Automation Welcomes Us Into the Future!

Smart homes are one of many great leaps we’ve made into the future; if you’re not already controlling your appliances, lights, HVAC, and security systems from your phone or tablet, you will be soon – and that includes motorized window treatments.

Voice-controlled devices like Amazon Alexa®, Google Home®, and Apple Homepod® are also quickly gaining popularity and becoming a staple in homes across the U.S. It’s no surprise either, with their ability to play music, set alarms, and tell you the weather forecast or latest news upon request – they simply make everyday life easier.

These innovative devices are fueling the growing trend to adopt smart home benefits and efficiency; and like many industries, window treatment manufacturers have taken notice of the need for automated products. “Alexa… open the living room shades” is now part of the smart-home mix!

The top window covering manufacturers that I represent have embraced emerging technologies, creating intelligent hubs and motorization that make it much easier to integrate your shades, blinds, shutters, or draperies with home automation systems. There are many benefits to going motorized; syncing your window treatments to work in perfect harmony with your smart lights, thermostat, and entertainment systems is only one of many highly sought-after advantages.

The Best Benefits of Having Motorized Window Treatments

1. Simplicity

With the push of one button, you can control single shades or every shade in the room simultaneously. No longer will you have to struggle with hard-to-reach windows that are behind furniture or up too high. If you have lots of windows, automation will help you save a little time every day and night that you can use however you’d like. Do you have elderly parents? Motorized shades and blinds eliminate the difficulty of reaching for or manually operating their window treatments. With Christmas just not too far away, right now is the perfect time to treat yourself or your parents to a simpler life.

2. Style and Sophistication

There’s something deliciously luxurious about using your voice or the push of a button to open or close your window coverings. Motorization and smart home automation allow you to easily respond to the mood of the moment, effortlessly and easily. And you can stay focused on what held your attention in the first place, without having to get up and manually open or close your coverings. It also goes without saying that there’s an inherent big “Wow!” factor as well. My clients tell me the convenience factor is worth its weight in gold!

3. Lower Energy Bills

Solar power, proper insulation, and more have been a growing trend in homeowners’ efforts to more effectively manage their energy consumption and lower their bills.Installing motorized shades, sheers, and blinds can definitely help you increase energy efficiency. With automated, hub-based systems, it’s easy to integrate your window treatments with smart thermostats, like the Nest® Ecobee® Lyric® or Honeywell®, allowing you to control room temperature with window adjustments before using the HVAC system to heat or cool your home. Integrating a sun sensor with your smart-home devices means your blinds can lower or rise on their own even if you’re away. This important feature helps manage your home’s heat gain during summer months and heat loss in the wintertime.

4. Improve Home Resale Value. with Motorized Window Treatments

Since most window treatments are attached directly to the home, more and more buyers expect that they’ll be included in their purchase. Today, motorized shades and blinds are especially desirable and in high demand by prospective home buyers for their ease of use, ability to synch with smart-home devices, and green features that boost energy efficiency. Definitely a win-win!

5. Set the Mood

Need some mood lighting for a special occasion or while entertaining? Your voice command, phone app, or remote-controlled window treatments will gladly assist. It’s easy to store predefined room “scenes” to orchestrate and manage your artificial light, favorite music, and more to create the perfect setting. I’d love to show you the options available.

6. Boost Privacy

Motorized window treatments are a favorite among homeowners who enjoy their privacy. Do you have windows in close proximity to a neighbor’s house or worry that passersby can easily peer through your windows from the street? Simply push a button to lower your shades at any time and even set up automated scenes to close your window coverings at the desired times daily. For these kinds of situations, many homeowners like the top-down, bottom-up feature of honeycomb shades the most, and they can also be easily motorized and automated.

7. Wake Up Peacefully

For many people, alarm clocks have been replaced by cell phones. Once motorization is added to your windows, you’ll have the option to get a peaceful wake-up call from nature. Adjust your shades to gently wake you each morning by letting in the sunlight when it’s time to get up. I can show you how to create your own natural alarm clock.

8. Motorized Window Treatments are Cordless & Kid Friendly

Motorization means no unsightly strings or cords. Say goodbye to those pesky tangled cords hanging from the shades; and more importantly, eliminate all possibilities of your children or pets playing with your blinds. Cordless window treatments are attractive, easy, and safe.

9. UV Protection

Motorized shades will help you protect your woodwork, upholstery fabrics, floors, and artwork from UV damage and inevitable fading. Your motorized window treatments can close and adapt automatically during the harshest part of sunny days.

10. Motorized Window Treatments are GREAT for Security

Window treatments can deter thieves and intruders when coupled with home automation systems, by giving the appearance that you’re still at home. Simply schedule the operation of your shades and blinds while you’re away on holidays or business trips. With hub-based systems, if you forget to preprogram things you can still easily control your shades and windows remotely via your mobile phone or tablet.

Thinking About Upgrading to Motorized Window Treatments?

Let me help you choose the right window treatments to motorize or automate. Power can be added to most types of treatments, in a wide variety of styles, textiles, and finishes. When you work with me, you’re choosing an expert who knows technology and design. You would never ask your electrician to pick out your chandelier! Don’t settle for function over design when you can have both! Let me show you how.

If you’re considering motorized window coverings, I’m always available for a consultation to help you determine the best kind of motorization for your specific needs, lifestyle, and convenience. There are a lot of issues to explore, and I can guide you to choosing the perfect motorization solution for what you envision. If interested, let’s talk more about motorization. Choose a contact method right below this blog post, or click this “contact” link. You can also email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com And you can always call me anytime at (407) 743-2399.