Retractable awnings are perfect for providing you great shadow during hot summer days, yet allow more daylight in when needed. Elegant, good looking and highly functional such awnings can be a good solution that doesn't clutter your backyard and is very easy to maintain. When you don't need them, the awnings retract in a special cassette with the help of an electric motor. It is possible to have automated awnings with sensors that detect when they need to extend or to retract, thanks to integrated light sensors. There are some manual ones also, but there's a little work to extend and retract them, so this might not be such a great idea.

Anyway, if you think to install retractable awnings, you might want to know where to find some cool design ideas. Home design magazines are an excellent source of inspiration. Even better, you can check out their corresponding websites, so you can get your ideas without even leaving the house.

Websites of architects and interior designers can be a great starting point in your research. They usually display their latest projects, so all you need is to find the ones that suit your personal preferences. The good thing about this approach is that you can contact the interior designers and ask them for details regarding the awnings they've used.

Pinterest is another great inspiration source for home decor, as well as for many other things. It is a website where people gather collections of images on their favorite topics and share them with their friends. This is probably the best source because people gather only those ideas they like most, so the collections are really outstanding and impressive.

Flickr is another photo website where people go when seeking inspiration in many areas. Older than Pinterest, Flickr is the home of many good photographers and interior designers who use it for showcasing their work. They have a huge database of images, so take a look and see if there's anything you might like.

Unfortunately, such sources can only serve for creative purposes. You can't order the awnings you like, but if all you wish is to get inspired, they are perfect. Besides, if you print out the photos and go to a home decor store, you might be able to find those awnings in real life and buy them for your house. Inspiration is everywhere around us, we just need to open our eyes and acknowledge it. For more information and any needed help check the Greenville window shades website.