Welcome! What's On Your Mind?

Are you building a new home?  Then you already know how much planning goes into every step.  You have probably also realized that looking further into the future and making sure that your home can accommodate the needs of new technology is crucial.  Here are a few features that you need to consider adding to your plan today - before you begin building.

1. Automated Systems, including remote access: Control everything in your home from one convenient device. Control your lighting, audio system, security system, thermostats, door locks, and smart appliances from anywhere in the world. 
2. Energy: Monitor energy usage, integrate solar energy, and add a charging station for your electric vehicle. This can also help you monitor energy usage and save money.
3. Security: Video doorbells, cameras, and lighting are all part of home automation that will help protect you and your family not only from intruders, but also from fire or flooding.
4. Motorized Shades: They come in a multitude of colors and fabrics, but they aren’t just about aesthetics and convenience. You will also benefit from energy savings with the ability to close shades during the hottest/coldest parts of the day.    
5. Pre-wiring and networking: Without having this done correctly, the rest of your home won’t work the way it was planned. Get the backbone of your home mapped out and installed correctly the first time, so walls don’t have to be re-opened after your home is built. 

If you are interested in learning more about making your new home smarter, please contact the experts at Echo Workshop.  We have the knowledge and experience to help you choose what is best for you now and help you plan for the future. 

Are you building a new home or perhaps remodeling?  Maybe you’re redecorating and trying to find a solution that will give you the convenience of technology without compromising the beauty of your space.  If you’re in the midst of planning and learning about all of your options, Echo Workshop can help you incorporate technology to enhance your design - not compromise it. 

Motorized window treatments are one product that adds so much to the home from both an aesthetic and convenience point of view.  First of all, it eliminates those ugly cords and that also removes the risk of choking.  With just the push of a button or from your smart device, you can open and close your shades.  Better yet, integrate your window treatments into a smart home system from Control4 and set them to open and close on a schedule.  It’s not only convenient, but saves energy and blocks harmful UV rays.  Consider the health benefits of darkening your room for better sleep and having the shades automatically open in the morning to keep your circadian rhythm on track.  Are you getting your outdoor living area ready in anticipation of cooler fall weather?  Motorized shades are great outside too.  Lower them to not only keep the sun out, but also the bugs! 

Motorized lifts can be hidden and integrated in a multitude of ways.  Do you want a TV in your bedroom, but want it hidden when it’s not in use?  Motorized lifts can be hidden in the ceiling, rise from under the bed, or be hidden in a piece of furniture.  The possibilities are endless.  Do you have a TV over your fireplace that’s a little too high, making it difficult to view?  Echo Workshop can provide a motorized mount that drops the TV down to a comfortable viewing level.  Have you been thinking about adding outdoor entertainment, a TV or projector?  We have lifts that will perfectly integrate into your outdoor space, keeping your technology out of the way and protected. 

Echo Workshop has the technology and the experience to make life more convenient, entertaining, and aesthetically pleasing.  Contact us today to learn more about how we can add motorized technology to your home for better living.

It’s spring!  In Houston that means things are about to heat up fast.  At Echo Workshop we deal with the best in technology and can help you integrate the finest products to help keep you and your home cool.  Here are three of our favorite ways technology can help you beat the heat and even save you money.

Motorized shades are not only convenient, they can also be an aesthetically pleasing addition to your home design.  They come in a multitude of colors and fabrics and can be customized to fit any size or shape of window.  To make them even more desirable, they can be integrated into your smart home system.  Imagine setting the thermostat, lowering shades, and turning out the lights, all with the push of one button.  Do you enjoy patio time, but not the bright sun in your eyes - or the mosquitos?  Then motorized outdoor shades are a perfect consideration.  These can also be integrated into your smart home system.  Picture lowering your outdoor shades, turning on your favorite playlist, and lowering the lights – the perfect setting for some dinner on your patio.    

With the increased temperatures of spring and summer, we can all expect an increase in our electric bills.  One way to reduce electricity costs is with automated thermostats.  Set schedules to fit the needs of your family throughout the day, keeping it cooler when you’re home and conserving energy when you are away.  Add to that the convenience of being able to adjust the temperature remotely from anywhere in the world, and it’s a perfect solution for you and your family’s comfort. 

Lastly, let’s not forget how technology can enhance your lifestyle and make staying at home fun.  Outdoor entertainment is a must in the spring and summer in Houston.  Have you been considering upgrading your outdoor space?  Perhaps you would like an outdoor TV, a sound system to play your favorite tunes when you are poolside, or even an outdoor theater.  Echo Workshop can help you design your space and choose products that your whole family will find easy and fun to use.  

Let Echo Workshop help keep things cool at your home this spring.  With the best products, an incredible design team, and technicians that go the extra mile to make sure you are not only happy with your products, but know how to use them, Echo Workshop is here for your cool summer fun! 

SEE ALSO: 3 WAYS TO INCORPORATE MOTORIZED BLINDS INTO YOUR NEXT PROJECT

HOW TO PICK THE BEST SHADES FOR CERTAIN ROOMS

Automated shades are not a one-size-fits-all solution. You must pick the best shades for specific rooms, considering both style and function. Some different styles and patterns provide the right solution for each room. Consider what each room needs; for example, home theaters and bedrooms might require minimalistic roller shades with sheer or blackout fabrics.

If you are looking for motorized shades that blend in seamlessly with your décor, Roman shades feature understated elegance and layered design. Choose colors and styles that integrate well with your client’s home: Lutron even offers customized color options. No matter the aesthetic of your choice motorized blinds, it is vital that you don’t sacrifice function for décor. Your customers will be equally impressed by the convenience of automated blinds as they are with their style.

TAKE IN THE VIEW WITH STYLE

While it is important to have window coverings, it is also vital that your client can enjoy the gorgeous view from windows on a daily basis. Sheer roller shades can maintain your client’s privacy while also allowing them to enjoy your scenic views through the window.

Protect your precious artwork and furniture by blocking out harmful long-term exposure to UV rays. Use a smartphone or wall panel to control the shades with ease, and your clients can create automated schedules to fit their family’s routine. They will also enhance the security of their homes. Program the shades to move up and down throughout the day while your clients are on vacation to simulate their being home.

Finally, your clients will love the energy-saving benefits that come with motorized shades. The heat that passes through windows can warm up a room and cause an air conditioner to work overtime. Install a sensor that signals the shades to close when the sun is at its brightest.

See Also: MOTORIZED BLINDS AND SHADES: STYLE MEETS TECHNOLOGY

BEFORE THE DRYWALL GOES UP

The key benefit of working with a smart home installer while working on a build is that you can minimize re-work time. As the house goes up, your technology partner can map out electrical systems, install wiring structures, and ensure network reach throughout the home.

That’s true for motorized blinds as well. Technology professionals have a much easier time installing recessed shade motors before the drywall goes up. They can ensure the appropriate wires reach the system for reliable control.

Additionally, before the project is complete, a technology installer can determine if there’s any need for customized shapes or sizes for the shades, which can alter the price and duration of a project.

GET CREATIVE

Of course, while motorized blinds are typically used on windows, they can be installed anywhere in the home. Given the popularity of open-concept spaces, shades can even be used to create temporary room separations for additional privacy and light control.