Winter may have just begun, but it’s never too early to start thinking about how you’re going to jazz up your outdoor space when warm weather returns to New York City. One of the most exciting new technologies we’ve seen is ShadeCraft’s Sunflower, an automated umbrella shade that also functions as a multipurpose technology hub.

The Sunflower gives you the opportunity to expand your smart home control to your outdoor environments with wireless, voice-controlled lighting and A/V components in addition to a shade that automatically moves with the sun. Keep reading to learn more about how the Sunflower can make your New York City home bloom when the temperature rises.

SEE ALSO: Smart Home Control by Savant Provides Great Features and a Polished Interface

Always Stay In The Shade

If you have a stationary umbrella shade, you’ve had to deal with inconsistent protection from sunlight. The sun is moving throughout the day, and if your shade doesn’t move with it, there are always going to be exposed areas. An adjustable umbrella shade can help, but manual models can be so hard to use that you end up not taking advantage of this extra feature.

The Sunflower solves this problem by moving automatically with the sun, opening up in the morning and tracking the sun until it sets. If there are high winds or other inclement weather, the shade will automatically close so you don't have to worry about the device being damaged. 

If you have a dedicated home theater, you’re looking to recreate the cinema experience without the headaches that come with a visit to the local multiplex. A big part of that experience comes from the quality of the video, and with the rise of 4K Ultra HD resolution, you can now view movies in crystal clear detail.

Kaleidescape is changing the game when it comes to easy access to 4K media. This home theater system features an expansive digital store filled with 4K films, but it also gives you the opportunity to import your DVDs and Blu-Rays so you can access them at any time without a disc.

Read on to learn about the benefits of adding a Kaleidescape server to your New York City home.

SEE ALSO: Are You Placing Price Ahead of Your Home Theater System Performance?

4K Video with the Touch of a Button

The most popular streaming services offer 4K Ultra HD resolution for certain films, but the selections on those services aren’t comprehensive and are constantly changing. Your favorite movie might be on Netflix one month but disappear the next, only to show up again a year later.

Here in New York City, we know that it might be difficult to find the space to build a dedicated home theater.

But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the movie-viewing experience in your home. In fact, you can still enjoy a high-end home theater system featuring state-of-the-art technology – just in a more hybrid environment.

In this post, we share three of the best technologies you can showcase in a custom media room design that will enhance the movie-watching experience for you and your guests.

Just scroll down below to find out more.

SEE ALSO: 4 Must-Haves to Create the Ultimate Home Media Room

Considering an upgrade to your home and not sure where to start? What about lighting control that enhances your home’s beauty and efficiency?

Maybe you’re not sure about what you’re even looking to upgrade or add when it comes to your lighting solution.

Enter Lutron programming.

We’ve all been there: we leave a room only to realize we forgot to turn the lights off. Or maybe you often waste energy leaving lights on when natural sunlight is available to illuminate your room.

It can be a hassle keeping up with your home’s lighting. Fortunately, a Lutron lighting control system allows easy control of all the lights in your New York City home. In this blog, we will outline some of the features and benefits of a Lutron lighting control system. Keep reading to learn more.

See Also: 3 Ways Home Lighting and Shade Control Enhance Your Well-Being

Customization

Adjust your lighting system throughout the day according to your specific needs, or change the mood of any room or area to accommodate for a certain occasion.

Whether you are having people over for a large party, an intimate dinner, or getting ready to call it a night, a lighting control system allows you create scenes to set the lighting just right to fit any occasion.