As Memorial Day approaches in New Jersey, attention turns outward—to terraces, patios and gardens poised to become the setting for a summer well spent. In these refined outdoor spaces—especially along the Shore, where many of us have homes—shade is no longer an afterthought, but an architectural gesture in its own right.
“For a beach house,” notes Faye Roeber of Long Beach Island’s Faye Roeber Interiors, “an awning is less about adding something than about how it integrates with the architecture.”
A thoughtfully designed awning does more than temper the sun. It defines outdoor rooms, softens transitions between interior and exterior living and frames the backyard as an extension of the home’s design language. It blends performance with quiet elegance, offering tailored solutions that complement both traditional estates and contemporary residences. Installing one, however, takes careful thought and consideration.
The first step, Roeber says, is to think about where the most sun hits during the day. “South and west exposures need the most protection,” she says.
After that, personal preferences take over. “Choose either retractable for flexibility or fixed if you want a more permanent design feature,” our expert says. Whether rendered in crisp, retractable canvas over a dining terrace or custom fitted to a poolside pavilion, these elements introduce comfort without compromise.
Location of the home matters, as many of us with beach houses know.
“In coastal environments like Long Beach Island, materials matter,” Roeber says. “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.”
A pergola is another shade option to consider. These structures are defined by upright posts that support rafters or an open roof, usually offering partial shade. They’re often constructed using aluminum (these resist rust and won’t be broken down by salt air) or wood (cedar and redwood are popular).
As entertaining season begins in earnest, the right shade structure ensures that gatherings linger comfortably from late afternoon light into warm summer evenings—effortless, polished and distinctly intentional.
For more expert advice on patios, read Ask the Experts in the latest issue of NJ HOME.