Every new year brings about new colour trends, new food trends and new fashion trends, the awnings industry is no exception with new and exciting awning styles, materials and colours. Let’s take a look at what’s trending for 2015 in residential and commercial awnings.
Green Awning Materials
The push for sustainable products and services has led to a need for awning materials that can be recycled or are environmentally-friendly. Many manufacturers are utilising recycled fabrics and durable fabrics that can withstand the elements for up to 20 years and then decompose or biodegrade. Other modern advancements include the development of self-cleaning awnings and canopies, and extremely touch fabrics from natural fibres, such as hemp, coconut shell, corn and bamboo.
Innovative Design and Graphics
Because homeowners and businesses expect a technically mature product and perfect installation, manufacturers are being forced to come up with sophisticated awning installations that are not only architecturally appealing, but also ones that provide the customer with a solution tailored to his specific requirements.
Recent advancements in fabrication, welding, cutting and fabric graphics technology have made it possible to create any awning design, colour or graphic. Manufacturers can now create custom graphics and designs that produce attention-grabbing and attractive awnings that offer a unique way of reducing energy costs and enhancing architecture for both homeowners and businesses.
Remote and Motorised Controls
Advances in technology are reducing the costs associated with modern awnings with high-tech sensors and controls; and thus these installations are becoming more common. Awnings 
with state-of-the-art motion sensors, anemometers, timers and remote controls, and combination sensors continue to be more affordable than they have been in nearly a decade. As a result, many households and businesses are taking advantage of the automated technology that comes with these retractable awnings to optimise their benefits, which include quick, easy and cost effective installation and operation.
Retractable Pergola Awnings
Retractable pergola awnings were a big trend during the past few years and continue to be so in 2015. These systems combine the advantages of the wooden pergola with modern retractable awnings. They can mount on an existing pergola or have a pergola engineered with the awning integrated. Made from durable, waterproof and fireproof materials, retractable awnings are suitable for a variety of different residential and commercial applications.
Folding Arm Awnings
When it comes to awnings for both commercial and domestic applications, the ease of operation and price continue to influence trends. One type of awning that has gained prominence due to these two factors is the folding arm awnings. This streamlined retractable awning comes with an open style, half closed or fully closed style cassette, which contains the awning and all its fittings. A powerful arm slides along a track at the front of the awning as it opens, hence the name “folding arm awning”.
Straight Drop Awnings
Straight drop awnings have been coming on strong over the past year, and their popularity is expected to continue soaring this year. These systems are very easy to operate, and can be raised or lowered manually using a rope-and-pulley system or fully motorised. Because of their stainless steel side guide and base bar that complement any modern house or commercial building, straight drop awnings are becoming very popular among homeowners and businesses for shading verandas, pergola areas and balconies.
For more information on the latest trends please contact us at Ozsun Awnings. A stylist can come and visit you at a time convenient to you.