Our Top 5 Picks for your Outdoor Entertainment Area in 2023 

Are you looking to spruce up your outdoor entertaining area in 2023? You might want to look at these… 

Opie colourful awnings for outdoor entertainment area

Here at Douglas in Hastings we have gathered our top five picks to help you create the perfect outdoor entertaining space.

From stylish umbrellas and awnings to deck roofs and custom cushions, these on-trend options will make sure your outdoor area is both functional and beautiful.  

Read on for more information about our top five picks. 

1. GET SERIOUS Coverage with Your Deck Roof  

One of the most important components of any outdoor entertaining area is the roof. After all, no one wants to be stuck with sub-standard protection out in the rain or baking in the sun when we’re trying to relax outdoors.  

At Douglas Innovation we specialise in creating “forever roofs” – you know, the ones that last and keep you safe from all the elements.  

Some styles to consider include:

  • The architecturally poised NZ Louvres roof, for a wide opening to the sky, and automatic closing in wet weather. The louvre roof needs no introduction and it remains one of our most popular options – ask us about why the NZ Louvres brand is a cut above the rest. 
  • Get the full open sky experience with a retractable Oztech roof, complete with 100% waterproofing protection when closed. Magic! 
  • For the bowed or arched look, consider a fixed curved canopy pergola with translucent PVC cover. Ours is designed and manufactured here in Hawke’s Bay, meaning you get exceptional custom-made quality backed up with local support. 
  • Get the stylish glass-house look with a clear or opaque Clearspan raked roof, perfect for existing flat (or angled) pergola structures, or where you want clean angled lines.  

The options really come down to the style you are after, what fits within the budget, and what works for your space. 

No matter which roof style you choose from us, you won’t have to worry about replacing them anytime soon – or pretty much ever!  

Enhance your outdoor living area with an NZ Louvres Roof by Douglas Innovation

2. MAKE A COLOUR SPLASH with Your Umbrella  

Umbrellas are a must-have for any outdoor entertaining area. Not only do they provide shade from the hot summer sun, but they also provide that resort-quality look.  

Shade7 umbrellas are especially popular among Hawke’s Bay homeowners because of their vibrant colours and durable construction (including marine grade aluminium for seaside locations).  

Plus, Shade7 umbrellas come with impressive warranties so you can rest assured that both fabric and frame will be in great order for years to come.  

Why not get bold with your colour choice or say it with stripes? A range of colour choices are at your disposal and on display in our Hastings showroom.

3. MAKE BETTER USE of Your Outdoor Entertaining Space with Ziptrak® Blinds  

Ziptrak® outdoor blinds can transform your space into the oasis you’ve always wanted. Not only do they protect against inclement weather, but they also give you extra privacy while still letting plenty of light in.  

With Ziptrak® blinds, it’s easy to create an outdoor room where you can relax and entertain without worrying about Mother Nature getting in the way!   

Adding blinds can be the perfect way to optimise the space you already have, extending the use of your area to include those areas that would otherwise be without shade or wind protection. 

You have the choice of clear PVC blinds, or an attractive coloured mesh for extra shade. Mixing and matching both depending on where the shelter is required is also a popular option. 

Styling to suit your décor is easy with custom powdercoated framing and a choice of contemporary mesh colours.  

We choose Ziptrak® blinds because the product is exceptional quality. It’s a smart choice that you’ll thank yourself for every time you’re outdoors entertaining. 

Alitex Curved Canopy Combined with Ziptrak Screens Provide a Stylish Outdoor Room Napier Hawkes Bay

4. RECOVER Your Outdoor Cushions with Custom Upholstery  

Outdoor cushions are essential for making your outdoor entertainment area comfortable and inviting. But if yours are looking a bit worse for wear after years of wear and tear, then how about having them recovered or replaced? 

At Douglas Innovation we offer locally crafted custom upholstery to renew your old cushions and breathe new life into your space. 

Fabric choices abound – you can start by gathering design ideas from the fabric swatches in our showroom. Our team are happy to take you through the options and show you the fabrics and foams that work best in outdoor settings.  

Don’t let those tired old cushions cramp your style — let us help everything look like new again!   

5. STAY FLEXIBLE With Colorful Awning Shade

The final piece of the puzzle when it comes to creating a perfect outdoor entertaining space is Llaza awnings.  

These European-style awnings provide flexibility when it comes to controlling light levels as well as offering protection from inclement weather conditions such as wind or rain showers—perfect for those days when Mother Nature just won’t cooperate!  

Plus, Llaza awnings come in a variety of colours so you’ll be sure to find one that fits perfectly with the rest of your decorating scheme.   

Opie-Colourful-awning-for-outdoor-living-area

What does your outdoor oasis look like? 

Creating an ideal outdoor entertainment area doesn’t have to be difficult—all it takes is some creativity and knowledge about what products will best suit your needs.  

We hope our list has given you some inspiration for making this year’s backyard get-togethers even better than ever before. We’d love to know your ideas! 

 At Douglas Innovation we offer sound advice and are committed to ensuring your project is an enjoyable experience.  

Pop into the showroom Mon – Fri, or make an enquiry. We’d love to hear from you!

413 Queen Street West, Hastings, Hawke’s Bay06 878 6300