Man Cave Technology: Automation Ideas for Your Favorite Hangout Spot

Are you looking to bring your man cave to the next level? Adding high tech accessories will have your friends showing up unannounced, and uninvited!

Today you’re going to learn how to make your friends jealous by incorporating the best man cave technology. Let’s take a look at how to add automation to your favorite entertainment room.

Man Cave Technology 101

Your man cave is meant for relaxing, kicking back, and hanging out with your buddies. Having to run annoying or cumbersome technology devices can get in the way.

We’re going to take a look at how you can automate your tech to work for you!

Your man cave with one-up your bro’s man cave, just by using a little automation.

Types of House Automation Ideas

There are a lot fo house automation ideas you can use – but let’s start with the basics that won’t break the bank.

High-Tech Plugs and Outlets

Adding automation to your space is as simple as replacing your outlets with smart outlets! These smart plugs allow you to operate your devices with an app on your smartphone or tablet.

You won’t even have to leave the sofa to turn on the lights or start playing some party music. Many consumer electronics have the ability to function with a smart plug.

Temperature Control

Wi-Fi enabled thermostats are one of the latest to hit the market. Not only can you control the temperature of your room from your phone, but you can also use your voice!

Devices have been Google and Alexa-enabled, listening for your commands. Using voice operation ensures further automation and efficiency of temperature control operation.

If you’re feeling a little chilly, just ask Alexa to turn the heat up for you.

Smart TV

Almost every TV now is a smart TV. These TVs can change channels, turn up the volume, and start recording DVR just from the swipe of a finger.

Controlling them from your smartphone isn’t all you can do. There is such a huge variety of apps that you download directly to your TV and use such as Youtube, Hulu, Weather Channel, and more.

Security

Trying to keep your man cave super secret? Automating your locks is the next best step. You control your locks and doors all from your Wi-Fi network and smartphone. Whether it’s keeping that one dorky friend out, or your wife, smart security solutions are booming everywhere!

Your technology and equipment are kept safe from harm, theft, and annoyances!

Smart Technology for the Win

If you’re looking to improve your man cave technology at all, starting with these simple things will get you going in the right direction.

Your friends will be crazy over your tech goodies, and praying for their next invite over to your place! There are other ways to automate your home if you’re hoping to do more.

If you’re interested in deploying new and exciting tech in your home; take a look at this blog to see how tech automation in your home increases its value!

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5 Cool Home Automation Projects That Will Make Life Easier

Technology is quickly making the “house of the future” a reality. By the end of the year, an estimated 45 million smart home devices will be up and running in United States homes.

These modern devices can improve everything from safety to convenience for homeowners.

But with so much mind-blowing technology out there, it might be hard to nail down the best home automation ideas. We’ve got you covered. Here are five cool home automation projects to meet the needs of every homeowner.

Five Cool Home Automation Projects

Most homeowners who upgrade their house’s technology say they are happy with the choice. Some surveys have found more than 90 percent of smart-home owners would recommend tech upgrades to others.

We agree.

These new home automation ideas can boost home value and change the way homeowners live.

1) Shine Some Light on Smart Illumination

With lighting apps like If This Then That, or ITTT, a home can light up to make life easier. For instance, the homeowner can program lights to flash when an important email hits an inbox or when the oven timer goes off.

There are also options to kick on the lights on a schedule. This is great for anyone who needs to get up early or ward off intruders during a vacation.

2) Control a Home’s Comfort

Voice assistance technology, like Alexa or Siri, are expected to hit nearly 2 billion users by 2021. In a home, it can be used to control things like house fans or a thermostat.

Smart temperature control can also save on efficiency by letting the users control heating when they aren’t at home. Systems can even be set up to be turned up or down based on the weather outside.

3) Keep Homes Safe and Secure with Smart Systems

We’ve all hit the road only to be struck with that feeling that something was left on. Now, homeowners can shrug off the concern with things like smart garages.

The user can close a garage door that was left open or set up instructions to automatically lock a door.

There are also options to arm security cameras or pull up video surveillance with voice commands.

4) Manage Homes, Even on Holidays Away

Several cool home automation projects center around controlling a house when owners are away.

SmartThings motion sensors or ITTT technology can alert parents when their kids come in or leave the house. Motion tracking can also be set up to tell cameras to pan around the whole room of a home.

And lights can be set to blink when there is motion, which could be a good deterrent for burglars.

5) Kick up a Home’s Livability

With SmartThings devices, homeowners can kickstart all kinds of cozy conveniences as soon as they step in the door. A system can trigger things like the coffeemaker, speakers, and lights to flip on as soon as a door is unlocked.

There are also ways to get tea boiling from another room through a WeMo outlet or to receive alerts when the laundry is done.

Flip the Switch on More Innovation

These cool home automation projects are just the start. There are countless ways to turn a simple home into a modern marvel.

Want to learn more about the latest home technology, techniques for Florida home automation, and tips for smart homes? Check out our blog here.

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Smart Homes of the Future: What You Can Expect from Home Automation Design

Home automation design that was the stuff of sci-fi is now a reality.

We have devices that connect us to our favorite shows, watch our health, and even warm our socks.

As we continue into the future, this kind of technology is only going to get better. What kind of improvements can we see in the future of smart home design? Are the robots going to replace us all, or will we be able to make technology work for us?

Home automation design is the future of how we live. Keep reading to find out what you can expect in the next 100 years of smart home technology.

Home Automation Design Won’t Do Everything For Us

When it comes to smart home technology, developers don’t want to replace you. They want to make your life easier.

For example, smart refrigerators tell you when your food is going bad, or what you need to replace. It doesn’t do the shopping for you (yet) but it keeps you aware of your kitchen habits.

There are also smart ovens that keep an eye on your food so nothing burns. With these advances, you don’t have to mess with your appliances as often. You work smarter, not harder, something we all strive to do.

Hyper-Connectivity in the Home

This isn’t a surprise to anyone. While we love all the new apps and tech that makes our lives easier, we love it, even more, when we control it all from one spot.

That’s why home automation design is moving towards a connected house. You’ll connect everything, from your TV to your toilet. Think of it as a universal remote, but for your entire home.

AI with a Heart

There has is tons of literature, both fiction and non-fiction, on artificial intelligence. Some are all for it. Others have Brave Little Toaster flashbacks of talking kitchen appliances.

Where ever you land on the AI debate, home automation designs are going forward with it.

Engineers predict that our AI systems like Alexa or Siri will understand our emotions better than our families. Not only that, it will happen in the next ten years.

Virtual Reality Helps Us Make Choices

Visual planners rejoice! Instead of learning hard things like measurements and scaling, virtual reality is here to help us arrange our furniture.

Companies like Houzz have augmented reality apps to help you decide what couch you want, and where to put it.

If you’re already happy with your furniture, you’ll like Amazon’s new patent on mirrors. It will help you pick out an outfit by virtually trying it on in the mirror.

Emphasis on Security

All these technological advancements are amazing, but they come at a hefty price. Defending our home is getting harder to do when we give our smart devices so much information.

Roomba, for example, doesn’t only vacuum when you’re not feeling like it, it also creates a map of your home.

Security is going to be a big part of home automation design. That’s why it’s important to read the contract before you install anything.

Want More News about Home Automation?

If you love home automation design, then check out the cool things we did in 2018.

While you’re at it, make sure you’re getting all you can from your Alexa.

Home automation is one of the best things to happen to our houses. That’s why we want to help you stay on top of all the latest developments in the smart house world.

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4 Smart House Automation Ideas for When You’re Away

Worldwide, the smart home market is expected to reach over 53 billion U.S. dollars by 2022.

But of all the house automation ideas out there, which ones are the best for when you are away from home?

Read on to find out.

Install Smart Power Strips

Back in the day, people would leave their TV or outside lights on when they went away.

But that wastes a lot of energy. And, intruders won’t be so easily fooled.

Instead, pick up some smart power strips when you go shopping for travel gadgets before you head out for vacation.

All your tech goes into standby mode when you aren’t using it. But that still costs you power. Smart power strips automatically shut off appliances to save you money while you are away.

You can also use the app to turn lights on and off even if you are thousands of miles away.

This is a better solution than a simple timer. Burglars will notice if your living room light comes on at 5 pm every day. With the smart power strips, you can turn on one light at 3 pm in one room one day and turn it on at 4:35 the next day.

But you don’t have to sit with your app open when you are traveling. You can schedule your lights in advance. And you can decide how long you want them to stay on.

Notion Motion Sensor

But turning lights on doesn’t give you total peace of mind when you’re on holiday.

The Notion sensor is a tiny sensor that you can put pretty much anywhere. It will send a notification to your phone if it detects any motion. Stick it by your front door, windows, or back door.

This is one of the simplest home automation ideas so that you feel close to home, even from across the globe.

Ring Video Doorbell

Did you know that intruders often ring the doorbell before they try to break in? It’s one easy way to make sure no one is home.

With a Ring video doorbell, you can send those bad guys packing.

When anyone presses this doorbell, the ring goes directly to your smartphone. Then you can speak to anyone at the door as if you were inside the house.

This video doorbell also records HD footage, detects movements and sends mobile alerts.

Nest Protect

What’s another common fear when you travel? That your home may burn down.

The Nest Protect is a smoke and carbon monoxide alarm that will let you know what is happening and where. If you aren’t home, you’ll get an alert on your smartphone.

You can silence the alarm from your phone if you’ve just burned dinner. Best of all it won’t beep all night when you need to replace the battery. It will give you plenty of advance warning.

Bottom Line on House Automation Ideas

We hope you liked these house automation ideas for when you are on vacation.

When you are away, you shouldn’t be worrying about your home. That’s just one reason why home automation is a smart investment.

That way, when you walk out the door, all you have to think about is enjoying every minute of your trip.

We offer free consultations. Let’s talk about your project. We’re happy to help.

 

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5 Beautiful Interior Design Ideas That Keep Your Smart Home Stylish

5 Beautiful Interior Design Ideas That Keep Your Smart Home Stylish

Interior Design Ideas That Keep A Smart Home Stylish

You don’t have to choose between having a smart home and a stylish home. Click here for the best interior design ideas to keep in mind when decorating.

One of the hottest trends in the housing market are smart homes. In fact, the smart home industry is projected to grow to 40 billion dollars by 2020.

The United States is leading the pack worldwide. America has the highest smart house penetration rate in the world, outranking both Japan and Germany.

One reason why is that homeowners are incorporating smart technology without sacrificing stylish themes. For example, you can complement a distressed farmhouse theme with the right mix of tech. Read on to explore 5 beautiful interior design ideas to keep your future smart home stylish.

1) Industrial-Style Interior Design Ideas

One of the hottest trends in interior design is the industrial-style look. This look is defined by open floor plans and high ceilings.

In many cases, there are lofts overlooking the first floor. The walls are brick or concrete and complemented by large, steel windows. Also, copper and metal piping is highlighted, rather than hidden behind sheetrock.

In addition, there are many industrial lighting fixtures to choose from. Lighting is the perfect area to mesh with smart tech.

You can incorporate lighting presets that are activated based on the situation. With a remote control, dim the industrial-style lighting for a romantic evening or change colors to support your favorite sports team.

2) Modern Style

The so-called modern style is always hot. This is because the definition of modern is always changing.

Modern interior designs are built on open floor plans and metal furniture. Also popular for modern designs are sleek, low-profile couches and colorful accents.

One of the best ways to show off a modern design is a home theater. This allows you to blend the best tech with cozy, modern furniture.

3) The Farmhouse Look Is Still Popular

The farmhouse look was launched on the backs of HGTV’s show Fixer Upper. Take a stroll through your local Target to see the emphasis on Chip and Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia brand.

Just because you like the distressed, weathered look does not mean you cannot incorporate smart technology. For example, consider your home’s shades.

The farmhouse look often features woven wood or bamboo shades. With smart tech, you can automatically close your bamboo shades by remote control. This allows you to retain the farmhouse style while promoting smart tech at the same time.

4) Sustainable Designs

Climate change has put a premium on eco-friendly, sustainable home designs. The intent of sustainable interior designs is simply to reduce a home’s energy output.

This is the easiest interior design style to incorporate smart tech with. Using a home automation system, a wall-mounted display can control all electronic devices in the home.

Home automation is the best way to achieve a sustainable lifestyle. You can reduce energy output by automatically managing lighting and HVAC systems.

5) Minimalistic

Believe it or not, one of the biggest interior design trends is a minimalistic one. Look at the popularity of tiny homes for evidence.

Even tiny homes can be complemented with smart tech. The reason being is that smart tech saves space. A single display can control all of the electronics even in a tiny home.

Wrapping It Up

Fear not if you are concerned about implementing smart technology with the hottest interior design ideas. Regardless if you are going for a farmhouse or modern style, smart tech is always applicable.

If you want to learn more about integrating smart tech into your home, please contact us for assistance.

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5 Game-Changing Smart Home Apps

It’s no secret that smart homes are becoming more popular each and every day. In fact, according to the Global Smart Home Market, $40.9 billion will be spent on smart homes by the year 2020.

This, of course, means that homeowners will have a lot more options to choose from. Accordingly, it may be difficult to tell what is and isn’t worth the investment.

Here are five of the best smart home apps that you’ll need for your home.

1. SmartThings

SmartThings is one of the most popular smart home apps on the market, and with good reason. While there are plenty of apps that serve multiple purposes, few do things with the accuracy and efficiency that SmartThings does.

Implementing SmartThings into your life is simple. Just sign up and pay for the self-install kit, then place sensors on all of your smart devices. After that, just download the app and you’re ready to go.

That’s all the installation needed!

You can control everything from your home’s alarm to your coffee machine through the app.

2. ADT Pulse

ADT is one of the nation’s leading security companies, with decades in the home security business. Users have come to expect the best from ADT, but few seem aware that the company has branched into smart home apps.

One of ADT’s latest offerings, ADT Pulse, is perhaps the brand’s most ambitious release to date.

ADT Pulse is a lot more than a security system — though it does that too. The app includes ways for customers to lower costs on lighting and heating.

It even sends the user a notification if it detects a problem such as a leak or intrusion.

3. Nest

Even if you’re not too familiar with smart home apps, you’ve likely at least heard of Nest.

Responsible for cutting heating and cooling costs dramatically, Nest has saved an impressive 8 billion kWh since its initial release.

If you’re not sure if you want to convert your entire home into a smart home, a Nest may convince you.

4. Google Home

Google’s second appearance on this list (they’re responsible for Nest, as well) Google Home may not be the only voice assistant on the market, but it could be the best.

Users can control virtually all of their smart appliances through their smartphone, no matter how far away.

Of course, Google Home is great for answering those burning questions at home, too. Say you’re watching a movie and recognize an actor but can’t name them.

All you have to do is open your Google Home app and you have all of Google’s search results at your disposal.

5. Phillips Hue

Lighting is one of the most crucial components to creating the right atmosphere. And now you can set the mood any time with Phillips Hue.

These energy efficient light bulbs may cost a pretty penny, but they’re worth it for those that entertain often.

With the Phillips Hue app, users can change intensity, brightness, and even the color of their interior lighting.

Download These Smart Home Apps Today

You have tons of apps to choose from, but these five are a cut above the rest.

Are you interested in converting your home into a smart home? If so, we’d love to offer you a free consultation! Get in touch today and see how affordable it is to live a more comfortable life.

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7 Creative Outdoor Living Space Plans to Get You Ready for Summer

Patio envy. We’ve all experienced it.

From design magazines to Pinterest pictures to our neighbors new state-of-the-art outdoor kitchen, outdoor living spaces inspire serious appeal for homeowners.

Nearly 70% of households have an outdoor living area, yet most are still looking to further enhance these spaces. They want greater ambiance, comfort, and functionality for themselves and their guests.

Whether you plan to host an outdoor cocktail party or an intimate al fresco dinner, it’s time to get your backyard ready for entertaining. So here are the top 7 outdoor living space plans to set your summer off in style.

1. Cozy Up with Functional Seating

Seating is often the main focal point when designing an outdoor space. It should be ample, comfortable and well-organized. Sofas and lounge chairs are staple pieces, but use cozy ottomans and plush pillows to offer additional seating for guests.

While wrought-iron and wicker are still very in, built-in benches (made of wood, stone or brick) blend well with a home’s natural design elements. Multi-level or sunken seating can also add depth to your backyard.

Dining seating should be separate, with an inviting yet intimate feel. Think a large, farmhouse style table with benches that guests can gather around.

2. Wow with Texture and Color

Leave formality for your indoor living spaces. Your backyard living space is meant to be cozy, creative and colorful.

Play around with different textiles and patterns for throw cushions, drum side tables, and outdoor rugs. Add dimension with hanging decor or a custom designed patio ceiling. Pick pavers or tiles with intricate patterns and colors that complement the design of your patio.

3. Provide Shade with a Pergola

Not just for throwing shade, pergolas add character and style to an outdoor space. Homeowners consider them to be the “most wished for” outdoor living feature.

They create a bit of privacy while enhancing your design. Pergolas are most commonly structured from wood, metal or stone. Adorn it in greenery and twinkle lights for a natural feel, or hang fabrics for a dreamy vibe.

A pergola is also a great place for an outdoor office. Enjoy a shaded workspace, natural lighting, and fresh air.

4. Serve Food and Drinks Al Fresco

An outdoor kitchen and bar area lets you whip up cocktails and canapes without having to leave the patio or your guests.

A full bar, frozen drink station, and fridge are a few perks, and you also get extra seating with bar stools. A grill is a staple of outdoor entertaining, but many homeowners are also opting for bbq pits and pizza ovens.

From added home value to energy conservation, adding a kitchen to your outdoor living space is a smart investment.

5. Set the Mood with Lighting

The right light creates ambiance by being well-illuminated, yet soft. Set the mood further with string lighting, candles, and lanterns.

A fireplace or pit not only provides light but warms guests on cooler evenings. Depending on your outdoor designs, you can go rustic with a firepit, traditional with a stone fireplace, or sleek with a gas-powered flame.

6. Entertain with Music and Movies

Background music should be present yet subtle, as not to drown out conversation among guests. Utilize a high-quality outdoor speaker system, such as Bose, and connect your favorite Spotify playlist via Bluetooth.

An outdoor movie night is a favorite summer activity and can be achieved with a simple sheet and projector. But if you’re looking to create an unforgettable experience, follow these professional outdoor home theater tips.

7. Impress with a Touch of Whimsy

It doesn’t get more idyllic than sipping a glass of freshly-squeezed lemonade next to a lemon tree. Or enjoying views of your garden while dining on a salad of freshly picked veggies.

Incorporate a bit of green whimsy with new plants, flower beds, and artistic terra cotta pots. Enhance patio designs with fruit trees, hanging planters, and bird feeders. Add character with an herb garden, and serve fresh mint and rosemary in your hand-crafted cocktails.

Outdoor Living Space Plans for Comfort and Convenience

More homeowners are taking the comforts of indoors, outside. Outdoor living space plans are an extension of your home’s style while providing a place to relax and entertain.

From kitchens to theaters to yoga terraces, options for outdoor living spaces are endless. If you’re looking to design or update an outdoor area, learn more about features, costs and project scopes.

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A Guide to the Coolest Smart Kitchen Appliances on the Market

Back in the 1960s, the Jetson family lived lives enhanced by automation. Today, we are living in the age that is surging towards fully automated smart houses.

The kitchen has long been called the heart of the home. Smart kitchen appliances are now giving the kitchen a brain.

There’s everything from sensors that alert us when the stove has been left on, to forks that remind us to savor each bite.

Smart kitchen devices are now commonplace in the internet of things revolution.

Read on for how these kitchen gadgets can improve your life.

Cook Smarter

Smart kitchen appliances can make your culinary feats easier.

There are broad, multi-purpose devices like ovens. There are specific but common tools like coffee makers. Whether you live in the kitchen or just brew coffee and toast bagels, there’s an appliance that can make your culinary life easier.

A smart oven and stove is the solution for a busy family juggling many activities. An app lets you defrost, bake and roast your food. Once it is cooked, the stove will adjust the temperature to keep the food warm.

Remote cooking is also now possible. This allows you to check the progress of your meal and turn it off or on as needed.

Then, if you want to clean your oven, your app may also allow for doing so remotely.

Read 5 reasons you need an automated home management system.

Connect to your Fridge While You’re Out

Some of the newest smart kitchen appliances are fridges.

From your phone, you can check if you have enough ice when you’re on your way home.

Some come with cameras inside so you see what you’re low on while you’re out shopping. Shopping without a list is a sure way of overspending. Not anymore, with this smart appliance.

Smart Kitchen Appliances for Streamlined Shopping

Have you ever gone to the store for an ingredient you need right now to cook your meal? Have you sometimes come home with 15 things you didn’t need?

New smart kitchen appliances make grocery shopping more efficient.

For example, the Amazon Dash button allows you to order whatever you need from Amazon. If you add in each item as you run out, you won’t be scrambling to the store in between grocery trips.

Another way to streamline your shopping is with the GeniCan. This device sits with your garbage can to make sure you never forget the groceries you need.

Just swipe the item’s barcode on the barcode reader. That lets you add the item to your list on the GeniCan.

What if there’s no barcode? No problem.

Simply hold your hand in front of the scanner for a few seconds. GeniCan will ask “What may I add to your list?” and you can tell say a bag of oatmeal or carrots. Easy peasy!

Final Thoughts

We have just scratched the surface of the multitude of smart appliances you can buy to make your kitchen more efficient.

Our society is moving towards an era of ultra-connectivity, to each other and to our devices. This now includes our homes as well.

Contact us if you want your home, yard, or workspace infused with the latest technology. Our team can help you make your home or business both efficient and easy to use.

We openly discuss costs, features, and installation schedules with no pressure.

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Top 3 Options For Your Outdoor Sound System

If you ever make the choice to remodel your home, it’s best to go all-out. This ensures you get the most out of your time and money – and that you won’t have to plan for a remodel again anytime soon.

As such, pay attention to every single detail.

From the paint colors and furniture pieces inside to the pool tiles and the sound system outside, all the choices you make will result in a big difference.

When it comes to picking out the perfect outdoor sound system, keep the following three options in mind.

1. Multiple Speakers versus One Central Speaker

Take a look around your outdoor area and consider how big it is.

Would you prefer to have one powerful speaker or to connect multiple speakers together in order to get the results you’re looking for?

Having one speaker may be beneficial for smaller outdoor areas. Many have a powerful range that will work well for family barbecues as well as casual evenings by the fireplace. Not to mention, one speaker is simple to work and maintain.

Sometimes, though, it’s better to get multiple speakers and connect them together. This gives you the option to play music throughout all the areas of your outdoor space at different levels.

2. Covered versus Exposed Speakers

As you’re thinking about how many speakers you want, consider where you’re going to place your outdoor sound system.

Will it be uncovered and exposed to natural conditions, like rain and wind? Or, do you plan to keep yours covered, like under a patio roof or under the eaves of the home’s main roof?

This is a major detail to consider.

The last thing you want to do is to plan for multiple exposed speakers, only to find you need to invest more than you thought to ensure they are weather-resistant or waterproof.

Still, you should think more in terms of the best possible outdoor sound system rather than the initial cost. Making the right choices now saves you from replacing speakers or upgrading the whole sound system later.

3. Disguised versus Undisguised Speakers

Whether you choose to cover your sound system or not, you also need to decide if you’d like them to be disguised or to stand out.

Many outdoor sound systems have the option for you to place speakers in hidden areas on the ground, or to use rock speakers. The latter option is a way of blending your sound system with the rest of the outdoor decor.

If you don’t mind your speakers not blending in, choose the undisguised approach. This helps your guests identify where the music is coming from if they want to be the DJ for the night, among other convenient benefits.

Create the Best Environment for Your Outdoor Sound System

At the end of the day, as important as the outdoor sound system is, it is only one part of your outdoor improvement project. There are still many other things to consider – including the way you want to design your pool, what outdoor furniture to get, and what kind of firepit to buy (or not).

Such a list of decisions can feel a little overwhelming at times.

Luckily, that is what professional home improvement teams are for. These people will help you keep your cool and consult you about the best options for your home.

When it comes to all the tech upgrades you need, we’re the team for the job.

Contact us today to see what Hive, LLC can do for you.

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5 DIY Home Theater Projects Worth The Time and Effort

With users now streaming 1 billion hours of content every week on Netflix, more people are trying to take the streaming from their computers to their TVs. If you’re one of the nearly billion subscribers worldwide, you’re probably thinking of doing the same. If you’ve got the space, DIY home theater projects can make take the whole experience up a notch.

Here are 5 home theater projects you could tackle before next week’s movie night.

1. Light the Aisles

If you really want to ensure that your home looks and feels like a movie theater, you should try to steal some of the classic design elements. One thing that always gives you the sense that you’re walking into a theater is seeing LED lights along the floor.

For under $100, you can get some inexpensive rope lights or a simple carpet extrusion to light your path when the lights are out. This is great if you have young kids or a partner who makes constant trips to the bathroom.

Integrate the lights with your smart home setup to make sure they turn on and off at the perfect moment.

2. Make the Wall Pop

One of the best space-saving tricks for a home theater is to get rid of screens altogether and just project onto a wall. The only trouble with that is whether the math between your wall and projector add up.

If they do, you can save valuable wall space and lower the amount of wiring you need to do. In order to get the best results, pick a reflective paint that’s made just for bouncing back a projection.

3. A DIY Video Rack

Having videos and discs just lying around is a great way to make sure they get scratched or that they carry dust into your player. Instead, think of clever ways to make a rack or a shelf.

Consider stacking up crates. They will stack easily and can add a touch of charm to your home. Add zip ties to the back to ensure they stay connected.

4. Never Lose the Remote Again

When it’s time to sit down for a movie, you can really ruin the mood by having to scramble for the remote. With everyone settled down on chairs and couches, you don’t need to be tearing up cushions and crawling around looking under tables for it.

Your best bet is to get a pocket sling that you can store your remotes with. For an extra layer of security, tie a piece of yarn to the remote and anchor it to your chair. It won’t be able to end up in the fridge or your kids’ toy box ever again.

5. Sound Is Key

Film professionals will tell you that even a bad image can still be tolerable if the sound quality is good. Poor-quality sound will ruin even the best-looking images.

Make sure you take the time to upgrade your audio setup beyond just what comes out of the TV or projector. Installing and wiring your own sound set up can be cheap and easy to do.

DIY Home Theater Projects Should Fit Your Style

It’s important that any DIY home theater projects you take on suits the space you live in. Having a home theater that doesn’t feel fun, comfortable, and very you won’t enhance your enjoyment. Make sure you inject some personality into it.

If you think you’d prefer to outfit your home with an outdoor home theater, check out our guide for setting one up.

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