Window coverings are a major design consideration in every new home or remodeling project, just as much as furniture, flooring, and walls. With thousands of unique combinations of colors, textures, weaves, and types of shades, you’re probably going to spend a fair amount of time deciding what fits your home’s decor and style best. So […]
Get the GuideArchives for August 2015
2015 Motorized Window Shades Buying Guide
Motorized blinds and drapes started out as luxuries available mostly to those living in mansions and penthouses, but, today, increased competition, new hardware, advanced technologies, and a variety of materials and price points have put this former extravagance within reach of virtually every homeowner. Whether you’re considering motorized shades or drapes because they are easier […]
Get the GuideTips for Better Headphone Music Quality
Let’s assume you’re a finicky music listener. This means that, to your sensitive ears, the audio emanating from your smartphone or laptop ranges from barely tolerable to nails dragged across a blackboard. Why does your smartphone sound so poor (relatively speaking)? Because a smartphone is a Jack-of-all-trades and master of few, especially with high-quality music […]
Get the GuideTV Mounts: A Home Entertainment Problem-Solver
Few home theater enthusiasts are blessed with a viewing environment that’s perfect. There might be a structural beam in the spot where a video projector should go, or a bank of windows that let sunshine streak onto the TV screen. If the room is wide, it could be tough to see the on-screen action from […]
Get the GuideMarvelous Media Room Illumination
It’s only fitting for the room with the most drama to have the most dramatic lighting. If you want your media room to be a true home theater, expert lighting design is key to creating atmosphere, illuminating the way, and enhancing the overall movie experience. A home theater presentation involves choreographed technology, in which lighting […]
Get the GuideTop Security Trends
If any of today’s security systems could meet a residential security system from 20 years ago, they wouldn’t even know that they’re related. Sure, they both protect homes from theft, intrusion, fire, and other bad things. But that’s where the similarity ends. The fact is, today’s security systems offer exponentially more functionality in the areas […]
Get the GuideSmart Home Gallery: “TechStang” Blends Torque and Touchscreens
Those lucky enough to see Geoff Beale’s restored ’66 notchback Mustang coupe out on a test drive will probably miss what makes the car so unique. Beale made a number of modifications to the original exterior, with a trunk-mounted rear gas tank fill, widened wheel wells, and a Ferrari gas cap, but the excitement generated […]
Get the GuideSmart Home Gallery: Fast Reaction
There’s this annoying glitch that happens sometimes in an automated home called “latency.” It occurs when you press a button to, say, activate all the lights in the house, and you’re left standing at the threshold tapping your foot waiting for the lights to turn on. Those few seconds of lag time might seem inconsequential, […]
Get the Guide4 Steps for a Better Whole-House Audio System
Purchasing a multi-room audio system is a great way to enhance your living space. Not long ago these systems were expensive and difficult to install. No longer is this the case. With an increasing number of options available, there’s a system for nearly every type of home, budget and homeowner need. But finding the right […]
Get the Guide7 “Sensible” Ways to Save Energy
It’s the best of times for saving energy in your home. There are about a gazillion little Internet of Things (IoT) devices that promise to save you energy and connect to your home systems, your smartphones, and more. Sensors seem to be everywhere today, but few people actually use them in their homes for the […]
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