Bring museum-quality art to your living room! Discover how smart displays, digital frames, and automated lighting can turn any luxury home into a custom, rotating gallery.

<p>Why settle for static wall art when your home could have a gallery that updates on demand? With smart displays, rotating digital frames, and automated lighting, your space can be an ever-evolving art experience that transforms with the tap of a button or a single voice command. Whether you&rsquo;re a fan of classic masterpieces or love a contemporary edge, see how smart tech brings art to life in luxury homes.</p>
<h2>Digital Frames: Changing Art as Fast as Your Mood</h2>
<p><img alt="smart frame wall display" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q4_2024/CI-home-art-smart-tech_1.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p>
<p>Forget the hammer and nails&mdash;digital frames let you swap your art without lifting a finger! These sleek, high-definition displays turn any wall into a masterpiece that adapts to your style, space, and whim. Feel like a landscape at sunrise or an abstract that screams "night out in the city"? Just a tap, and your art switches instantly.</p>
<p>Some frames sync with online galleries, giving you access to thousands of pieces. So, Monday&rsquo;s Monet can easily become Thursday&rsquo;s Rothko, and by Saturday, you&rsquo;re basking in your very own Van Gogh. It&rsquo;s like having the Louvre on demand&mdash;minus the crowds, of course!</p>
<h2>Dynamic Displays: Adding Drama to Every Wall</h2>
<p><img alt="luxury home art display" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q4_2024/CI-home-art-smart-tech_2.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p>
<p>Looking for a little flair? Dynamic displays take digital art a step further, adding subtle movements or lighting shifts that make art feel alive. Imagine a misty forest that darkens as evening falls, or a cityscape that lights up as you dim the room. It&rsquo;s art with a twist and a surefire way to make guests stop and stare. Cue the oohing and aahing.</p>
<p>These displays can even respond to the mood of the room&mdash;brightening as you wake up, softening as you wind down, and creating that &ldquo;wow&rdquo; moment every time you walk by!</p>
<h2>Automated Lighting: Setting the Scene for Your Art</h2>
<p><img alt="luxury home art display with lighting" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q4_2024/CI-home-art-smart-tech_3.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p>
<p>For your physical art pieces&mdash;whether they&rsquo;re paintings, sculptures, or mixed media&mdash;every artwork deserves its moment in the spotlight, and automated lighting makes that happen effortlessly. With just a quick voice command or a preset schedule, you can tweak the hue, warmth, and intensity to show off each piece at its absolute best. Morning light brings out those crisp, natural colors, while a softer evening glow turns your living room into a cozy, art-filled sanctuary. It&rsquo;s like dimming the house lights before the star of the show steps on stage&mdash;except the star is your art.</p>
<p>For delicate or vintage pieces, automated lighting can even act as a protective guardian, gently adjusting brightness throughout the day to keep everything looking fresh and vibrant! Think of it as museum-level care, minus the ticket lines.</p>
<h2>Home Is Where the Art Moves</h2>
<p><img alt="hallway art display on stairs" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q4_2024/CI-home-art-smart-tech_4.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p>
<p>With smart art technology, your home can become a living gallery that grows and changes with you. From rotating digital frames to animated displays and intuitive lighting, your art collection becomes an interactive experience tailored to your taste, your mood, and even your guests. So why stick to a single style when you can change things up as often as you like?</p>
<p>Ready to turn your home into a masterpiece of its own? <strong>Automation Design & Entertainment</strong> is here to help you bring this vision to life. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.automation-design.com/contacts" target="_blank">Call or stop by</a></span> today, and let&rsquo;s get started on creating an art experience that&rsquo;s all your own.</p>

Artfully Automated: Elevate Your Collection with Smart Tech

Experience movies like never before with a home theater projector. Discover why it’s a game-changer for comfort, quality, and versatility! 

<p>For years, home theater projectors were limited to movie theaters and exclusive screening rooms, but with today&rsquo;s advancements, they&rsquo;re now accessible and ideal for personal home theaters! <strong>Automation Design & Entertainment</strong> believes a home theater projector can elevate your entertainment experience, bringing cinematic visuals, flexibility, and immersive sound right into your living room! Here&rsquo;s why adding a projector to your setup is the ultimate choice for any entertainment space.</p>
<p><img alt="luxury home theater with projector" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q4_2024/CI-home-theater-projector-benefits_1.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p>
<h2>1. Flexible, Customizable Screen Size</h2>
<p>Unlike televisions, projectors give you complete flexibility when it comes to screen size! Project on a large, custom-made screen for blockbuster nights, or reduce the size to fit a smaller area for family gatherings. You can choose the projection size to match the mood or the movie, creating a versatile and adaptable viewing experience without needing a specific frame size.</p>
<p>This flexibility means that with just one projector, you can create an intimate space or a cinematic experience, all in the comfort of your home. Whether it&rsquo;s projected onto a custom screen, a blank wall, or even the ceiling, your movie nights can become more dynamic and immersive.</p>
<p><img alt="movie projector" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q4_2024/CI-home-theater-projector-benefits_2.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p>
<h2>2. Enhanced Comfort and Reduced Eye Strain</h2>
<p>Projectors have an edge when it comes to comfort and eye health. Because projectors allow for larger images, viewers can sit back and relax without straining to see details. Unlike traditional TVs, which emit direct light, projectors use reflected light, creating a softer and gentler impact on the eyes. This difference can help reduce the fatigue that often comes with long viewing sessions.</p>
<p>With a projector, binge-watching becomes an even more enjoyable experience, allowing for longer sessions with less eye strain. Whether it&rsquo;s movie marathons or late-night TV sessions, you&rsquo;ll find it&rsquo;s easy on the eyes&mdash;and ideal for the whole family.</p>
<p><img alt="luxury home theater with projector" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q4_2024/CI-home-theater-projector-benefits_3.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p>
<h2>3. Compact and Portable Design</h2>
<p>While large-screen TVs may look impressive, they lack portability. Projectors, on the other hand, are compact and easy to move, making them a fantastic choice for various setups. With many models weighing between 2 and 20 pounds, they&rsquo;re ideal for moving around the house, setting up in different rooms, or even creating an outdoor theater under the stars.</p>
<p>A projector&rsquo;s portability also means it can be mounted on the ceiling or left on a tabletop, depending on the needs of the room. So whether you&rsquo;re creating a permanent installation or planning on switching up your setup, a projector can easily adapt to your preferences. Just add a surface to project on, and you&rsquo;re set for a versatile viewing experience anywhere you want.</p>
<p><img alt=" luxury home theater with projector" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q4_2024/CI-home-theater-projector-benefits_4.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p>
<h2>Bonus: Exceptional Value for an Immersive Experience</h2>
<p>Considering the quality and versatility a projector brings to home entertainment, they&rsquo;re often more cost-effective than a large TV. While high-end projectors are available, many options are affordable, making them a smart choice for those seeking a cinema-like experience at home. You get all the benefits of large-scale viewing without the high cost of a similarly sized television.</p>
<p>Modern projector technology has come a long way, with options to suit everything from home theaters to business and educational settings. So, if you&rsquo;re looking for a more dynamic way to enjoy entertainment or want a setup that can adapt to your lifestyle, a home theater projector may be the perfect fit.</p>
<p>Ready to take your movie nights to the next level? Our team is here to help you explore options for projectors, screens, surround sound systems, and more to create the ultimate entertainment experience right in your home. Come see us or <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.automation-design.com/contacts" target="_blank">give us a call</a></span> today&mdash;we&rsquo;ll help you find the best fit for your needs!</p>

3 Reasons Why a Home Theater Projector is a Must (+1 Bonus!) 

A perfect home theater is about more than the screen. Learn how color schemes, furniture placement, and sound design impact your viewing experience. 

<p>When it comes to the ultimate home theater, the magic doesn&rsquo;t just happen on screen&mdash;it&rsquo;s all about what&rsquo;s off-screen too. From the colors on your walls to where you place your recliners, every little detail sets the stage for how you experience the action. The perfect movie night isn&rsquo;t just about the popcorn (although that helps)&mdash;it&rsquo;s about creating an environment so immersive that you forget you&rsquo;re still at home!</p>
<p>So, grab your director&rsquo;s chair because we&rsquo;re diving into how the right design transforms an average home theater into one that&rsquo;s pure blockbuster-worthy.</p>
<h2>1. Color Psychology: Set the Mood</h2>
<p>Bright or light-colored walls reflect light, which distracts from the screen and breaks immersion. Instead, opt for dark, matte colors like charcoal, navy, or black. These shades absorb light, creating that cozy, cinematic vibe.</p>

<figure class="dsg-bg-box">
  <blockquote>
<strong>Pro Tip:</strong>
<br>
Add subtle wall textures or patterns for a sophisticated look without distracting from the movie. 
  </blockquote>
</figure>
<br>
<p><img alt="home theater seating in dark room" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q1_2025/CI_home-theater-design-psychology_/CI_home-theater-design-psychology_1.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p>
<h2>2. Sound Design: Hear Every Detail</h2>
<p>Sound isn&rsquo;t just part of the experience&mdash;it is the experience. Poor acoustics can make dialogue hard to follow and explosions underwhelming.</p>
<p><strong>How to fix it?</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Install acoustic panels to reduce echoes.</li>
<li>Add carpeted floors and soft furnishings to prevent sound from bouncing.</li>
<li>Position speakers properly: front speakers align with the screen, while surround speakers sit slightly behind you for an immersive soundstage.</li>
</ul>
<p>With these tweaks, you&rsquo;ll feel every whisper, every explosion, and every crescendo.</p>
<p><img alt="luxury home theater with speakers" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q1_2025/CI_home-theater-design-psychology_/CI_home-theater-design-psychology_2.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p>
<h2>3. Lighting: Set the Tone</h2>
<p>Lighting is all about balance. Too bright, and it pulls you out of the scene. Too dark, and you&rsquo;re fumbling for your snacks or&mdash;worse&mdash;tripping over the dog.</p>
<p><strong>Here&rsquo;s the winning setup:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Install dimmable LED lights with warm tones to set a cozy mood.</li>
<li>Consider LED strip lighting under seats or along walls for a soft, ambient glow.</li>
<li>Use blackout shades or motorized drapes to keep natural light from intruding.</li>
</ul>
<p>Want to impress? Integrate smart lighting controls so you can dim the room with a single tap or voice command as soon as the opening credits start rolling. It&rsquo;s convenience and ambiance all in one!</p>
<h2>4. Seating: Comfort Meets Perfect Placement</h2>
<p>Seating isn&rsquo;t just about kicking back&mdash;it&rsquo;s about creating the best seat in the house for everyone.</p>
<p><strong>The Rule of Thumb:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Position your seats at a distance that&rsquo;s 1.5 to 2.5 times the size of the screen. For a 100-inch screen, that&rsquo;s roughly 12 to 18 feet.</li>
<li>Arrange seats in a tiered setup if space allows. It&rsquo;s how you ensure unobstructed views for everyone (and no neck craning).</li>
</ul>
<p>And don&rsquo;t forget comfort! Reclining chairs with armrests, cup holders, and just the right amount of plush make it easy to settle in for the long haul&mdash;whether it&rsquo;s a movie marathon or a two-hour epic.</p>
<p><img alt="home theater with seating tilted and tiered" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q1_2025/CI_home-theater-design-psychology_/CI_home-theater-design-psychology_3.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p>
<h2>5. Screen Placement: Find the Sweet Spot</h2>
<p>Your screen is the hero, so give it the spotlight it deserves! Place it at eye level so your gaze naturally lands at the center when seated. In larger rooms, projectors deliver cinematic flair, while high-quality TVs excel in cozier spaces.</p>

<figure class="dsg-bg-box">
  <blockquote>
<strong>Pro Tip:</strong>
<br>
Keep reflective surfaces and direct light away from the screen to avoid glare—your eyes (and your patience) will thank you. 
  </blockquote>
</figure>
<br>
<p><img alt="home theater projector in movie room" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q1_2025/CI_home-theater-design-psychology_/CI_home-theater-design-psychology_4.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p>
<h2>6. The Final Touches: Bring It All Together</h2>
<p>The magic is in the details. Consider these finishing touches to complete your home theater:</p>
<ul>
<li>Blackout shades for a true cinema feel.</li>
<li>Smart controls to unify lighting, sound, and screen settings seamlessly.</li>
<li>Personal touches like movie posters, themed d&eacute;cor, or even a popcorn machine to make the space uniquely yours.</li>
</ul>
<p><img alt="group of friends eating popcorn while watching movie" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q1_2025/CI_home-theater-design-psychology_/CI_home-theater-design-psychology_5.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p>
<h2>Let&rsquo;s Create Movie Magic</h2>
<p>Your home theater isn&rsquo;t just a place to watch movies&mdash;it&rsquo;s where stories come alive, memories are made, and Sunday binge sessions turn into events. By carefully designing your space with the right colors, sound, lighting, and layout, you&rsquo;re not just creating a room. You&rsquo;re building an experience.</p>
<p>Ready to design the home theater of your dreams? <strong>Automation Design & Entertainment</strong> is here to help you bring Hollywood right into your home. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.automation-design.com/contacts" target="_blank">Let's make your perfect setup a reality!</a></span></p>
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The Psychology of Home Theater Design for Better Viewing

Discover the latest trends in smart home technology, from AI-driven automation to smarter voice control. Explore how your home can make life easier, greener, and a lot more enjoyable this year. 

<p>The new year is here, and it&rsquo;s bringing some seriously smart upgrades for your home. We&rsquo;re talking tech that learns what you need before you do, voice systems that don&rsquo;t require you to repeat yourself, and appliances that practically do the chores for you! It&rsquo;s not science fiction&mdash;just the reality of living smarter. Buckle up&mdash;let&rsquo;s take a tour of the top home tech trends for the year ahead.</p>
<h2>AI-Powered Home Automation: The Future&rsquo;s Here</h2>
<p>Artificial Intelligence is making home automation more personal than ever. Think of it as the best kind of roommate&mdash;one who knows exactly how you like things without you having to ask. Your lights adjust to your daily routine, the temperature&rsquo;s set just right, and your favorite playlist is ready for your afternoon unwind. AI tech is designed to anticipate your habits, and let&rsquo;s be honest, having a home that&rsquo;s one step ahead of you feels pretty luxurious.</p>
<p><img alt="smart home graphic" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q1_2025/CI-top-home-tech-trends_/CI-top-home-tech-trends_1.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p>
<h2>Voice Assistants That Actually Listen</h2>
<p>How many times have you barked a command at your voice assistant, only for it to answer, &ldquo;I&rsquo;m sorry, I didn&rsquo;t get that&rdquo;? In 2025, that&rsquo;s no longer an issue. Voice control systems are getting sharper, faster, and <em>way</em> less stubborn. Whether you&rsquo;re setting the mood with dimmed lights, locking up for the night, or asking for that &ldquo;what&rsquo;s for dinner&rdquo; answer (again), you&rsquo;ll get results&mdash;hands-free and hassle-free.</p>
<p><img alt="elderly woman talking to voice control in kitchen " src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q1_2025/CI-top-home-tech-trends_/CI-top-home-tech-trends_2.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p>
<h2>Everyday Smart Devices: Where Convenience Meets Brilliance</h2>
<p>Your appliances have gone next-level smart, and trust us, they&rsquo;re ready to impress. A fridge that suggests recipes? A laundry system that knows exactly how to care for your delicates? Even your vacuum has ninja-like moves to dodge every chair leg in sight. It&rsquo;s like your house wants to make life easier&mdash;and you get to reap the rewards.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 1.5em;"><img alt="smart home security tablet" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q1_2025/CI-top-home-tech-trends_/CI-top-home-tech-trends_3.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></span></p>
<h2><span class="TextRun SCXW217062144 BCX0" lang="EN" data-contrast="auto">Security That Works Smarter (and Harder)</span><span class="EOP SCXW217062144 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{&quot;134245417&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240,&quot;335572079&quot;:12,&quot;335572080&quot;:1,&quot;335572081&quot;:0,&quot;469789806&quot;:&quot;single&quot;}">&nbsp;</span></h2>
<p>Keeping your home secure has never been this advanced&mdash;or this easy. Today&rsquo;s systems don&rsquo;t just keep watch; they&rsquo;re practically trained. Facial recognition knows family from strangers, real-time alerts let you check in wherever you are, and smart cameras give you a clear view at all hours. It's like having a vigilant watchdog, but without the barking.</p>
<h2>Sustainability That&rsquo;s Stylish and Simple</h2>
<p>Saving energy has never looked so good. Smart thermostats, energy-efficient lighting, and devices that only work when needed are making homes greener without sacrificing comfort. Plus, who doesn&rsquo;t love lower energy bills? Eco-friendly tech helps you reduce your footprint while keeping your home perfectly in sync with your lifestyle!</p>
<p><img alt="smart home sustainability" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q1_2025/CI-top-home-tech-trends_/CI-top-home-tech-trends_4.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p>
<p>This year, technology is all about making life easier, smarter, and&mdash;let&rsquo;s be honest&mdash;more enjoyable. Whether it&rsquo;s giving you back precious time, turning your home into the perfect host, or letting you relax with confidence, the future of smart living has officially arrived. Are you ready for it?</p>
<p><strong>Automation Design & Entertainment</strong> can help bring these cutting-edge solutions into your home. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.automation-design.com/contacts" target="_blank">Schedule your consultation</a></span> today and take the first step toward a smarter, more luxurious lifestyle!</p>

Top Home Tech Trends to Watch in the New Year

Discover how smart lighting design can elevate your business by improving ambiance, energy efficiency, and customer experience in commercial spaces.

<p>When it comes to creating a space that customers rave about, and employees thrive in, smart lighting is the unsung hero working behind the scenes. Whether you&rsquo;re running a bustling caf&eacute;, an upscale boutique, or a sleek corporate office, lighting isn&rsquo;t just about visibility&mdash;it&rsquo;s about setting the mood, inspiring productivity, and boosting your bottom line. Ready to flip the switch on a smarter, more efficient business? Let&rsquo;s <em>illuminate</em> why smart lighting is a <em>brilliant</em> move!</p>
<p><img alt=" smart lightbulb graphic" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q4_2024/CI-smart-business-lighting_1.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p>
<h2>1. Make Your Space Stand Out</h2>
<p>Picture this: You step into a boutique where soft, golden lighting gives every product a halo effect, making them irresistible. Now picture another store flooded with harsh, headache-inducing fluorescent lights. Which space is more inviting?</p>
<p>With smart lighting, your business becomes a stage, and every square foot gets its moment in the spotlight. From dramatic focal points in retail displays to cozy nooks in a caf&eacute;, the right lighting doesn&rsquo;t just enhance the look of your space&mdash;it creates a mood that customers can&rsquo;t help but enjoy. Control brightness, tweak color temperature, and set schedules to make your space shine at all hours.</p>
<p><img alt="lightbulbs in a row" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q4_2024/CI-smart-business-lighting_2.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p>
<h2>2. Save Money While You Shine</h2>
<p>Let&rsquo;s face it&mdash;energy bills can be a real pain. But with smart lighting, they don&rsquo;t have to be. These systems combine the efficiency of LEDs with the intelligence of automation, giving you full control over your lighting without wasting resources. Lights adjust based on sunlight, turn off when no one&rsquo;s around, and sync with your operating hours to keep everything running smoothly.</p>
<p>What does that mean for your business? Lower costs and higher sustainability. Imagine cutting your energy bills by 30% or more while reducing your environmental impact. From small shops to large offices, smart lighting is a savvy investment that shines in more ways than one.</p>
<h2>3. Boost Employee Productivity</h2>
<p>Lighting isn&rsquo;t just about aesthetics&mdash;it&rsquo;s about performance! In office settings, the right lighting can make all the difference, helping to reduce eye strain, boost mood, and enhance focus throughout the workday. With tunable smart lighting, you can create a dynamic environment that adjusts as the day progresses. Cooler tones in the morning help sharpen focus and energize your team, while warmer hues in the afternoon create a calming atmosphere that eases fatigue. The result? Fewer headaches, greater comfort, and a workforce that&rsquo;s primed to tackle any challenge with clarity and confidence.</p>
<p><img alt="smart lighting in luxury office space " src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q4_2024/CI-smart-business-lighting_3.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p>
<h2>4. Set the Mood for Customers</h2>
<p>Customers don&rsquo;t just visit businesses&mdash;they experience them. Smart lighting helps create unforgettable moments that keep them coming back!</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Restaurants &amp; Caf&eacute;s</strong>: Dimmed, warm lighting for cozy dinners or brighter tones for bustling brunch crowds.</li>
<li><strong>Retail Spaces</strong>: Dynamic lighting zones draw attention to featured products and highlight the path through the store.</li>
<li><strong>Hotels &amp; Spas</strong>: Relaxing hues promote a sense of calm and luxury, keeping guests coming back.</li>
</ul>
<p>Smart lighting adapts in real-time, ensuring your ambiance always matches the occasion, from a morning rush to an evening event.</p>
<h2>5. Simplify Your Life</h2>
<p>Running a business is already complex, so why let lighting add to the chaos? Smart systems let you manage multiple rooms, floors, or even outdoor spaces from one central interface. With a smartphone app or dedicated panel, adjusting your lighting is as simple as a tap.</p>
<p><img alt="luxury office smart lighting" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q4_2024/CI-smart-business-lighting_4.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p>
<p>Need to dim the lights for an evening event or switch to a new scene for a promotion? One touch, and your lighting is good to <em>glow</em>.</p>
<h2>The Bright Future of Commercial Spaces</h2>
<p>Smart lighting is more than just a technological upgrade&mdash;it&rsquo;s a business solution that enhances your space, reduces costs, and improves customer and employee satisfaction. Ready to take your lighting to the next level? <strong>Automation Design & Entertainment</strong> is here to help. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.automation-design.com/contacts" target="_blank">Contact us</a></span> today to get started!</p>

Bright Ideas: Why Your Business Needs Smart Lighting

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 Automation Design & Entertainment can help! Just give us a <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.automation-design.com/contacts/" target="_blank">call or come in</a></span> today!</p>

How to Choose the Right Lighting for Your Outdoor Space 

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How to Choose the Right Lighting for Your Outdoor Space

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