Hottest Trends for Keeping Cool this Summer

Colour and control will be top of mind for outdoor window coverings this summer according to the Luxaflex Window Fashions experts.

"Maximising living space with a seamless indoor-outdoor transition has been a key trend over the last year, and shows no signs of slowing down this summer," says Jenny Brown, National Marketing Manager for Luxaflex Window Fashions.

"Outdoor awnings remain hugely popular as they offer advanced sun protection and airflow for a more enjoyable entertaining space, while providing the added benefit of helping maintain your home's internal temperature," she says. "The main look we're seeing right now are awnings colour coordinated with the home exterior."

This colour coordination goes beyond just the fabric to encompass the hardware. "Powdercoating is available on numerous designs to ensure the awning hardware will also blend seamlessly to the building façade for an ultra luxe look."

When selecting an awning, Brown also notes that the colour of the awning will impact the heat and glare. "Darker colours are best for reducing glare, whereas lighter colours are more effective for heat control." She also notes "contemporary awnings look fantastic on the modern home, however the 'timeless' collection of awnings suit more traditional architectural styles."

Another big trend moving ahead in 2018 is personalisation, as Australians continue to switch to smart home automation at a record pace.

"The larger the awning the more likely it is that you will want to invest in motorisation," continues Brown. "Our award winning PowerView® Motorisation is an affordable home automation system enabling Aussies to lower their blinds or awnings at the touch of a button.

PowerView® Motorisation provides homeowners with numerous additional benefits, such as the option to schedule their window coverings to lower exactly when they want which can help create substantial savings on a home's cooling bills.

"By scheduling your awnings to lower as you leave for work in the morning, you can actively help maintain a cool indoor temperature in your home. External shading reduces heat transfer through windows by up to 90 per cent and a whopping 88 per cent of a home's heat gain in summer occurs through windows ," she explains. "This simple action will help reflect heat and UV rays to drastically reduce a room's heat gain, as well as help protect furniture from sun damage and fading."

"Stopping the heat of the sun from entering your home in the first place is much better than letting it in and cooling it down afterwards. When radiant energy from the sun touches an object inside, it gets hot, making the room hot."

"External awnings are particularly beneficial on west and east facing windows, where you get the full force of early morning and afternoon sun," she concludes.

The Australian-designed Luxaflex® Evo Awnings Range represents the latest in design and functionality. Six models of premium external window coverings are available in a selection of beautiful fabrics and smooth operating systems to suit any house style. They are specifically designed for harsh UV and demanding Australian weather conditions, and provides the ideal balance between style and functionality.

For further information, visit www.luxaflex.com.au