Most people love the idea of a peaceful spot outdoors where we can sit back, switch off, and really enjoy our gardens. The reality, though, can be very different. Many homeowners invest heavily in planting, furniture, and landscaping, but the space sits unused for big stretches of the year.
There are some really common barriers that stop people from making the most of their gardens, and once you recognise them, they’re easy to solve; and awnings play a huge part.
You Can’t Trust the Weather
The most obvious barrier is the great British weather. The Met Office showed that 2025 brought the hottest spring and summer on record, but that didn’t mean straightforward outdoor living. There were still unpredictable showers and gusty winds that made planning outside tricky. We also know that poor weather is the number one reason people avoid gardens and green spaces.
When your garden’s either unbearably hot or soaking wet, it’s much easier to close the door and stay inside. This is where garden design can make a huge difference. A layer of shade and shelter from an awning or veranda gives you an immediate fallback. You can carry on enjoying your garden with a morning coffee or evening glass of wine without stressing over the changing seasons.
We Don’t Like Being on Show
You might also be struggling to enjoy your garden if you’re constantly feeling as though you’re being overlooked. Modern developments often have closer neighbours, which leave you a little exposed when outdoor dining or relaxing with friends.
Unfortunately, there’s no automatic legal right to privacy in our back garden. That means the solution has to be practical, not legal. Clever home design can soften those sightlines with climbing plants, evergreen shrubs, or a tasteful pergola or veranda
Too Hot Indoors, too Bright Outdoors
It’s not just the garden that suffers from the sun. Research shows that one in five Brits already has overheating homes during the summer. External shading, like blinds or awnings, is one of the best passive solutions. You stop the sun before it hits the glass, and prevent the heat build-up, keeping your living spaces cooler.
This dual role means a single investment in outdoor shade is a smart home design choice, as well as a garden one. If a sweltering living room or blinding glare through patio doors has been putting you off enjoying your garden, then an awning or veranda addresses both issues at once.
Changing Expectations with Changing Seasons
There’s a common myth that British gardens are only usable for a couple of months each year. Spring and autumn are often written off as “in between” seasons when the weather is unpredictable and evenings draw in.
We totally disagree with this, and if you invest in a premium retractable awning or glass veranda, your garden becomes the perfect spot to enjoy all year round. You can sit out comfortably even if there are showers or light winds; your awning keeps you sheltered.
Comfort Leads to Habit
Wellbeing surveys have found that 4 out of 5 people say time in nature improves their happiness, and nearly three-quarters feel that it reduces stress. Yet if the garden feels uncomfortable, overlooked, or inconvenient, those benefits are lost.
The key is to make your garden a space that you want to be in. A comfortable chair under an awning can easily become the default spot for your morning coffee, and a sheltered dining table becomes the natural gathering place for friends and family.
Blending Garden Design and Home Design
One of the strongest themes recently has been the blending of indoor and outdoor space. Home design increasingly treats gardens almost as additional rooms, rather than separate entities. This means materials, colours, and layouts flow much more naturally between inside and out.
An awning in a shade that matches your interior textiles or a glass veranda that aligns with your kitchen flooring might reinforce that sense of cohesion. When your garden design feels like a continuation of your home, you instinctively use it more. This kind of joined-up approach can add real value, helping you enjoy your garden much more.
Ready to Turn Your Garden into a Space You Love to Use?
At the Great British Awning & Blind Company, we specialise in high-quality awnings, glass verandas, and blinds that help you make the most of your home and garden, no matter the weather. Our designs combine wonderful styles with practicality and durability (thanks to premium materials). That gives you shade, shelter, and privacy for your outdoor space.
If you want to enjoy your garden more and help it adapt to the changing seasons, browse our full range of awnings, blinds, and verandas today, or get in touch with our helpful team to discuss the right solution for you.
FAQs
How long do awnings or verandas typically last?
With good care, quality products can last 15-20 years at least. It’s all about maintenance, though.
Do awnings need a lot of maintenance?
Occasional cleaning and checking the mechanisms is usually enough, but contact your awning professional for more information.
Can blinds and verandas be tailored to different solutions?
Yes, they come in a wide range of colours and designs to suit traditional and modern homes.
Will adding shade or shelter affect my property value?
If resale value is on your mind, then well-designed outdoor structures are often seen as attractive upgrades by potential buyers.
