Ask The Expert: Awning
October 21, 2026

Ask The Expert: Awning

We’re thinking of buying an awning to provide shade. What do we need to know?

For a beach house, an awning is less about adding something than about how it integrates with the architecture. Start with orientation (south and west exposures need the most protection) and choose either retractable for flexibility or fixed if you want a more permanent design feature.

In coastal environments like Long Beach Island, materials matter. Use marine-grade fabrics and corrosion-resistant frames that can handle salt air and wind, and make sure it’s anchored. The awning should feel intentional, extending your living space while keeping that light, coastal openness intact.

—Faye Roeber, ASID Allied, Faye Roeber Interiors, Long Beach Island; fayeroeberinteriors.com