In today’s health-conscious cities, more architects, designers, and builders are looking to natural light as the foundation of a home’s ambient lighting. This natural light obscures the line between the beauty of nature and a home’s interior. In the process, it supports the body’s internal time clock set to the rise and fall of the sun. The outcome for those who live there is a more restful sleep, enhanced energy, and beautiful illumination. 

At Electronic Environments, we partner with Lutron, the global leader in lighting control, and building professionals incorporating the latest smart home technology. One of the technologies gaining the quickest ground in Manhattan, NY, is Lutron motorized shades. 

Here, we’ll explore their place in managing natural light and how professionals are integrating this smart solution.

SEE ALSO: Enhance Your Outdoor Space with Outdoor Lighting Control

The Lutron Lighting Trend Report

In 2023, Lutron produced its first-ever Lighting Trend Report. In it, they revealed homeowners’ preferences and changing requirements. One of the main takeaways was the changing role of lighting from mere illumination to supporting wellness, enhancing sleep routines, connecting to nature, and creating ambiance. 

Some revealing statistics include the following: 

• 87% of homeowners believe a connection to nature is essential in their home design.
• 89% shared the importance of creating a greater connection to the outside world through window coverings that optimize views.
• 75% would not purchase a home without good natural light. 

Optimizing Natural Light

It’s clear that natural light provides a sense of well-being. It also enhances a home’s interior, drawing out the natural colors, textures, and gleaming metals popular in today’s design. Managing this natural light has always been challenging, allowing it to infuse a home without damaging its interior. 

Our automation experts at Electronic Environments help architects and interior designers incorporate automated window shades that adjust with a voice command or the touch of a button. We also program these shades to rise and lower automatically based on the level of direct sunlight and heat gain. This programming creates a seamless experience: a home that self-adjusts, managing heat, daylight, and privacy. 

Selecting Window Coverings

Because these window coverings offer greater functionality, it’s important to consider the design and how your client uses the space during different periods of the day. We’ll explore the importance of privacy, UV light blocking, reduced glare, enhanced connections with the outdoor environment, and home temperature regulation. 

Depending on the exposure, east, west, or south-facing windows may receive more direct light and require UV light-blocking materials and programming designed to lower shades when direct sunlight enters a room. Window coverings in bedrooms may automatically open at sunrise and lower when the intense midday sun peaks. In home offices, UV and glare reduction may become important at certain times of the day. 

As you can imagine, this amount of detail requires studying building plans and getting to know a homeowner’s lifestyle and preferences. And while the functional aspects are essential, we always focus on elevating the aesthetics of any interior space. 

At Electronic Environments, we collaborate with designers, architects, and builders as part of the team, ensuring seamless integration. To learn more about Lutron motorized shades or to schedule a complimentary consultation, contact Electronic Environments today.