A Fresh Start for Underused Outdoor Spaces
Many Florida homes have beautiful patios, lanais, or decks that don’t get used as often as homeowners expect. Sometimes the afternoon heat becomes overwhelming. Other times the western sun makes the space uncomfortable. In some cases, the patio simply lacks the inviting atmosphere people want for entertaining or relaxing.
Then something changes. A shading system is added. A retractable awning goes up. A motorized screen transforms the space. And suddenly the patio becomes the place where the family gathers most nights of the week.
At Made in the Shade North Central FL, we see these transformations every day. Homeowners send us photos months later showing how their patio has become the heart of the home. Here are a few examples of the kinds of before-and-after changes possible when the right SunPro products are installed.
From Hot Concrete Pad to Cool Outdoor Lounge
One Gainesville homeowner had a large concrete patio that sat unused almost all year. The space was exposed, bright, and far too hot by mid-morning. Outdoor furniture faded quickly, and the area felt empty rather than inviting.
After installing a SunPro retractable awning in a warm neutral fabric, everything changed. The temperature under the awning dropped dramatically, and the homeowners bought new outdoor seating because the space finally felt comfortable enough to use.
What had once been a neglected concrete slab became a quiet morning coffee spot, an outdoor reading nook, and an evening gathering space. The retractable awning added shade, style, and a sense of enclosure that made the whole patio feel like an extension of the home rather than an afterthought.
A Lanai That Went From Bug Haven to Family Room
A family in Ocala had a beautiful lanai with plenty of space, but they rarely enjoyed it because mosquitos took over as soon as the sun went down. They loved the openness during the day but hated retreating indoors in the evening.
By adding a SunPro motorized screen with a fine insect-resistant mesh, the lanai finally became a true all-season room. The screen lowered with the press of a button, blocking insects without blocking the view. Airflow remained natural and pleasant, and evenings became peaceful again.
The family now enjoys dinner outside, and their kids often play in the lanai after school without worrying about bugs. The transformation was immediate and meaningful.
Creating a Multi-Use Garage Space
Another homeowner hoped to use the garage as a gym but didn’t want to keep the main door open. The heat, sun, and lack of privacy made it uncomfortable.
A SunPro motorized garage screen solved every issue at once. The screen lowered smoothly, allowing natural airflow while keeping insects out. It also added a layer of privacy and shade, turning the garage into a quiet workout space that could be used throughout the year.
The garage no longer felt like a storage area. It became a flexible extension of the home—a gym in the mornings, a hobby area in the evenings, and a breezy retreat on weekends.
A Patio That Became the Favorite Entertaining Spot
One of the most striking transformations we’ve seen involved a backyard with great potential but no cover from the Florida sun. The homeowners enjoyed entertaining guests but found themselves hosting indoors far more than they wanted.
Once a SunPro awning with integrated LED lights was installed, everything shifted. Shade during the day made outdoor gatherings comfortable, while the soft lighting in the evening created the perfect atmosphere for entertaining. The patio became the most popular “room” in the house, used more often than the living room.
The before-and-after photos from this project looked like a full renovation, even though the awning installation was quick and clean.
Why These Transformations Matter
A home’s outdoor areas hold enormous potential. Sometimes all it takes is the right shade solution to unlock their usefulness. Awnings and screens do more than protect from heat and insects—they make the entire home feel larger and more welcoming.
When homeowners send us their “after” photos, the difference is always the same. The space isn’t just upgraded. It’s lived in. It’s loved.
If you’re thinking about creating your own before-and-after moment, Made in the Shade North Central FL offers free on-site consultations to help you visualize what your patio or lanai could become.
