The vergola option with louvres is very expensive but also very effective as it provides so much flexibility in all types of weather. If you are outdoor people then this may be worth the cost. Coming down in cost, a climber over a pergola is also a good option depending on where you live. In a cool climate make sure the climber drops its leaves early enough so the late autumn and early winter sun comes through. Conversely, if you're in a warm/hot climate then the longer the leaves stay on the better. Some deciduous climber and trees lose their leaves quite late. Awnings are also very flexible but may not allow wet weather usage. Of course this depends on the type and size of awning. Oops, I just noticed this was originally posted in 2014. I hope you've sorted it out by now.

Gorgeous Mediterranean area, and I can imagine just how stunning it would be with a fire pit in winter time. To keep with the style, keep sun out yet avoid creating an enclosed feel shade cloth is the best way to go. If you wanted something easy to put up and take down, I agree a gazebo would work really well, like the one below: These are some DIY solutions - you can usually pick up these products from your local Bunnings, or learn more about them online. Plenty of colours, sizes and shapes to suit your space, too! Hope helps - can't wait to see what you decide to go with!

I wouldn't recommend covering the northern deck with a permanent structure. As oklouise says, along with losing that lovely northern light, you'll miss out on all the heat that winter sunshine would provide (called passive solar heating. This could be very substantial, resulting in decreased comfort & increased heating bills. Read more about passive solar heating here, http://www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-design My parents have a horizonal awning over a small balcony that works well, though may not be suitable for a larger area. They also have a large triangular shade sail upstairs, on their terrace. This must be put up & taken down every day that it's used (due to ocean breezes), which is a nuisance. So it's not used too often. The next door neighbours also have a large triangular shade sail. This one is a permanent fixture, & rolls up. Although it does take two people to roll/unroll it, it is still a much more convenient set up. It's not perfect, as the fabric is quite flimsy (although it roll away behind a guard that would protect it from the weather a bit). But something similar would be worth investigating. This was a custom job, & I'm struggling a bit to find something the same online. I have found an interesting rectangular roll up shade sail (by Soliday I think). I'm struggling to use the website on my phone, but it may be worth looking at. It's a 41 page pdf towards the bottom of the page, after the other images. http://pdf.archiexpo.com/pdf/plaspack-netze-gmbh/roll-up-sun-sails-soliday-2015/93246-245657-_9.html

Thanks for the suggestions. I knew the brains trust would offer good options. Blue board looks interesting. I need whatever I use to be at least 15mm thick so that there aren't any toehold edges between the lattice and the surround frame. Yes we thought of painting the fence and perhaps contrast bamboo in front. Mini orb I don't think would work because the corrugations leave gaps between it and the lattice.