Smart homes are here to stay, but how do you make them work with your style? With our great tips! Find out how you can tidy up your home's tech mess today!

<p>As you make your home more and more smart compatible and fill it with fun, high-tech devices, it may seem as if it's clashing with your style. But, that doesn't have to be the case. There are plenty of ways you can preserve your design style while having all the home tech you want. And we're here to help you find the best design option for your home! Here are our best tips and tricks for cleverly hiding technology in plain sight. Take a look!</p>
<p></p>
<h2>In Plain Sight</h2>
<p></p>
<p>The perfect hiding spot for your smaller devices is sometimes in plain sight. Places like baskets, shelves, or even plants can hide small devices like voice-activated assistants or speakers. Keep your gadget in a stylish woven basket, and place a small plant next to it to conceal the device further. You can also hide them behind pictures or items on shelves, same with other small equipment. You could even disguise wires behind a curtain. Get crafty! You may already know of a great spot!</p>
<p></p>
<h2>Opt for an Entertainment Center</h2>
<p></p>
<p>Television cables are one of the most noticeable places that could do with a clever cover-up. They tend to sit in the center of the living room and become a point of focus to you and potential guests. Luckily, you can hide television cables easily with an entertainment center. These tend to have many more storage options and configurations than a TV stand or media console, making them a great spot to store your speakers, projector, gaming system, or other media equipment. They can also add a decorative touch to your design style and be a nice spot to showcase your d&eacute;cor items.</p>
<p><img alt="home entertainment center" height="400" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q2_2022/CI_%20hide-your-home-technology_1.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<h2>Build It In</h2>
<p></p>
<p>There are a lot of home tech items that can be built into the design of your home and make it easier to blend them into your design. Invisible speakers can be installed in the walls or ceilings and then plastered over&mdash;no one will ever suspect that an amazing sound system hides behind your wall!</p>
<p></p>
<p>If you prefer a projector over a tv, disguise it behind the back wall of your living room or construct a discreet lift that allows the projector to disappear into the ceiling when not in use.</p>
<p><img alt="speakers mounted in wall above television" height="400" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q2_2022/CI_%20hide-your-home-technology_2.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<h2>Match Your Gadgets to Your Space</h2>
<p></p>
<p>If you have prior experience furnishing a room, you know working with a limited color palette can help make a space appear more spacious. While overly colored interiors can tend to feel cluttered.</p>
<p></p>
<p>The same rule should apply to your electronics too! For example, matching laptops and lighting to the room's wall color can make your technology appear 'invisible' at first glance. It will effectively declutter the vibe of the room and can restore a sense of order and cleanliness.</p>
<p><img alt="monochrome living room" height="400" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q2_2022/CI_%20hide-your-home-technology_3.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<h2>Integrated Automation</h2>
<p></p>
<p>When planning out your smart home automation, go for the consolidated control panels that merge your smart functions into an integrated device to further reduce home technology clutter. These smart home automation functions can be accessed via a magnetically attached tablet or your smartphone. You can manage lighting, blinds, audio volume, TV channels, and more from a single integrated device, as well as your typical security and temperature control functions.</p>
<p></p>
<p><img alt="woman using home automation system" height="400" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q2_2022/CI_%20hide-your-home-technology_4.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<h2>Get Streamlined</h2>
<p></p>
<p>If you've noticed you have an unnecessarily large amount of electronics, it may be time to clean out the stash. Maybe you don't need that many speakers and should opt for a soundbar to go the minimalistic route. Or if you've accumulated too many remotes after your kids lost the others, check out universal remotes or an app. Our experts can help you streamline your home devices as well, so you only have just what you need and want in your home and no other clutter.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Audio Video Intelligence would be delighted to assist you in learning more about home technology consolidation or strategizing ways to install, maintain, and update your integrated home technology! Just <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.av-intel.com/contacts/" target="_blank">give us a call</a></span> or stop by, and we can get you started in the right direction!</p>

5 Ways To Hide Your Home Tech [+1 Bonus] 

Your outdoor space is almost complete; you just need lighting! But how do you choose? Check out our guide to learn more about what you need today! 

<p>Your home&rsquo;s exterior lighting is essential to finishing your outdoor space. It not only creates a lovely and lit environment outside, but it also offers much-needed safety. So we&rsquo;ve put together this handy guide full of tips and basic rules of thumb to consider as you embark on your outdoor lighting shopping journey!</p>
<p></p>
<p>It takes effort and research to figure out what type of outdoor lighting to choose. There are numerous lighting solutions and devices available on the market. So, you want to make sure you put in enough research to determine what will best satisfy your home needs.</p>
<p></p>
<h2>Types of Lighting</h2>
<p></p>
<p>Before getting into anything else, you&rsquo;ll want to determine which type of lighting you need for your home: wall lighting, landscape lighting, or security lights.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>Wall Lighting&nbsp;</h3>
<p></p>
<p>These modern outdoor wall lights flank doorways and can be mounted anywhere there is a wall and wiring. Others integrate into your home&rsquo;s exterior or have style features to accent your space. Some produce ambient light, while others provide more directed light. Most outdoor wall lights will be rated for their particular exposure to the elements, so make sure you pay attention to the UL rating. An outdoor wall sconce will not only help you find your keys, but some designs wash walls in uplight and downlight to help emphasize your property.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>Landscape lighting&nbsp;</h3>
<p><img alt="Backyard home space with path lights" height="400" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q2_2022/CI_how-to-choose-outdoor-lighting_1.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>This type of lighting includes path lights, deck and step lights, and recessed ground lights.</p>
<p></p>
<ul>
<li>Path lights are meant for pathways but can also be used for water features and gardens or home perimeter lighting.</li>
<li>Recessed lights are meant to blend in with your landscape, so you only see the light they emit, not the fixture itself.</li>
<li>Deck and steps lights are a more permanent style of lighting that is installed directly into the steps and/or decks outside your home to enhance safety and design.</li>
</ul>
<h3></h3>
<h3>Security lights</h3>
<p><img alt="Snow covered home with patio light" height="400" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q2_2022/CI_how-to-choose-outdoor-lighting_2.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>Security or safety-based lighting includes flood lighting, recessed lighting, and path lights. These lights can have a dual purpose in that they are for security but also add curb appeal. Typically you can program these lights to turn on and off with the sun, activate with movement, controlled by a switch, or even a smart home hub. And you can find options that are solar-powered, battery-powered, or hard-wired.</p>
<p></p>
<h2>UL Ratings</h2>
<p></p>
<p>Each fixture will be given a UL grade depending on its weather resistance. These UL ratings indicate which outdoor areas are most suitable for your fixture. It&rsquo;s important that you understand what you&rsquo;re buying.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>Damp Rated</h3>
<p>Damp rated fixtures are used in outdoor areas that are covered. A light beneath a covered porch, for example, would be one of them. Because the fixture is outside, it will be exposed to moisture, but it will not be harmed by rain because the area is covered.</p>
<p><img alt="Garden pond with lights" height="400" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q2_2022/CI_how-to-choose-outdoor-lighting_3.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<h3>Wet Rated</h3>
<p>Fixtures rated for wet environments will be entirely exposed to harsher elements like ice, snow, heavy rain, or even salt-water breezes from the ocean. Deck lights or path lights fall into this category as they are typically in exposed, uncovered places.</p>
<p></p>
<h2>Sizing and Placement</h2>
<p></p>
<p>While getting creative with lighting placement around your home is fun, there is a safe and effective way to measure your lighting fixtures to fit in your outdoor space.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>Front Door</h3>
<p>Proper lighting for your front door is essential as it can come in handy when you want to get in the house late at night or if you need to see who&rsquo;s knocking so late. To find the right size lighting fixture for your entry area, simply measure the height of the front door, then divide the height by 1/3 and 1/4. The lighting you need will fall between 1/3 to 1/4 the height of your door so that it&rsquo;s suitable for your space.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>Garage Area</h3>
<p><img alt="Home with garage lights" height="400" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q2_2022/CI_how-to-choose-outdoor-lighting_4.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>Garage lights can be useful for many things depending on your home setup and your home activities. For instance, if your garage is somewhat next to your front door, the lights you place here can add to your entry lighting. Or, say you have a basketball hoop in front of your garage; the light can be used for visibility. To find the proper size lights for outside your garage, you follow the same 1/3 to 1/4 rule that you use for the front door, except you divide by the height of the garage door.</p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>Pro tip</strong>: Motion-sensor lights are best used here if safety is your main concern.</p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<h3>Patio Area</h3>
<p></p>
<p>Your deck, patio, or pool space are areas that you will not only use to entertain but will use as places for solitude and relaxation. These areas are meant to be inviting and safe. And with the proper lighting, you can do just that! When choosing the proper size for your outdoor dining, deck, patio, or pool areas, follow the 1/3 to 1/4 rule, just like you would for other outdoor lighting fixtures. Measure the closest door that leads to your home or garage in these areas to get this information. Likewise, if you want an outdoor ceiling fan, you&rsquo;ll want to find one 2/3 or 1/2 the table&rsquo;s width since placing it over the table is ideal.</p>
<p></p>
<p>These outdoor lighting insights can help you install gorgeous, useful fixtures you&rsquo;ve been looking for! Whether you&rsquo;re trying to increase your curb appeal or require a well-lit garage space for security and safety, outdoor lighting is a necessity for your home. Now that you&rsquo;ve learned the basics, t&rsquo;s time to consult us about your custom solution for the ideal lighting for your outdoor space. If you have questions about your outdoor lighting options, the pros at Audio Video Intelligence can help! Just give us a <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.av-intel.com/contacts/" target="_blank">call or come in</a></span> today!</p>

How to Choose the Right Lighting for Your Outdoor Space 

A beautifully designed home and the convenience of smart technology? Find out how to blend your good taste with smart technology with our expert tips!

<p>The convenience of a smart home is undeniable, but we know all that technology can muck up your home design. But never fear, you won't have to decide between one or the other &mdash; you can have both smart tech and a tasteful home design!</p>
<p>How is that possible? Well, we'll show you!</p>
<h2>Coordination &mdash; Color Coordination</h2>
<p><img alt="Elaborate home theater with unique crown molding &amp; speaker trim" height="400" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q1_2022/CI_Blend-Smart-Technology-with-Home-Design_1.jpg" title="CI_Blend-Smart-Technology-with-Home-Design_1.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>The good news is that most smart devices have ample color, size, shape, and design choices, so you can find one that matches your home's design. For instance, if you have a smart doorbell, you can color match it with the color of your door or just the knob.</p>
<p>And for in-ceiling speakers, you can match the trim to the color of your ceilings and make it seem like they aren't there at all!</p>
<h2>Wires? What Wires?</h2>
<p><img alt="TV setup with no visible wires" height="400" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q1_2022/CI_Blend-Smart-Technology-with-Home-Design_2.jpg" title="CI_Blend-Smart-Technology-with-Home-Design_2.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>A home full of technological wonders that make your home life easier means wires &mdash; and lots of them. Almost everything requires a power source, but there's no denying how all those wires clutter up your design scheme. But with a few tricks, you can make those wires disappear like a techno-savvy magician!</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Go Wireless:</strong> Do away with wires all together with wireless security cameras, speakers, etc., and control your system with a wireless hub. You can even control most connected devices with just your voice!</li>
<li><strong>Undercover:</strong> Try hiding your wires behind your crown molding so they don't ruin your aesthetic. You can even get hollow baseboards that manufacturers design with cabling in mind.</li>
<li><strong>Camouflage:</strong> Hide your wires in plain sight by matching the color of your cords to the color of your baseboard!</li>
<li><strong>Out of Sight:</strong> Make your setup a permanent solution and hide the wires in the drywall (we can help with that).&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h2>Everything is Better Custom</h2>
<p><img alt="Home theater with speakers tucked away into custom cabinets" height="400" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q1_2022/CI_Blend-Smart-Technology-with-Home-Design_4.jpg" title="CI_Blend-Smart-Technology-with-Home-Design_4.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>Customizing your smart technology lets you put your home design entirely in your hands. With a bespoke design, you can eliminate the need to place every speaker or display on a shelf. Instead, you can install them in the walls or ceilings. And if you keep color coordination in mind, you can hide every piece of tech in plain sight!</p>
<p>The other benefit of a custom fit is that you can drill down on the minutia of your home design. Like if you have a traditional-looking door, you can customize your smart lock to look like a traditional deadbolt.</p>
<p>And if you've always loved the idea of a TV appearing out of nowhere, you can use an in-floor mount to tuck your TV away out of sight and keep the focus on your smashing good taste! No matter what, there&rsquo;s a custom solution that&rsquo;ll match your needs!</p>
<h2>Find the Balance</h2>
<p><img alt="Speaker on table blending with design" height="400" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q1_2022/CI_Blend-Smart-Technology-with-Home-Design_3.jpg" title="CI_Blend-Smart-Technology-with-Home-Design_3.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>When color-coordinating isn't an option, you don't have to lose hope. Instead, find the balance between your technology and home design. For instance, if you have a warm wood table and a cold metal device try placing the device on the table. The warmth of the wood blends with the cold metal into a remarkable design. Just don't place too many devices on the same surface, or it'll overpower your aesthetic.</p>
<p>You can also try masking your tech with your d&eacute;cor, so your wireless camera or speaker looks like part of your style. Some products even have a choice of skins that help with the masking process.</p>
<p>Don't be afraid to go bold with your d&eacute;cor choices but remember to keep your other furniture choices or color scheme in mind.</p>
<h2>Go Unplugged</h2>
<p>Let's say that you have smart technology in almost every room, but there are still a few places in your home without it. Should you add some or leave it that way? While custom integration is a huge benefit to every space, there&rsquo;s no denying the appeal of a tech-free zone.</p>
<p>With a dedicated room or space like a library nook that is entirely unplugged, you can unwind completely at ease. Not only will you get a much-needed break from all the screens in your life, but you can also focus your home d&eacute;cor skills!</p>
<p>So, if you fall in love with a piece of furniture or home d&eacute;cor but don't know if it'll fit with all your devices, bring it to your unplugged room!</p>
<h2>Get Smart!</h2>
<p>Now that you know how to blend all your gadgets with your design taste, there's no stopping you from completely tricking out your home! Consult Audio Video Intelligence, and find the custom solution to your <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.av-intel.com/catalog/electronics-automation-control/" target="_blank">smart home automation</a></span> that&rsquo;ll make your home design the absolute envy of all your neighbors.</p>
<p>Have questions about what smart devices you need? Set up a <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.av-intel.com/contacts/" target="_blank">consultation appointment</a></span> today! We'll handle all the heavy lifting &mdash; all you have to do is tell us what you like!</p>

How to Blend Smart Technology with Home Design

Read our latest blog to discover how home electronics are influencing the world of interior design.

<p><img alt="family of three sitting on their living room sofa with tablet" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_electronics/ci-tech-and-interior-design-header.jpg" title="iStock Credit: kate_sept2004" width="700" /></p>
<p>When designing a new home, it&rsquo;s fairly common for technology to be an afterthought rather than a primary focus in the process. TVs, speakers, and electronics are often only thought about after all the design elements (paint colors, flooring, trim work, furniture, window treatments, etc.) have been carefully selected or even installed. The idea of ruining a room&rsquo;s thoughtful aesthetic by introducing wires and a stack of black boxes can test even the best of marriages.</p>
<p>But technology and design can coexist without drastically compromising system performance or interior design. It simply takes a little creativity, careful planning and a partnership between your technology integrator and design professionals.</p>
<h2>TV</h2>
<p><img alt="European-style living room with high-end furniture and recessed TV" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_electronics/ci-tech-and-interior-design-recessed-tv.jpg" title="iStock Credit: vik173" width="700" /></p>
<p>Have you ever noticed how many TVs get installed over fireplaces? It&rsquo;s not because people necessarily wanted to put the TV there. It&rsquo;s because the fireplace is typically designed as the focal point of the room and it just ends up making sense to put the TV right above it. Many are fine with that, but some others think that having a big black rectangle at the room&rsquo;s primary focal point is not the most desirable aesthetic choice!</p>
<p>Fortunately, the industry has come up with several ways to dress up or hide the TV completely:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Digital Art</strong> ‒ Some TVs have a &ldquo;digital art&rdquo; mode that can make your TV look like a painting, family portrait or whatever image you want to show off. Some even come with a light sensor to make the art respond to your room&rsquo;s lighting in a way that makes the art look more natural.<br /><br /></li>
<li><strong>Mechanized Lifts</strong> ‒ There are dozens of options that make clever use of automated lift mechanisms that can hide your TV in a myriad of ways. An Art Lift allows you to hide the TV behind a real piece of art that can slide up or sideways to reveal the TV when you turn it on. Other motorized lift mechanisms can raise your TV up out of a cabinet or have it descended from a hiding place in the ceiling. You can even have the TV pivot left or right towards the viewer.<br /><br /></li>
<li><strong>Recessed TV</strong> ‒ You may not really care about completely hiding the TV, but you would like the installation to be a little sleeker. In that case, you can have your builder frame out the wall so that there is a pocket for the TV to be installed into. This creates a clean and flush appearance from the front and side.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Speakers</h2>
<p>Having the ability to play music anywhere in the house or yard is one of the most requested features we get. While a set of floor standing speakers might make sense in a home theater or media room, other rooms can have great sound too without the speakers being a prominent visual feature.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Architectural Speakers</strong> ‒ Most people are familiar with in-wall and in-ceiling speakers. What you may not know is that you can get them in a smaller form factor that closely matches the size and shape of your recessed lighting. This makes the speakers really blend in. There are even in-wall and in-ceiling subwoofers that can provide some added bass without the big black box on the floor.<br /><br /></li>
<li><strong>Invisible Speakers</strong> ‒ If you really don&rsquo;t want to see the speakers at all, invisible speakers can be installed during the construction phase that perfectly blend into the wall. They are mudded and painted over, just like the drywall, so even the sharpest eye can&rsquo;t see them.<br /><br /></li>
<li><strong>Custom Soundbars</strong> ‒ Adding a soundbar to enhance TV audio is extremely popular these days. But a lot of soundbars look like an afterthought rather than part of an integrated system. But they don&rsquo;t have to. Many manufacturers provide soundbars in custom lengths that perfectly match the width of your TV for a clean, purposeful look.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Lighting Control</h2>
<p><img alt="modern and minimalist apartment interior living room with home office" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_electronics/ci-tech-and-interior-design-lighting.jpg" title="iStock Credit: tulcarion" width="700" /></p>
<p>A smart lighting system isn&rsquo;t just for convenience. It can enhance the look of your home as well. Lighting control systems can be programmed to remember lighting &ldquo;scenes&rdquo; that recall specific lighting levels for a room or the whole house. You can have all your lights set to just the perfect level for whatever mood or activity you want and recall it with a simple button press.</p>
<p>&ldquo;Centralized&rdquo; lighting control systems take things even farther by reducing your banks of light switches (sometimes four, five or more in a row) and consolidating them into a single, elegant keypad. Often these lighting keypads are available in a variety of designer colors and textures to perfectly complement your d&eacute;cor.</p>
<h2>Electronic Components</h2>
<p>Sometimes, it just doesn&rsquo;t seem like there&rsquo;s a good place to hide the AV components needed for your TVs, music, and networking. That&rsquo;s where AV distribution comes in. We can take all those components (cable boxes, media streamers, Blu-ray players, amplifiers, surround sound receivers, etc.) and consolidate them into an equipment rack located in a room or closet of your choice. All those hidden devices can then be distributed and shared throughout the house. Add in a smart home control system and it&rsquo;s a simple and intuitive system to use.</p>
<h2>Call or Visit Us</h2>
<p>What we&rsquo;ve shared here only scratches the surface of what can be done to tastefully integrate high-performance electronics with elegant interior design. Ideally, the earlier you engage with us, the more options you will have for your project. If you need help or ideas on how to make things work in your own home, feel free to <a href="https://www.av-intel.com/contacts/" target="_blank">contact our experts at Audio Video Intelligence</a> for a consultation.</p>

How to Integrate Technology with Interior Design

Find out how motorized shades let you decide when to let sunshine in and when to enjoy more privacy.

<p><img src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_electronics/ci-motorized-shades-header.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>While it&rsquo;s probably safe to say that most of us enjoy spending time in the backyard when the weather is nice, that can quickly turn miserable if you end up just baking in the sun. Motorized shades not only add shade to your outdoor environment, but also give you the flexibility to control when, where, and how much shade you want. No more messing around with trying to get the umbrellas in just the right spot. No more turning cranks until you can&rsquo;t feel your arms. Just flip a switch, grab a remote, or open an app on your smart device and <em>voil&aacute;</em>!</p>
<p>Motorized outdoor shades have several convenient options, such as different levels of opaqueness for controlling how much light you want to come through, or a centralized control panel for home automation integration. They can be controlled via a remote or direct wall control, and you can even set a schedule for them to automatically transition at different times of day. Some motorized wall shades are Bluetooth-enabled and can be controlled from your smartphone or another device.</p>
<p>As well as the obvious shade in your outdoor environment, many people enjoy the extra layer of privacy that a shade affords &mdash; especially if neighbors or other people are visible from your yard or patio. Some motorized shades feature automatic sensors that can detect harsh weather conditions such as wind and rain and adjust their position accordingly. They can also keep out insects and other pests.</p>
<p>In addition to these practical benefits, motorized shades are visually pleasing. There are no hanging chains or cords in the way, and there are options to style them to match your home&rsquo;s aesthetic.</p>
<p>There are two (2) main options for motorized outdoor shades:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Battery-powered:</strong> These are simple and affordable as they don&rsquo;t require extra wiring. They&rsquo;re also the least disruptive to existing home infrastructure and are great for areas that may not be close to an outlet. Battery-powered shades are reliable and can last up to three years before needing a battery replacement.</li>
<li><strong>Hard-wired:</strong> These require a bit more effort to install depending on whether the shade location has been prewired for power. If not, a wire needs to be run to your home&rsquo;s electrical supply. Once connected, you&rsquo;ve eliminated the need to ever change batteries.</li>
</ol>
<p>You can also install motorized outdoor shades on the exterior of your home to prevent the sun from entering your house through the windows, which helps to keep your house cool. It&rsquo;s nice to have the convenience of a motorized shade you can operate from indoors, and that doesn&rsquo;t take up any interior space.</p>
<p><img src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_electronics/ci-motorized-shades-outdoor-space.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<h2>Call or Visit Us</h2>
<p>If you&rsquo;re thinking of extending your smart home technology to encompass the ease and comfort of motorized outdoor shades, or just to learn more about them, <a href="https://www.av-intel.com/contacts/" target="_blank">contact us</a> at Audio Video Intelligence to hear about the various options and benefits.</p>

Adding Comfort to Outdoor Spaces with Motorized Shades

Get ready for summer with smart shading solutions! These options will look great in any home!

<p>Summer is exciting for many reasons: No distance or in-person school, beach vacations, poolside staycations, and of course, the warm weather. But what about when you are inside and want to keep some of that sunlight out?</p>
<p>That&rsquo;s what smart shades are for!</p>
<p><img alt="Hand holding smart phone controls blinds with an app"  src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_electronics/ci-smart-blind-app.jpg" title="iStock Credit: nullplus" width="724" /></p>
<p>We love talking about smart shading, and it&rsquo;s because we love smart shading solutions! And there&rsquo;s a good reason for it &ndash; it adds a whole other layer of control to your smart home. You&rsquo;ll never have to sacrifice your taste for fabulous design for smart shades either &ndash; here are different styles of smart shades that will help make your summer and your house as cool as can be.</p>
<h2>Roller Shades</h2>
<p>Somehow even cooler than roller blades, roller shades are cool, they&rsquo;re <em>cool. </em>They&rsquo;ll help keep your house cooler, all with the attractive roller look that can fit in anywhere. &nbsp;</p>
<h2>Horizontal Sheer Blinds</h2>
<p>For homeowners with nosy neighbors or privacy concerns, you can get more control over seeing in and out of your windows with sheer smart blinds. Even if you&rsquo;re the nosy neighbor, no one outside will be able to tell you&rsquo;re peeking! Combine that freedom with the familiar functionality of blinds, and you have a winning &ndash; and sun blocking &ndash; combination.</p>
<p><img alt="Bedroom deck with sheer horizontal blinds. One side up. One side down."  src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_electronics/ci-sheer-blinds.jpg" title="iStock Credit: Solidago" width="700" /></p>
<h2>Pleated Shades</h2>
<p>The Z-shaped pleats of pleated shades spruce up any room in your home. Who would say no to smart window treatments that add oomph to your adventurous and bold expressions of self? We sure wouldn&rsquo;t.</p>
<h2>Wood/Venetian Blinds</h2>
<p>The best of both worlds, made better &ndash; with wood Venetian shades, you get privacy and a trickle of sunlight in your room. Some manufacturers even give you independent precision controls over the tilt angle and the vertical lift!</p>
<h2>Drapery Track System, or Electric Curtains</h2>
<p>Fashion meets function, finally. No more manually opening the drapes for you! With a smart shading drapery track system, you can easily control your draperies from wherever you want.</p>
<p><img alt="Modern villa interior, large sofa and armchairs, coffee table and lot of sunlight" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_electronics/ci-automatic-drapery.jpg" title="iStock Credit: ExperienceInteriors" width="724" /></p>
<h2>Honeycomb Shades</h2>
<p>Hungry for honeycomb? Of course you are, but you should probably save your sweet tooth for something besides these shades. Honeycomb shades provide fantastic insulation, and depending on the unique look you decide on, they can be as subtle or as eye-catching as you desire. &nbsp;</p>
<h2>Roman Shades</h2>
<p>Rome wasn&rsquo;t built in a day, and neither was your house. Roman shades are for those of you who enjoy quiet &ndash; these shades are practically silent in their movement.</p>
<p><img alt="Interior of the room, workplace near window, light furniture, desk, blue roman blind, wall shelves. " src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_electronics/ci-smart-roman-blind.jpg" title="iStock Credit: Valeriy_G" width="724" /></p>
<p>As the temperature rises and the sun shines for longer each day, it&rsquo;s time to get shades that go down easily. And who wants to make the daily rounds to adjust shades every morning and night as the sun and temperature change? We don&rsquo;t &ndash; and we bet you don&rsquo;t either.</p>
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<avb-link data-href="https://www.av-intel.com/contacts" target="_blank" class="dsg-block-1-link">Contact us</avb-link> today at <avb-link data-href="tel:508-238-1930">508-238-1930</avb-link> and we’ll walk you through all of the possible smart shading options for your home. Our teams at Audio Video Intelligence are happy to look into any further custom integration needs you have, as well. Let us help you make sure your smart home feels like a home! 
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Get ready for summer with smart shading solutions. These options will look great in any home!

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