In hospitality, creating the perfect atmosphere is everything.
Whether it’s a resort, café, or restaurant, your guests want to relax and feel instantly connected to their surroundings. This goes beyond beautiful interiors and extends to your outdoor spaces, where the right setup can make all the difference.
For venues in Australia, outdoor aesthetics aren't just about style - they're about safety, too. Awnings and umbrellas are essential for shielding your patrons from harsh UV rays and unpredictable weather. That's why your choice of fabric needs to be both durable and visually appealing.
Enter Docril® awning fabric and umbrella fabric, the top choice for outdoor applications in Australia. Known for its long-lasting durability and stunning Docril fabric colours, it’s perfectly suited to the local climate. This season brings even more exciting designs to choose from, making it easier than ever to create a stylish and safe outdoor environment.
Let’s dive into the top 6 Docril fabric colours for awnings and umbrellas this season.
Why Choose Docril® Outdoor Fabrics
Guests naturally gravitate towards outdoor spaces, and these areas need to be as inviting as your interiors - if not more so. Whether it’s a leisurely lunch, a poolside break, or drinks at the outdoor bar, the right setup can make all the difference.
But in Australia’s climate, outdoor fabrics need to be more than just beautiful; they must stand up to intense sunlight and heavy rainfall. This is why so many hospitality venues choose Docril® awning fabric and umbrella fabric for their outdoor areas. Known for its durability and local climate resilience, Docril® fabric is a smart long-term investment, designed to last for years.
So, what makes Docril® awning fabric and umbrella fabric the go-to choice for so many venues?
- Weatherproof: Docril® fabrics protect patrons from the sun, rain, wind, and hail.
- UV stabilised: The fibres in Docril® fabric are solution-dyed so they won’t fade, even under intense UV rays.
- Water and chemical resistant: Finished with a Teflon treatment, this coating enhances water repellency, chemical & oil resistance.
- Fire retardant: All Docril® fabrics are finished with a fire-retardant coating.
- Low maintenance: Docril® fabrics are extremely simple to clean thanks to their finish, helping them to last longer.
These features make Docril® fabrics a popular choice not only for commercial settings but also for residential projects.
However, aesthetics are just as important as practicality. In hospitality, if your outdoor spaces aren’t visually appealing, guests might look elsewhere. The right Docril fabric colours can help create an atmosphere that draws people in, keeps them comfortable, and encourages them to linger.
So, let’s look at the best colours on show from Docril® this SS24 season to create an inviting, comfortable and relaxing environment your guests won’t want to leave!
Top 6 Docril® Fabric Colours
First up, let’s look at the leading fabrics for awnings.
Block stripe awning fabric
This season, one of our favourite Docril® awning fabrics is the block stripe – and it’s a clear client favourite, too!
With a classic appeal, the black and white block stripes design has been popular for some time now and isn’t likely to change any time soon. Yet, it does have some competition from other colour combinations this season.
So far, we’re hearing lots of requests for green and white striped Docril® fabric. Green always blends beautifully outdoors in garden settings, complementing the natural ambience and surroundings, so this colour choice isn’t a surprise. Other clients are continuing to back the contemporary grey in their colour mix, and we can see the grey and white block stripe design becoming even more popular as the season progresses since it blends well with anything.
No matter which block stripes you choose—whether it’s classic black, earthy green, or chic grey - these Docril fabric colours will help you create a welcoming, stylish outdoor space that’s sure to draw in guests.
Textured awning fabric
A growing trend this season is textured awning fabric, offering a unique look and feel that goes beyond traditional flat surfaces. These fabrics add depth and dimension, creating a more tactile, engaging experience for outdoor spaces without relying on patterns or multiple colours.
This season, two textured Docril® awning fabrics are standing out. The first is a sleek black option, perfect for a modern, minimalistic aesthetic that complements any setting. The second is a rustic, linen-inspired fabric with a natural, earthy tone. This finish is ideal for venues looking to create a warm, inviting atmosphere with neutral hues.
Both options bring a new layer of sophistication to Docril fabric colours, allowing you to elevate your outdoor areas with fabrics that are as beautiful to the touch as they are to the eye.
Block colour fabric
When it comes to simplicity and elegance, block colour Docril® fabrics remain a top choice for awnings this season. Solid colours offer versatility, allowing them to blend effortlessly with any design scheme while providing a clean, cohesive look.
One of the most popular Docril fabric colours right now is charcoal. This rich, dark hue has been trending for several seasons, thanks to its ability to complement a wide range of styles, from modern minimalist spaces to more traditional venues. Charcoal is a go-to option for many clients because it works with almost any other colour, making it incredibly versatile.
We’re also seeing a growing interest in lavender this season, especially among cafes and restaurants. This soft, natural shade brings a fresh, calming vibe to outdoor spaces, helping to create a cosy, welcoming atmosphere that’s perfect for relaxed dining.
Whether you're looking for a bold, sophisticated charcoal or a serene lavender, Docril® block colour fabric offers the perfect solution for achieving a stylish and functional outdoor area.
| Client: |
Shades of Australia Mornington |
| Date: |
July 2024 |
| Application: |
Commercial |
| Sector: |
Hospitality |
| Product Used: |
Docril |
| Client: |
Tip Top Blinds |
| Date: |
March 2024 |
| Application: |
Residential |
| Sector: |
Property |
| Product Used: |
Docril |
Block stripe umbrella fabric
Just like with awnings, the block stripe pattern remains a top choice for umbrella fabric this season. Bold, eye-catching stripes not only add a playful touch but also bring a sense of sophistication to any outdoor space.
One standout colour combination for Docril umbrella fabric this season is lemon and white. This vibrant mix brings energy and brightness to outdoor dining areas or poolside lounges, creating a lively atmosphere that's perfect for summer.
Another popular option is lavender and white stripes, a soft and charming choice that evokes relaxation. This soothing colour combination is perfect for venues looking to create a tranquil outdoor space where guests can unwind and enjoy their stay.
Of course, the timeless black and white block stripe remains a classic favourite. Whether you’re after a bold look or something more understated, block stripe umbrella fabric offers a stylish and practical way to elevate your outdoor areas.
Custom umbrellas
A trend that’s on the rise this season is custom-designed umbrella fabric, tailored specifically to reflect a venue’s brand colours. Custom umbrellas allow businesses to create a unique, cohesive look that ties their outdoor spaces to their overall identity.
The beauty of choosing a Docril® umbrella fabric in your brand’s colours is that it not only enhances your outdoor area but also reinforces brand recognition. From poolside lounges to café terraces, custom umbrellas make your space more memorable and professional, offering a polished look that guests will naturally gravitate toward.
By aligning your umbrella fabric with your branding, you’re creating a seamless experience for your guests, both indoors and out. This attention to detail can even strengthen customer loyalty, making your venue a standout choice.
Block colour umbrella fabric
While stripes and custom designs are popular, block colour umbrella fabric remains a timeless choice for many venues. Solid colours bring a clean, sophisticated look that works beautifully in modern and minimalist settings.
This season, darker shades like black, charcoal, and navy are the top picks for Docril® umbrella fabric. These bold hues are perfect for creating a sleek, refined outdoor space that feels polished and professional. They work especially well in resorts and high-end restaurants, where a minimalist aesthetic can enhance the overall experience.
For venues that want to maintain a cohesive look, using a single block colour fabric for your umbrellas helps create a unified, polished feel. While stripes offer vibrancy, block colours offer simplicity and elegance - both equally appealing, depending on your venue’s vibe.
Whether you're designing a laid-back café or an upscale resort, block colour Docril® fabrics provide a versatile option to suit any outdoor space.
A Final Word
It’s clear that block stripes are leading the way this season, bringing vibrant energy to both Docril® awning fabric and umbrella fabric designs. However, if you're looking to stand out, why not explore something more unique like textured fabrics? For a truly customised touch, consider designing your outdoor shades to match your brand's colours and identity.
With so many beautiful and durable Docril fabric colours available, the possibilities are endless for creating inviting, stylish outdoor spaces that keep guests comfortable and coming back for more. Whatever your vision, Docril® fabrics from Ricky Richards offer the quality, versatility, and aesthetic appeal to bring it to life.
If you're ready to transform your hospitality project, reach out to the experts at Ricky Richards for guidance in finding the perfect Docril® awning or umbrella fabric to suit your needs.