5 Easy Ways to Elevate Your Outdoor Space This Summer (Starting with the Shade)

With the sun shining and Kent enjoying a proper stretch of summer, now is the perfect time to make the most of your garden, patio, or terrace. Whether you love a sunny morning cuppa outside or entertaining friends with a weekend BBQ, your outdoor space deserves as much attention as your interiors, especially while the weather's on our side.

Here are five simple ways to upgrade your outdoor setup this summer, including the one feature I think every home should have…

1. Add Instant Shade with a Custom Awning

Let’s start with the obvious. It’s hot! And while we all love the sun, we don’t always want it directly on us. A high-quality awning not only provides cool shade and UV protection, but it also instantly transforms your patio into an outdoor room.

Our motorised awnings are ideal for:

• Creating a shady lunch spot for the family

• Keeping indoor rooms cooler by shading the windows

• Protecting your outdoor furniture from fading

At ABS, we offer tailor-made awnings to suit your space and style. And we install everything ourselves, so you don’t have to lift a finger.

2. Mix Materials for a Modern Look

Outdoor spaces are no longer just about a table and chairs. Layer different materials like wood, stone, rattan and metal for a more styled, cohesive look. Think:

• Timber decking paired with a stone firepit

• A fabric awning over metal-framed outdoor sofas

• Planters in mixed finishes (terracotta, ceramic, corten steel)

Texture adds visual interest and helps your outdoor area feel like an extension of your home — not an afterthought.

3. Introduce Soft Lighting for Warm Evenings

Fairy lights, festoon bulbs, lanterns, or solar-powered stake lights — the right lighting will make your garden feel magical after dark. Even better? It extends how long you can enjoy it.

If you’ve got an awning, you can even add integrated lighting options for the perfect glow after sunset. Ask us about your options, our team is more than happy to help.

4. Create Zones for Lounging, Eating and More

Just like indoors, outdoor spaces benefit from smart zoning. A few ideas:

• Use an awning to define your dining area

• Add an outdoor rug and cushions to carve out a lounging corner

• Tuck a bistro table into a sunny corner for your morning coffee spot

Zoning makes even smaller gardens feel more usable and inviting and it's one of the easiest ways to make your space feel styled.

5. Don’t Forget Privacy and Extra Warmth

An often-overlooked benefit of awnings is that they can help shield your garden from prying eyes or sudden gusts of wind, especially in open or overlooked areas. You can even pair them with vertical side screens or outdoor blinds for extra coverage and comfort.

Plus, with our infrared awning heaters, you don’t have to head indoors when the temperature dips. Installing halogen heating lamps can offer instant warmth with no heating-up time, so you can stay cosy and comfortable outside, even after dark.

They're a perfect addition under your awning, especially if you love entertaining or want to stretch out your garden evenings a little longer.

Live in a Flat? Meet Our Balcony Awnings

We also offer custom balcony awnings, perfect for apartment living or awkwardly shaped outdoor spaces. Whether your balcony faces the blazing sun or needs some privacy from neighbours, these compact solutions offer all the benefits of a full-sized awning — in a size and shape made just for your space.

Ready to Upgrade?

If you're thinking about adding an awning, there's no better time than now. With long, sunny days ahead, you’ll get to enjoy the benefits right away — whether it’s extra shade for lunch outdoors or keeping the house cooler in the heat.

Summer is always a popular time for awning installations, so we recommend booking your free measure and quote soon to make the most of the season.

📍 Looking for awnings in Kent? Get in touch today for a free consultation and see how easy it is to elevate your outdoor space.