Depends on how often you are outside compared to inside, here's an old-fashioned, low tech solution. If you are more apt to be inside, you can install a retractable awning to use during the the times you are outside and need cover. Otherwise the patio is uncovered, leaving all the light for the house interior.

It's very hard to beat a well designed pergola over an exterior patio, while maintaining the architectural character of the house.

Good luck on your project.

Here is your post photo rotated.

You could have a retractable awning.

Oakville, Ontario · More Info

Many years ago, we put a screened in porch across the entire back of our house. It faced north so we were very concerned about how dark it might make the interior. We solved the problem by installing 3 very large skylights. Worked perfectly and allowed some lovely light, both to the inside rooms and also on the porch itself.

We custom designed & fabricated these pool canopies with steel & glass. Just another inspiration photo to give you some ideas! Best of luck!

Pool Shade Cover · More Info

Pool Shade Cover · More Info

What do you want the cover to achieve? Reduce direct sun when you're sitting there? Reduce heat? Keep you dry? What direction does your house face and what time of day do you want shade?

The problem with all of the "add on" percola covers pictured above is that they all detract from the architecture of the house, and ultimately reduce the resale value of the house...at least in my opinion.

If you want a percola cover it should be one which respects and enhances the architecture of the house, as the one I posted above. Said differently, the style of the pergola shoud be based on the architectural style of the house.

There are many choices. Google "pergola" and scroll.

Here's another example:

The way the house is designed will make it hard to add a pergola or even one of those retractable awnings. I would buy a pair of large umbrellas and use when needed.

I have one like this and it is very versatile and adjustable:
http://treasuregarden.com/akz13-cantilever-p-123.html

If you add a pergola you'll have to put it above your transom window which will look fine. Or make it freestanding? I added a pergola to my home last year and absolutely love it. It does darken the interior of house slightly. It doesn't, however, completely block the sun so this year I'm going to add a sail so that I get shade through the summer months. Then remove in the fall.

Thanks for the feedback on these items. I have done a pergola in my previous home that I would do as a similar concept for this one. I would attach it to the house right under the eve, and as a result the height would run right between the top of the door and transom. The top of the door is 8’ high so it would work well.

One thing I was trying to figure is if there was any way to Crete a more solid cover for more heat cover (Texas). One idea that was proposed was to put skylights in to keep the light flowing through, which would lead me to wonder, how can I put a solid roof on with skylights to let more light through. Main difference would be the Roof is much higher on this house.

See photo for pergola type type that I would do if I were to do it.

A pergola with a solid overhead roof, even one with skylights, will still be darker under the pergola, and inside the house, compared to a wooden pergola with retractable fabric covering. And it will be much more expensive.

Simplest approach, and one with the strongest architectural respect for the house is the type shown above designed with attractive wood members and a retractable fabric cover under the top framing of the pergola.

Pergolas are lovely, but they fail in terms of function:

- We love to sit on our 12'x30' covered porch during storms.

- My husband loves to grill, and the covered porch allows him to grill even if the weather isn't good.

- The dog loves to be outside, but he's prissy about getting his feet wet ... he loves the covered porch too.

Would you consider sail shades? Can get more translucent fabrics if you don't want it too dark, and best of all they're easily taken down. Just have to bury some posts etc opposite the house

How about an Equinox louvered roof? The louvers can be open for light/warmth or shut when it rains or you want full shade.

Awesome! I love it. Any plan to screen it in or are bugs not that bad by you?

Absolutely love your progress and updates! My kids would adore that tree house set up!

No plans to screen in. There are bugs, but when they are most present we don’t like hanging outside anyway. In my area I do t see many screened in porches. With good mosquito repellant it would take care of most so I would today first. I do like it more than I thought because now my kids play on the concrete patio and we still have outdoor covered area. Plus, I like 3-4 open sides vs 2 from attached to house because there is more air flow increasing comfort.

I am planning to have covered patio

12 ft deep beside my current living room which is 2 story Living room with large windows .i have two option either to put the roof above higher window or at lower window .So I am just concerned if putting roof over lower window will make my living room darker or putting it above higher window will make both window darker?

Do you have a photo of the outside.

Added photos above

Use a retractable awning attached to the house. You likely will not need the awning all the time. Just extend it when there is too much sun or rain.

does awnings protects from rain?

I wonder if you want to make your own post for this? The one you are commenting on is older

Yes the awning protects you from the rain unless the winds are high.

Maybe this idea: pergola with retractable roof