Motorized shades continue to increase in demand as more homeowners realize the sheer convenience they offer. No more getting up and pulling on the shades when sunlight creeps through a window, making it hard to see the TV or computer screen. Instead of raising every shade in the morning to bring in the beauty of the first light, one tap on a touchscreen raises them all.

Homeowners find that the ability to manage natural light and privacy at this level results in greater use of daylight as ambient lighting. You walk into a room, and filtered sunlight casts a glow on countertops, materials, and metals, bringing them to life and adding beauty in a way artificial light can’t. Colors ring true, moods improve, and your body relaxes. 

And it gets even better.  

While one-touch control offers extreme ease, automated shades provide even more. Through programming, smart sensors, and integration with smart home systems, the shades shift throughout the day automatically, weaving natural light into your home while protecting its interiors. Natural light and privacy align in perfect synchronicity.

Let’s explore how this technology is changing homes in Montgomery County, MD.

SEE ALSO: 5 Ways to Transform Your Home with Lighting Automation

Customized for Your Lifestyle

At A.B.E. Networks, we know that no two families are the same, and their smart homes should reflect that. While we program some shades to raise as soon as the sun crosses the horizon, other clients want a little more time in the darkness with blackout shades that open at 10-degree increments. 

In some homes, we program the west-facing shades to rise as the sun sets. Then, at dusk, every shade closes. When hosting a dinner party, pressing ‘Entertain’ lowers certain shades, opens those facing the backyard, and activates the beautiful landscape lighting. 

Creating the Ideal Environment

Automated shades are also controlled by sensors that detect when direct sunlight enters a room. In response, the shades close. This action ensures the interior of your home is protected from harsh UV rays. They also adjust based on the temperature, bringing in warmth during winter’s chill and blocking solar heat gain in the summer.

Managing Light & Privacy While You’re Away

Did you forget to adjust the settings before you left for a long weekend? Would you like to bring more sunlight into the room with your spider plants and African violets? You can adjust your shades from anywhere around the world using the smartphone app. 

We’ll also program an ‘Away’ button that prompts the shades and lighting to continue adjusting in much the same way as when you’re home, creating what police call presence simulation—one of the best strategies to protect your home from potential intruders. 

Custom Designed

At A.B.E. Networks, we partner with Lutron, the industry leader in lighting control. They scout out leading textile manufacturers worldwide, resulting in over 1,000 fabrics to choose from. These window coverings also come in numerous styles, from custom draperies to horizontal sheer blinds and honeycomb shades. The result is the ideal window covering for every room and window. 

At A.B.E. Networks, we provide custom whole-home automation, including automated shades designed for ease and enhanced beauty. To learn more about smart window coverings or to schedule a complimentary consultation, contact A.B.E. Networks today.