patio awning not only offers revolutionary new features, but also its sleek design will complement any home and garden.

The unique Mistral Wind Sensor built into the new patio awning, detects any movement of the canopy during windy conditions; should the wind reach an unsafe level, the Mistral Sensor will communicate wirelessly to the awning controls and immediately retract it, preventing damage to you and your property.

Further intelligent features include:

• The Advanced Light SolarSensor, a solar-powered light sensor communicates wirelessly to the awning’s electronic control, which can be programmed to extend the canopy as the sun rises and retract as night falls.
• A unique ‘nano’ coating ensures that rainwater will simply wash light dirt off the awning.
• Thomas Sanderson’s bespoke installation method, ensures that the awning fits to the wall in a tidy casing with minimal gaps and its integral control system avoids the need for conspicuous electrical control boxes.
• A beautiful collection of over 200 different fabrics, LED mood lighting and optional heaters and valances, make sure that the customer will find a style to suit their taste.

Also new this year are stylish Metal Venetian Blinds for the conservatory or elsewhere, offering a novel system whereby the blinds are fitted to each individual windowpane, providing excellent light and glare control; there are over 90 style and colour options.

Web: http://www.thomassanderson.com

Tel: (0800) 220 603

Gardens are fast becoming an extension of the home as more people embrace a European lifestyle by eating, relaxing and entertaining outside.

It’s true that temperatures are rising year on year, however our weather has yet to follow our al fresco aspirations.

Despite this, we’re keen to spend more time eating and entertaining in the fresh air, which is why Hillarys Blinds are seeing a significant growth in the popularity of their attractive made to measure awnings.

Sunshades were originally intended to prevent strong sunlight from fading soft furnishings, but are coming into their own now to protect us from the elements - be it the sun’s rays or sudden rain showers.

So make the most of pleasant weather, by enjoying lunch in the garden with friends and family - a contemporary awning will keep the sun’s rays or the odd rain shower at bay and your food and guests fresh and dry.

Who says that awnings are just for spring and summer? Food often seems to taste better when it’s eaten outside, so why not enjoy the occasional winter barbie too?

Sarah Quilliam, head of product design for Hillarys says, “Although the traditional stripy fabric awning still has the edge, contemporary styles and fabrics such as linen effect are becoming more fashionable, especially in period, or more traditional properties,”

Hillarys awnings are fully motorized, available with clever sun and wind sensors and available in a choice of over 60 stylish yet durable fabrics - in any width from 2.5m to 12m, with free measuring and fitting; prices start from £1,395.

Web: http://www.hillarys.co.uk

Tel: (0800) 169 3938.

The Unique Shade Master 3500 overhanging parasol from The Cotswold Garden Company, provides an ideal and most relaxing way to create shade in your garden.

The parasol winds up on a handled crank system and tilts to catch the low evening sun’s rays.

The shade swivels 360° on its base, which is heavy enough when filled with sand or water to hold the parasol in place, but light enough to move when empty.

For late summer evenings spent in the garden, the Shade Master is equipped with an internal lighting system with two settings, one for maximium light and the other for LED lights down the ribs for a more atmospheric effect. Diameter 3.7m.

The Frame in made from tubular aluminium and steel and then anodised and powder coated to protect the metal and give the champagne coloured effect. The material is UV resistant and water proof.

The maintenance free Shade Master is available in three colours, navy blue, green and natural cream and comes with a cover and a 5 year guarantee.

The Overhanging Parasol priced at £795 is available in the UK only through The Cotswold Garden Co.

Web: http://www.cotswold-garden.com
Tel:  (01386) 700753

A conservatory can be an unpleasant heat-trap during the hot summer months; why not install Thomas Sanderson conservatory blinds to keep you cool and comfortable?

Hand-crafted from SolarTex coated fabric, these blinds are specifically designed to help control the temperature inside the conservatory, making it the perfect, temperate location for your summer living.

Choose from a palette of over 200 colours and fabrics, tints, tones, naturals, neutrals, plains and prints; however you wish to dress your conservatory, Thomas Sanderson can supply the right colour.

For Patio Living with sophistication and shelter this summer, install a Thomas Sanderson Patio Awning (The Ultima is featured here), to make the most of your garden; they are ideal for al-fresco entertaining, or sheltering the family from unexpected rain showers and even protect your plants from the scorching sun.

These fashionable awnings are remote controlled, allowing you to move smoothly from sun (or rain) to shade from the comfort of your sun-lounger or dining table.

Web:  http://www.thomassanderson.com
Tel:   (0800) 220 603

Thomas Sanderson is one of the leading suppliers of patio awnings in the UK and their luxurious new Ultima Awning is being launched at the Autumn Ideal Home Show at Earl’s Court.

Check it out and invest in a splash of brightness for your home’s exterior, choosing from their exciting range of colourful fabrics.

The Ultima Awning offers advanced all weather protection with many bespoke features:

• The very practical remotely controlled drop down valance, which extends down to around 2metres, creates a comfortable outdoors room.
• The pocket-sized remote provides extra shading, privacy or cover without you moving from the sun-lounger.
• The awning automatically adjusts in line with the weather by means of the integrated light and wind sensors.
• Prepare for the party season with fully directional lighting that enables you to highlight different areas of the patio.
• Free design service and installation.

The Ultima awning comes with a stunning grey anthracite casing with a self-cleaning finish, so that your awning will always look as good as new.

Web:  www.thomassanderson.com
Tel:  (0800) 220 603

Thomas Sanderson, the blind and awning manufacturer, have lots of good ideas to help you make the most of your garden this summer.

They suggest that you can add a splash of uplifting colour to your garden with one of their awnings, available in a diverse palette of over 300 different colours.

Also, you can protect your family from the strong midday sun or an unexpected rainshower at the touch of a button - Thomas Sanderson awnings are fitted with remote control options so that you can move easily from sun to shade from the comfort of your sun-lounger or dining table.

All Thomas Sanderson awnings have a 5 year guarantee and are made to measure by their design professionals.

web: http://www.thomassanderson.com
tel: 0800 220 603

Normally, you are advised to retract your patio awning when there’s a downpour, but not with the AquaLine garden awning from Thomas Sanderson - it’s designed to cope with the British climate!

Should there be a sudden shower, the AquaLine patio awning’s unique angular design and shape makes the rain water flow down the sides of the canopy and protects you from the rain.

There are even light and wind sensors in the awning allowing it to automatically adjust with the weather, preventing any possible damage to the awning or your property.

web: http://www.thomassanderson.com
tel: 0800 220 603