Hello. We're looking for some ideas. We installed a paver patio a couple of years ago and due to cost/grad issues ended up with a a few steps down (see picture). The only thing we dont like about the patio is that it faces directly south and basically becomes one big pizza stone over the day then giving off heat in the evening. In hindsight, I guess a pergola would be nice but because we have to step down from the kitchen this would probably block the windows. Also I'm not sure hoe effective an awning would be when the top of the window to the patio main level is about 12ft. Does anyone have any ideas on how to get some shade? Oh, we did plant some trees, but it will be years before they provide any real shade....