I think a canvas awning would look cool, and even better as it ages and the canvas starts to fade. I am guessing that canvas might only last 2 or 3 years due to exposure to sun and weather. So I can understand why you might want to use aluminum instead.

Green is the color I always associate with old time canvas awnings. A burgundyish color would go nicely with your house too.

Definitely check into the options at a custom awning place -- retractable or fixed. I'm in CA and every place we checked uses Sunbrella, which isn't supposed to fade. We had fixed awnings made for our old house about five years ago and they still look great. It really made a huge difference in the "curb appeal" -- and shade in the summer.

For your place, you might look into a striped canvas so as to leave yourself (and successive owners) some leeway if you ever decide to repaint. There are SO many choices...

How fun to choose, though!

Here is a link that might be useful: Sunbrella canvas choices

My husband built the frames for my awnings and I covered them with canvas in burgundy, cream and green striped print. Our home is a work in progress, as we have taken an old schoolhouse and made it into our home. 50'x50' The decking will be the next project that we will tackle, then the yard work after that. The inside has been redone in antiques and we salvaged everything that was left in the school. I love the awnings and found them to be an inexpensive way to achieve the look I wanted. Ours are placed over the 2 garden doors we installed. Sorry, I didn't have a close up pic. Took less than 1 hour to cover each of the frames once they were done. Three long bolts along the top inside frame to hold mount it to the outside wall. Cost? PENNIES!

Awning pic - http://i1.tinypic.com/244r88m.jpg

Good Luck!
Deborah

You should look into the various types of awnings available such as plastic vs. metals and fabric retractable awnings. LInk to good guide here.

Here is a link that might be useful: patio cover and awning

Deborah, your picture isn't showing (for me anyway) I would love to see it!

blufish, keep in mind that the original post was made in 2006.

There is definitely a better type of awning to put on a craftsman/bungalo design. I can't get the pics to load but go to this site and see what they have or sale. They would look great and last a heck of a lot longer than a canvas awning. I hope this helps!

silverstarresidential.com

Here is a link that might be useful: Awnings/Canopies