Homeowners are enjoying their homes more than ever largely because of features that can make their spaces more efficient and enjoyable. One way to achieve a warm, inviting atmosphere is through lighting and shade control.

Advances in lighting technology have led to home lighting automation systems that dim and brighten light fixtures to customized programmed settings–a step beyond traditional wall-mounted dimmers. With the best home lighting automation system, you’ll be able to adjust multiple areas or rooms at the same time from one device, such as a smart phone, tablet or even custom keypads.

A home lighting automation system also enables switches to be grouped together to create lighting “zones.” For example, in the kitchen, one zone of lights could include all the overhead fixtures; another the small LED lights under cabinets, a third the pendant lights over the bar, and a fourth the chandelier over the breakfast nook. By arranging the room lights in this manner and tying them to a lighting control system, each zone can be controlled independently or grouped together. During a holiday gathering, you might activate a scene to call attention to a buffet; at a cocktail party a different scene of lights could be activated to create a cozy, intimate ambiance; and a different scene could establish bright light for everyday meal preparation.

Like lights, shades too are part of a complete control package. No matter how intricately designed a lighting control system is, sunlight can still affect the end result. The best solution is to complement your smart lighting products and systems with motorized shades.

When motorized, automatic window shades and draperies can be easily positioned to allow the lights in the room to do their magic without any interference from outside conditions. Conversely, they can be automatically adjusted to allow sunlight to contribute to the look and feel of the room and to weave the outdoor scenery into the room environment. Having shades adjust throughout the day is also a great way to control energy costs.

If controlling lights and shades isn’t enough automation for you, brace yourself, because now you can add music to the configuration. Total home integration is getting even easier as companies join forces to produce products that let you really simplify life. Two big brands, Lutron and Sonos, recently announced their joint vision for controlling light and sound together by incorporating music into any Lutron residential system via the Pico Remote for Audio.

The Pico Remote for Audio offers quick, convenient, hard-button control of audio alongside lights and shades. Play, pause, skip tracks, and adjust volume—without launching an app. You can set a scene for movie night, and with one touch the lights dim, the shades come down and the volume goes up. Or, spice up dinner with a scene that instantly adjusts light and sound for a relaxing, jazz-filled evening. The possibilities are incredible.

To discover how lighting, shade and even music automation can contribute to the joy and comfort of your home, visit the experts at Custom Audio Video today.