We had the opportunity to work with a customer in East Atlanta, GA, who is passionate about technology and eager to bring smart automation into their home. The customer was most interested in exploring motorized shade options.
The Customer’s Vision
The customer had just moved into a contemporary-style home with traditional elements and was in the process of decorating with a clear focus on a sleek, modern aesthetic. One of their top priorities was installing motorized shades throughout the house to enhance convenience and complement their tech-enabled lifestyle.
For this customer, smart functionality was essential. Our customer wanted all of their shades to be automated. Specifically, their goal was to program the shades to raise and lower at specific times of day, giving them control over lighting and privacy without manual effort. Additionally, the ability to control the shades remotely while away from home provided added flexibility and peace of mind, perfectly aligning with their vision of a modern, connected living space.
The customer can open and close all of their shades simultaneously or control specific groups of shades at different times throughout the day.
Detailed and Tech-Savvy Customers
The customer was particularly interested in the features and specifications of the shades, focusing on the motorization technology. They asked detailed questions about the type of motors used, whether they were controlled by radio frequency or infrared, and the motors’ life expectancy.
We explained that the shades use radio frequency or infrared control. Shades controlled by radio frequency can be operated from different rooms, while infrared requires a direct line of sight between the remote and the shades.
When they asked about the life expectancy of the motors, we informed them that the motors typically last ten years or more and come with a 5-year warranty.
Their focus on technical details extended to whether the radio frequency signal would work around corners. We clarified that radio frequency signals can operate around corners, which was particularly relevant as some shades were installed in their stairwell and needed to be controlled from different parts of the house.
Why Roller Shades?
For this customer, roller shades provided the perfect solution. Roller shades are minimalistic by design and fit perfectly with the decor in the home. The customer’s home has deep windows, which are ideal for installing roller shades because the valance can be set inside the window casing, preventing it from protruding too far or looking bulky at the top.
We were able to mount the customer’s shades inside of their window casings, so that the top of the shades (valances) do not stick out too far from the window.
Additionally, the internal rechargeable battery packs of the motorized roller shades meant they didn’t have to worry about external battery packs or the extra expense of having an electrician hardwire their shades. In fact, the shades only need to be charged once every 10 to 12 months for about four hours.
With so many windows covered by motorized shades, it was important for this customer to have long-lasting batteries so that they only have to charge them about once per year.
Installation and Programming
During the installation process, the shades were programmed to operate individually or in groups using a multi-channel remote. Each channel controlled specific groupings of shades, and there was also a master control button to raise or lower all the shades at once. With eight shades in total, we used a remote with multiple channels to ensure easy control.
Costs and Considerations
For those considering motorized roller shades, it’s important to note that while they offer a high level of convenience, they do come at a cost. The average price per window, for a basic setup, ranges between $900 and $1,000. This includes around $300-$400 for the shades themselves and an additional $600 for the motorization. While it may seem pricey, the ease of use and modern aesthetic make it a worthy investment for those looking to automate their homes.
In the end, this project was a beautiful blend of style, convenience, and smart technology. With the ability to program, control, and automate their shades both at home and remotely, the customer achieved a seamless integration of smart automation into their daily routine. For those looking to elevate their living spaces with smart window treatments, motorized roller shades offer an elegant and practical solution that truly stands the test of time.
