The outdoor space design of the backyard is finally catching up to the architectural design of the house.The living space of the house now continues to the patio usable space next to the house. Depending on where you are located, seasonal or year around outdoor space has become part of the overall designed space to compliment and coordinate with the interior rooms. The interior design of comfort and detail has carried over to the outdoor designs of furniture and space in a natural setting. The outdoor environment has become more functional and organized by this confluence of interior design standards resulting in an indoor/outdoor unified concept. The backyard space and form is defined by the many limiting features such as the good neighbor fence, trees, green areas, patios, gazebos, trellis, walkways and furnishings to name a few.The outdoor usable patio area when enclosed by a weather proof roof is further defined as a open room rather than an open space and also extends the usability of the patio during inclement weather. The patio can be covered with a compatible designed retractable awning canopy that is far more economical and quicker than a porch and provides weather protection upon demand. To make the awning unify the design spaces there must be a natural flow and circulation between the indoor rooms and outdoor space. The flow of traffic will depend on the exact attachment and coverage of the patio retractable awning and the proximity between the patio and house. Access to the kitchen and location of the exterior doors will help in determining the preferred placement of the patio and attachment of the retractable awning. The awning comes in several standard sizes and numerous patterns and colors. The canopy material is water resistant and blocks the sun UV rays and lasts for years if properly maintained. Most standard canopy opening and closing functions are done by a manual crank with a handle that fold away out of site. There are retractable awning operational options for larger or custom made awnings that include an electric open/close control with or without a remote and weather sensor awning opening when rain is detected. These options are costly but maybe offset by their ease of operation. Valances, side curtains and screening are just a few of the accessories available for the retractable awning. Besides the beauty of the retractable awning there are many improvements such as; increased water resistance of the canopy, better blocking of the sun's UV rays, automatic operation of the opening and closing either by remote or rain sensitive controls and stronger frames and supports to with stand greater wind forces all resulting in an extended patio season that benefits the owners. The patio awning has also improved the material of the canopy by adding new colors, styles, sizes and patterns so the owners has more selections to compliment the house. Contact a local patio rep to discuss your project and the availability of a beautiful retractable patio awning.RBLawrence is an Ezine expert author and webmaster that refers you to www.patiofurnitureandbeyond.com for more information.