Modern Awning Design Trends and Styles That Can Complement Your Design Theme

Denise O'Leary • November 15, 2024
0 minute read
modern awning design trends

Awnings have come a long way from being purely functional additions to homes and businesses. In recent years, modern awning designs have evolved to become a significant part of a building’s aesthetic appeal, offering an opportunity to enhance curb appeal while providing much-needed shade.


If you’re considering adding awnings to your property, it's important to think about how they’ll fit with your overall design theme. In Phoenix, where architectural styles range from Southwestern to contemporary and everything in between, selecting the right awning style, shape and color can make a big difference.


Awning Styles for Different Architectural Themes

Phoenix is known for its rich variety of architectural styles. Whether you live in a mid-century modern home, operate a business in a sleek, contemporary building or maintain a classic Southwestern-style property, the right awning can enhance your design.


Southwestern Style

Many Phoenix homes and even some commercial buildings feature Southwestern and Pueblo Revival architecture, known for earthy tones, stucco walls and flat roofs. Awnings for these homes or commercial properties should complement the natural desert environment and the building's earth-toned palette.


  • Awning Style: Consider soft, rounded awnings or traditional sloped awnings with natural colors like terracotta, desert sand or deep browns. These colors blend seamlessly with Southwestern-style stucco and adobe walls, creating a harmonious look that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Fabric awnings with these tones can add texture and depth to the building, while more permanent metal awnings in copper or bronze finishes evoke a rustic, desert-chic vibe.

  • Best Colors: Warm, neutral shades like beige, ochre and rust can enhance the earthy aesthetic while providing a cohesive look with the architecture. For a pop of color, muted reds or orange shades can highlight entryways or windows without clashing with the overall natural palette.


Mid-Century Modern

Phoenix’s mid-century modern homes are defined by clean lines, flat planes and large windows, often set against minimalistic, geometric designs. This architectural style tends to emphasize simplicity and integration with nature, so the key with awnings is to enhance the sleekness without adding too much ornamentation.


  • Awning Style: Retractable awnings work particularly well with mid-century modern designs because of their simple functionality and unobtrusive form. Fixed awnings with flat, angular shapes can also add to the clean lines of the architecture. Metal or fabric options in minimalist shapes and finishes complement the look while providing necessary shade.

  • Best Colors: Neutral tones like white, gray or black are common choices that reflect the clean, modernist aesthetic. For a more retro look, you can opt for vibrant shades like turquoise, mustard or chartreuse, which can offer a nod to the era while adding a touch of personality to the structure.


Contemporary Commercial Buildings

Modern commercial architecture in Phoenix often focuses on sleek lines, large glass windows and minimalist exteriors. Businesses looking to add awnings for shade or aesthetic appeal should consider more structured, architectural awning designs that reflect the clean, functional look of contemporary design.


  • Awning Style: Commercial awnings that work well with contemporary buildings often feature angular, sleek designs. Minimalist, straight-edged awnings can be used over windows, doorways and outdoor seating areas to provide shade without interrupting the clean aesthetic of the building.

  • Best Colors: For a cohesive look, stick with monochromatic colors like black, gray or metallics. These hues match the clean, modern lines of contemporary architecture. If you want to create a focal point, bold colors like deep reds or blues can add a modern pop without feeling overly decorative.


Spanish Colonial and Mediterranean Styles

Homes and commercial buildings in Phoenix with Spanish Colonial or Mediterranean influences often feature red-tiled roofs, arches and stucco walls in warm tones. The key to choosing awnings for these buildings is to complement the rich, historical design elements without overwhelming them.


  • Awning Style: For Mediterranean-style buildings, consider more ornate awnings with scalloped edges or wrought iron details. Sloped awnings or domed shapes with classic fabric designs work particularly well.

  • Best Colors: Shades like deep reds, forest greens and muted blues can complement the natural clay tile roofs and warm stucco exteriors. Neutral tones like beige or taupe are also excellent choices for a subtle, sophisticated look that complements the traditional aesthetic.


Enhance Your Phoenix Property with Our Customized Awnings

Whether you’re looking to add a touch of elegance to your home or create a more welcoming outdoor space for your business, Arizona Awnings has the perfect solution for you. Our team specializes in designing and installing high-quality, custom awnings that not only offer shade and comfort but also enhance your property’s aesthetic.


Contact us at 602-252-3430 and discover how our modern awning designs can elevate your space while keeping you cool and comfortable in the Phoenix heat.

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