How To Decorate Your Outdoor Spaces

Albert's South Jersey Wallpaper • June 26, 2024

Summer is here, so it's time to use your deck or patio! Your outdoor space is where you relax with breakfast and your first cup of coffee and entertain friends and family during BBQs or cocktail parties, so its décor matters. An awning is a fantastic design element, and Awnings, Blinds, and Shutters by Albert's South Jersey Wallpaper have more outdoor decorating ideas to share.

An elegant outdoor patio with a grill and a table for six people at Albert's South Jersey near Turnersville, New Jersey

Perk Up Your Patio with Residential Awnings

Awnings offer protection from the elements and elevate the appearance of your outdoor space. You can give your patio a sophisticated flair with a refined fabric in a solid color or classic striped pattern, or go for an eclectic look with bright colors and fun patterns. Retractable awnings are a convenient way to enjoy coverage of your outdoor space when needed. They come with manual and motorized operation options; retracting them during winter will help extend their lifespan.

A fixed awning with a strong, galvanized steel frame is attached to your home so that high winds won't pose a threat. The frame is sturdy enough to hold the weight of outdoor lighting and hanging plants, making adding decorations for outdoor spaces to your deck or patio easier. You can add see-through mesh panels to the sides of your fixed awning to preserve your view.

Seating for Outdoor Spaces

Comfortable, stylish seating is a requirement for outdoor spaces. If you have an expansive deck or patio, use seating to create intimate zones that invite people to sit and chat. A smaller patio won't have as much room for seating, but it also means you can splurge on premium outdoor furniture. Don't forget the accent pillows to make chairs and benches look more welcoming and an outdoor area rug to tie the space together.

Lighting Designs for Patios

Summer fun doesn't stop when the sun goes down, so functional lighting is essential for outdoor space. You can use lightweight string lights on retractable and fixed awnings. Solar lights along the perimeter of your deck or patio will illuminate the area and give it a more refined appearance. LED lanterns add rustic charm to tables, and a firepit is perfect for adding light and warmth on chilly late nights.

Personal Touches for Your Deck

You express your personality with decorative accents inside your home, and the exterior area deserves the same attention. Large potted plants and flowers are easy to incorporate into any outdoor space and are a great way to give your deck or patio more privacy during the day. Consider adding unique items, like a vintage watering can or garden statues from antique or thrift stores.

Residential Awnings Near Turnersville, New Jersey

Awnings, Blinds, and Shutters by Albert's South Jersey Wallpaper has been upgrading outdoor spaces with residential awnings for 65 years. We carry products from leading brands, including Sunbrella®, Humphrys Awnings, Empire® Awning & Shade Products, and Somfy® Motorization.

Contact us today to design an exquisite outdoor space for your home. Awnings, Blinds, and Shutters By Albert's South Jersey Wallpaper is in Turnersville, New Jersey, and proudly serves Burlington County, Cherry Hill, Gloucester County, Washington Township, Camden County, Mount Laurel Township, Sewell, Mullica Hill, New Jersey, and the surrounding areas.

Retractable Awning Use & Care Guide: How to Keep Your Awning Performing Like New

By Albert Mastrando • March 6, 2026
Like any outdoor product, proper care and operation are essential for protecting your investment and ensuring long-term performance.

How to Design a Luxury Backyard in South Jersey

By Albert Mastrando • February 25, 2026
A luxury backyard isn’t about adding random features. It’s about designing intentional outdoor living space — where shade, structure, comfort, and function work together. In South Jersey, where summers are humid, sunlight is strong, and entertaining season matters, the right outdoor design can transform how often you use your property. At Albert's Wallpaper , we help homeowners integrate: Motorized retractable awnings Architectural pergolas Exterior solar and motorized screens Not as standalone products — but as part of a complete outdoor lifestyle plan. Here’s how to think about it. Step 1: Define Zones — Not Just Shade Luxury outdoor spaces are divided into purpose-driven zones : Poolside lounge area Outdoor kitchen & grilling space Dining area Conversation seating Hot tub or spa area Each zone needs a different type of protection and structure. That’s where combining products becomes powerful. Pergolas: Create the Architectural Anchor Pergolas are ideal for: Framing outdoor kitchens Creating poolside lounge areas Defining dining spaces Establishing a visual focal point They introduce structure and permanence. In a luxury backyard, a pergola often becomes the centerpiece — the element that makes the space feel curated rather than improvised. Around a pool, a pergola can create a resort-style retreat. Over a dining area, it forms a defined outdoor room. It doesn’t just block sun — it shapes the space. Retractable Awnings: Add Flexible Comfort Motorized retractable awnings are perfect for: Patios directly off the home Grill stations exposed to harsh sun Transitional indoor-outdoor spaces They allow you to: Extend shade during peak sun Retract in the evening Adjust instantly during gatherings For entertaining, this flexibility is key. Hosting a daytime party? Extend the awning. Evening cocktails? Open it up and let the sky in. It’s comfort on demand. Exterior Solar & Motorized Screens: Control the Environment This is where luxury meets practicality. Exterior solar shades and motorized screens — like those offered by Graber and SunPro Products — allow you to control: Glare Heat Insects Privacy Wind These are ideal for: Pergola enclosures Covered patios Outdoor kitchens Hot tub areas Instead of building permanent walls, screens create a dynamic barrier you can raise or lower as needed. That’s how you turn an outdoor space into a true four-season extension of the home. Designing Around the Pool Pool areas benefit from layered shade. A strong design might include: A pergola over a lounge zone Exterior screens for afternoon glare A retractable awning near the house This creates: A sun area A filtered light area A fully shaded retreat Guests move naturally between zones. It feels intentional — like a boutique hotel, not just a backyard. Outdoor Kitchens & Grilling Areas Grilling under direct sun in July isn’t enjoyable. Strategic coverage over outdoor kitchens: Reduces heat exposure Protects cabinetry and appliances Keeps guests comfortable while dining A pergola can create structure. An awning can provide flexibility. Exterior screens can block wind or glare. It’s about designing comfort into the cooking experience. Entertaining & Evening Use Luxury outdoor spaces don’t shut down at 5 p.m. With the right design: Afternoon heat becomes manageable Evening gatherings feel elevated Lighting integrates seamlessly with structure Guests stay outside longer A pergola defines the ambiance. An awning adapts to conditions. Exterior screens refine the environment. Together, they extend both time and usability. Think Long-Term, Not Temporary Luxury outdoor design isn’t about the lowest-cost solution. It’s about: Structural integration Professional installation Clean architectural lines Durable materials A cohesive layout Temporary fixes fade. Integrated design lasts. The Real Goal: Outdoor Living Without Compromise When properly combined, awnings, pergolas, and exterior screens create: Climate control Defined space Visual sophistication Increased property appeal A true extension of the home That’s what separates a premium backyard from a basic one. Designing Your Backyard in South Jersey Sun direction, wind exposure, pool placement, and home architecture all matter. We work with homeowners to evaluate: Layout Usage habits Entertaining style Long-term plans So your outdoor investment feels intentional — not pieced together. 👉 Schedule a private outdoor design consultation at albertwallpaper.com/contact

Pergola vs Retractable Awning: Which Is More Architectural?

By Albert Mastrando • February 25, 2026
When homeowners start upgrading their outdoor space, the conversation often comes down to two options: A retractable awning A pergola Both provide shade. Both improve comfort. But architecturally? They live in very different categories. If you're trying to decide which one makes a stronger design statement — especially for a premium backyard setting — here’s how they truly compare. At Albert's Wallpaper , we help homeowners evaluate not just shade, but structure, aesthetics, and long-term impact. What Does “More Architectural” Really Mean? Architectural elements: Define space Add structure Create visual weight Integrate with the home’s design They don’t just serve a function — they change how the property feels. So the real question isn’t just “Which gives shade?” It’s “Which changes the identity of the space?” Retractable Awnings: Functional & Flexible Retractable awnings are excellent for: Patio shade Deck coverage Poolside sun control Extending usable outdoor hours They’re flexible, motorized, and disappear when retracted. Architectural Presence When extended, they provide coverage. When retracted, they nearly vanish. They: Attach directly to the home Require no vertical posts Maintain open sight lines For homeowners who want shade without altering the structure of their backyard, awnings are ideal. Architecturally, they are subtle. Pergolas: Structure With Intention Pergolas are different. They introduce: Vertical supports Overhead framing Defined perimeter Physical presence They don’t disappear. They anchor the space. A pergola becomes: An outdoor room A design focal point A poolside statement A structural extension of the home Architecturally, pergolas carry weight. Visual Impact: Subtle vs Structural Retractable Awning Clean Minimal Functional Best for maintaining simplicity Pergola Bold Structured Intentional Best for creating a destination space If your goal is to preserve a clean facade, an awning does that beautifully. If your goal is to elevate the backyard into a defined architectural environment, a pergola wins. Poolside & Premium Settings Around pools or luxury outdoor layouts, pergolas often feel more integrated. They can: Frame lounge areas Define outdoor dining spaces Add lighting and structural detail Create a resort-like atmosphere A retractable awning enhances comfort. A pergola reshapes the environment. Flexibility vs Permanence Retractable awnings offer: On-demand shade Minimal footprint Storm protection when retracted Seasonal adaptability Pergolas offer: Permanent presence Structural impact Defined boundaries Strong design integration The difference is flexibility versus architectural permanence. Which Is More Architectural? If we’re speaking purely from a structural and visual standpoint: A pergola is more architectural. It introduces framing, depth, and dimension that physically changes the layout of your outdoor space. An awning enhances usability. A pergola transforms identity. Which Is Right for You? Choose a retractable awning if you: Want adaptable shade Prefer a minimal exterior look Don’t want vertical posts Value subtle enhancement Choose a pergola if you: Want a defined outdoor room Are investing in a premium backyard Prefer structural presence See your outdoor space as a long-term design feature Designing the Right Outdoor Upgrade in South Jersey Sun direction, yard layout, pool placement, and home architecture all influence the right choice. At Albert’s Wallpaper, we evaluate: Orientation Usage goals Design preference Long-term plans So the solution fits your space — not just your budget. 👉 Schedule a private consultation at albertwallpaper.com/contact