In compact kitchens and open-concept homes alike, lighting makes all the difference. At Hemma Living, we love integrating automated window treatments not just for beauty, but also for function, wellness, and ease.
Whether it’s morning light in your kitchen or glare reduction in your living room, motorized shades elevate your space while protecting your finishes, supporting your sleep, and simplifying your day.
Automated window treatments, such as motorized shades from Lutron, offer optimized daylight control, privacy, glare reduction, enhanced energy efficiency, and improved home automation. This blog explains the different types, programming options, aesthetic benefits, and wellness perks of smart shades for modern kitchens and holistic home design.
Looking for beautiful, functional window treatments near or around Duluth, MN that support your daily routine? At Hemma Living, we design smart homes that move with you from sunrise to sunset with automated shades, blinds, and drapery that elevate every room.
Whether you’re starting a new build or updating your interiors, motorized window treatments are a feature more homeowners are asking for. With clean lines, quiet controls, and powerful light management, they offer a level of convenience and control that traditional blinds and curtains simply can’t match.
Why Choose Motorized Shades?
Here in Northern Minnesota and beyond, we design for all four seasons, and that includes how we handle natural light. Automated shades respond to how the sun hits your space throughout the day, helping you reduce glare, control temperature, and protect finishes from UV damage. But there are other reasons our clients love this technology:
- Convenience: Raise or lower shades at the touch of a button or on a schedule that works with your life.
- Privacy: No need to choose between daylight and discretion. Enjoy privacy when you want it, even in hard-to-reach windows.
- Energy Efficiency: Reduce heating and cooling loads with smart shades that adjust based on time of day, sun exposure, or temperature sensors.
- Design Freedom: Clean lines and cordless operation offer a polished look without any visual clutter or dangling cords.
- Integration: Compatible with smart home systems like Lutron, Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.
How Do Smart Shades Work?
Motorized window treatments include a quiet, built-in motor (often concealed in the headrail) that allows you to raise, lower, tilt, or draw your shades using a remote, wall switch, app, or voice control. Many systems, like those from Lutron, allow full automation: you can set schedules, create custom scenes, or even automate shades based on the sun’s position.
At Hemma Living, we’re proud to be a dealer of Lutron window treatments, offering several of their premium lines depending on your needs, space, and style. Our favorite collections—such as Palladiom and Triathlon—span a wide range of budgets and applications, particularly for wire-free installation projects that are common in our region. These systems are fully programmable and customizable, so you’re not locked into a one-size-fits-all setup.
Want your bedroom shades to rise gently with the morning light? Do you prefer to darken your living room automatically during movie night? We can help you set it up.
Window Treatment Materials & Styles
We work with a wide range of high-quality materials and configurations, from blackout roller shades to elegant motorized drapery. Some options include:
- Roller Shades: Clean, modern, and highly customizable in color, texture, and opacity.
- Honeycomb Shades: Energy-efficient and soft-looking, perfect for Minnesota winters.
- Roman Shades: Classic folds with a contemporary upgrade are available in smart options.
- Wood & Faux-Wood Blinds: Beautiful texture with tilt automation for privacy and light control.
- Motorized Drapery Tracks: Ideal for large windows or layered fabric treatments.
We also help you select materials that support your aesthetic while meeting functional needs, like glare reduction in offices or moisture resistance in bathrooms.
Lutron Integration: Lighting + Shades That Work Together
Smart shades work even better when paired with a thoughtful lighting plan. At Hemma Living, we integrate your automated window treatments with lighting systems, allowing your home to respond naturally to the time of day and activity.
Using Lutron’s systems, we can:
- Create “scenes” that adjust both lighting and shades with one tap
- Set automated schedules for wake-up, sleep, or away modes
- Use daylight sensors to raise/lower shades based on sun exposure
- Manage all settings from your smartphone or through voice assistants
This layered approach supports both your circadian rhythm and your comfort, especially during long winter months.
Are Automated Window Treatments Right for Your Home?
Automated shades and blinds are a wise investment in comfort, efficiency, and long-term value. They’re instrumental if you:
- Have high or hard-to-reach windows
- Want precise control over light and privacy
- Value a clean, minimal aesthetic
- Are building or renovating and want future-forward features
At Hemma Living, we make it easy to incorporate these into your home’s overall design. We handle everything from selection and installation to smart home setup, so the final result feels seamless and intuitive.
Get in touch with our team to explore smart window treatment options today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between motorized and automated shades?
Motorized shades can be operated by remote, app, or switch. Automated shades take it a step further by operating on a schedule or in response to sensors (like sunlight or temperature).
Can I control Lutron shades with my phone or voice?
Yes. Lutron shades work with the Lutron app and integrate with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.
Are there battery-powered options?
Yes. Many Lutron window treatments offer wire-free installation with long-lasting batteries, perfect for retrofit projects.
Do automated window treatments increase home value?
They can. Beyond energy savings and convenience, automated window treatments are considered a premium feature, especially in high-end home builds or remodels.
Can Hemma Living help me program my smart shades?
Absolutely! We guide clients through the full process, ranging from design and selection to setup and programming. Whether you want something simple or fully integrated, we’ll make sure it works beautifully.
Let’s Make Your Home Work Smarter
If you’re thinking about adding innovative features to your home or simply want a more beautiful, functional window treatment solution, our team is here to help. At Hemma Living, we specialize in thoughtful design that improves daily life.
Call (218) 729-2707 or connect with us today.
