Super Bowl LIX is on Sunday, February 9 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Kickoff time is at 5:30 (CST). This is the perfect excuse to get that new big screen!
This will be the 11th time the city of New Orleans has the honor of hosting a Super Bowl. The last time New Orleans hosted a Super Bowl was in 2013 and a power outage occurred in the third quarter. Hopefully there are no issues this year and given the recent events in New Orleans, security is sure to be at an all time high.
Just before kickoff Jon Batiste will perform our national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner. We all know that song can be a bit tricky to pull off, but Mr. Batiste is a musical genius. He has been nominated and awarded multiple Grammys. He also has an impressive musical resume from a young age. He was born and raised in Louisiana, so this is sure to be a great homage.
Halftime Show
In September the Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show performer was announced. American artist, Kendrick Lamar will take the stage. As of now, he is the only one we know of. It’s possible there might be a surprise performer or more joining him, we will just have to wait and see. The halftime show is one of the most talked about events aside from all the plays and commercials.
If you are not attending Super Bowl 59 this year, most likely you will be watching on TV, like millions of other Americans. If you are hosting a Super Bowl party or watching solo, be sure you get to EXPERIENCE the WIN! Yes TV size matters AND yes sound matters too! Don’t you want to EXPERIENCE the WIN?!? Or maybe are you watching for the halftime show or perhaps all the soon to be talked about commercials? The Super Bowl is an American tradition of pure entertainment, food and football, so be sure you can feel it.
The Experience
Will your team make it for the final countdown? At Symbio Lighting + Control, we are the experts in getting you set up with all your audio and visual needs. Ready to upgrade to the latest and greatest in technology and EXPERIENCE the Super Bowl? Give us a call (713) 780-4601.
We all appreciate a well organized closet that is aesthetically pleasing. This is where style and technology meet to create a luxurious and efficient closet experience. Below are some highlighted solutions for you to consider how to elevate your closet with automation.
Convenience
Some closets have high, hard-to-reach shelving that require step ladders. As much as we appreciate having that space, it is inconvenient to access. One solution can completely change your closet experience – motorized closet system that operates on a smart system. With the touch of a button, your high hanging garments will be in front of you in seconds without any physical effort and you can get rid of that step ladder that’s occupying precious space.
Lighting Control
Lighting is important in any room, but in a closet it is especially personal. Depending on what smart system you use, lighting can be controlled by learned behaviors and/or schedules. Lighting options range from warm to cool and can change colors. It sets the mood and can adjust to your needs. These are usually controlled from a customized keypad on the wall that comes in many aesthetically pleasing options and complement the design of any room.
Climate Control
Take control to the next level by adding climate control to the smart system that will help preserve your garments. Houston is known for its hot humidity and a smart system will not only regulate the temperature, but also the humidity which will prevent damage to your wardrobe. This is highly recommended if you have invested in luxury handbags and leather shoes.
Security
If you are a collector of luxury items such as hand bags and/or jewelry you probably want to know who is accessing your closet, consider security for peace of mind. There are a few smart solution options you can incorporate for security such as cameras and smart locks. Cameras come in various size and color options to match your closet style. You can monitor with security cameras from down stairs or remotely on vacation. Smart lock entry can also be customizable with a keypad and can also allow for access remotely.
Windows
Some closets may have windows that allow for natural light. Automated shades are becoming a more popular window treatment and can operate on the same smart system mentioned above. If you don’t have prewire around your window you can still install a battery-operated shade that is just as elegant. Shades are customizable to any size, color and transparency. They can be controlled from a button on the wall and an app on your phone remotely. They provide privacy and help set the ambiance to elevate your closet. Manage your closet more efficiently with a smart system.
Elevating Your Closet Experience
The integration of home automation into your closet is more than just a luxury—it’s a game-changer in terms of convenience, efficiency, and personalization. By embracing these technologies, you can transform your closet into a smart, streamlined space that enhances your daily routines and adds a touch of modern sophistication to your home.
Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast looking for the ultimate wardrobe management solution or simply someone seeking to make everyday life a little bit easier, home automation in the closet is worth considering. Embrace the future today, and let your closet work smarter, not harder. At Symbio, we want you to Love Where You Live! Give us a call to set your complimentary consultation at (713) 780-4601.
When planning to renovate your home or beginning to plan the build, lighting isn’t always at the forefront of your mind. While it might not be your highest priority of design choices, it can arguably be the most important! Picture an empty room and all of the ways that only lighting could be used to evoke a feeling, project a design theme, or set a mood. Whether you want to install lights under the cabinet to tone down the overhead in the kitchen, or strategically place the right light to illuminate your favorite piece of art, lighting has the ability to personify every space, as you see fit. Here are some of the lighting trends we are seeing lately!
Indirect Lighting
Indirect lighting is used in place of overhead lighting with fixtures that direct the light upward to bounce off of the walls and surrounding space. When you reduce the strong overhead lighting and replace it with lighting behind the mirror or up-lighting a wall, you create a calming atmosphere- allowing the space to be gently lit with a diffused look.
Sculptural Lighting
There is no limit to what you can create with sculptural lighting. From overhead fixtures to nightstand lamps to extravagant chandeliers- the possibilities are endless and the restrictions are few to none. Artists, architects, and designers are supporting this trend by creating art and light in unison. These pieces are typically meant to be a statement in the room, giving you a simpler decision in furniture and details.
Linear Ceiling Fixtures
Typically used to illuminate your formal dining table or kitchen island, linear ceiling fixtures are sleek and elegant pieces with a variety of designs. They stretch further out into the space of the room versus the traditional single cluster of lights. These lengthy and elongated pieces help to create a modern feel to the area, with several options to select from for light bulbs including the energy-efficient LED bulb.
Marble Based Lamp Fixtures
Elegant and eye-catching, marble has made a huge comeback. Whether it is a tall standing lamp or a shorter table lamp, having a marble base invokes a more intimate and appealing mood as opposed to the standard nightstand or iron base lamp. Having a marble accent is a timeless appeal!
With the right guidance, you should have no problem seeing what kind of lighting fits perfectly for your home and the design you are aiming for. At Symbio, the options in custom design lighting are endless, but we are here to help you hone in on your vision down to the last light bulb. Contact us today at 713.780.4601!
As we move further into the hottest months of the year, we can certainly recognize the value of a cool room in a cool house! While we continue to appreciate our working air conditioning, it is helpful to pick up some tips and tricks to keeping the house cool along the way. Not only will these life hacks assist in regulating the temperature of your home, but they’ll also help you simultaneously practice energy efficiency!
Around The House
There are a few arrangements you can make to keep your home sustaining energy at an ideal temperature throughout the day. For the windows that are letting in unwanted sunlight, consider purchasing Thermal Insulated Curtains as a solution! These curtains are made of heavy cotton or polyester and are used to prevent air from entering or escaping your window. Also known as blackout curtains, they are increasing in popularity and therefore provide a wide selection of colors and styles to fit your existing decor!
If you’re looking for a more permanent investment to block glare and reduce UV rays, consider installing Solarized Shades. They are made to be an eco-friendly, energy efficient option in place of the typical blinds.
Some other quick fixes can be as simple as changing to LED light bulbs, making sure the fan is set to summer setting (counter clockwise), keeping household items unplugged when they aren’t being used, etc.
Around The Clock
You wouldn’t think that timing your chores strategically could help you beat the heat, but hear us out! When you run large appliances during the hottest hours of the day, you are increasing the steam in the air and adding warmth to the surrounding areas. Wait it out! Run your dishwasher at night, iron your clothes before bed, bake your cookies in the evening, and even hold off on using the laundry dryer until the sun goes down. Not only will your house be cooler, but you will feel much more comfortable during your chores!
With smart homes, your installed thermostat is available via your mobile phone, making it possible to control the time and temperature inside as degrees go up and down outside throughout the day. As you learn how to regulate the thermostat, you’ll see the positive effects on your energy bill as a reward for your efforts! The timer feature is an effective way to keep the air conditioning off during the day if you aren’t home, or if you have a varying schedule this summer you can utilize the convenience of having your thermostat on your phone.
Remember a few months ago when we were all saying how much we miss summer, how we can’t wait for the warm weather!? Well, the time has come, and it’s our duty to enjoy it! If you’d like more information on home automation systems that have features such as the mobile thermostat control or the solarized shades, reach out to us at Symbio, we would love to help. Otherwise, jump in the pool as often as you can, host BBQ’s and cheers with your friends, live a little, sweat A LOT- it’s Summer.
When you are planning to sell your home, you have to put yourself in the buyer’s shoes. What will make your home stand out from the rest? What are buyers considering when they are looking at multiple properties? Let’s say you have a five bedroom house, impressive counter space, wood floors, and upgraded bathrooms…but so do your neighbors selling their home down the street. Before you put your home on the market, you need to decide what your ultimate selling point will be. Making your home a Smart Home is not only a solid investment when it comes to the value of your home, but it is also extremely attractive to the buyer with options.
The numbers speak for themselves. according to Consumer Reports, smart home features can boost your home’s resale value by up to 5%, calculating an additional $50,000 on a $1,000,000 home. This value can increase or decrease depending on the extent of your installation. Something you can’t put a number on is instilling that peace of mind in the buyer. When they compare your home to several similar properties, a home automation system including a security system, doorbell camera, electricity monitor, etc, will be a major distinguisher.
In addition to being an investment based on security and safety, home automation systems are actually extremely fun! Nothing sells better than luxury and convenience. And let’s be honest- a home automation system is designed specifically with both in mind. When a realtor shows a potential buyer how to control the AC, lighting, door locks, TV, fire pit, stereo system, and more – it becomes very easy for them to picture themselves living there. Aside from the day to day convenience, this is an upgrade that is easily shown off.. Sold!
It’s estimated that millennials will purchase at least 10 million homes in the next 10 years, dominating the housing market. That being said, who is more attracted to technology than this crowd? Typically, the online home buyer sets up a filtered search with their criteria that they get daily reports on until finally, something stands out. You have to remember that your house is going to be compared to so many others that are similar in features.. The difference between yours and the others, though, is that when they purchase your home they are being introduced to the world of home automation and smart home benefits.
Investing in a home automation system has many benefits for the user that extend to benefit you when you decide to sell your home. If you would like to hear more information about purchasing a home automation system, contact us at Symbio for a rundown of how we can help you get started!
As Summer is beginning, new schedules are forming! If you have kids home from school and are still working your normal hours, you’re going to want to keep an eye on the house while you are away. We can all attest to the mischief we got into on those long summer days while our parents were at work! Parents have a habit of saying they “have eyes and ears everywhere”, but how would you like to say that and really mean it?
While there are realities to misbehaved children when we aren’t home, what truly matters to us is their safety. A home automation system is a sure way of preventing avoidable accidents and monitoring the safety of your home.
Monitor From Your Phone – If you’re sitting at work and just want to check in at home, you can open your app to view all live camera footage from wherever you are! Need some reassurance that the chores are getting done? You can set up cameras anywhere around your house to monitor at any time! On top of live footage, you also have access to being notified when anyone comes through the front door, meaning no unexpected visitors.
Security System – Also controlled by your mobile device, a home automation system comes with the installation of a home alarm and security system. You can personalize the security however you’d like and find comfort in the fact that your loved ones are always protected when you are not there. A bonus to having access on your mobile device is never having to turn around and run home if you forgot to set the alarm!
Electricity Management – Here is something we can all relate to. When more people are home for more hours of the day, the electric bill is sure to rack up. Whether it’s from the lights left on, the AC cranked up, or the extra devices being used, you are able to monitor and adjust electricity usage through the system on your phone. You no longer have to worry about unexpected surprises on the electric bill when you have it all under control!
Convenience – There is a number of possibilities to be considered with the added convenience of this technology. On a rainy day, the kids can easily put on “movie mode” to dim the lights, lock the doors, and turn on the surround system! Since you can monitor TV usage and electronic times through your automation system, you can set a limit for them that will shut it off and send them to play outdoors.
Ultimately, a home automation system provides the means for a comfortable and safe living space when you are both home and away. With today’s technology, you can control the chaos this Summer while also being reassured that your kids are at home, safe and sound. At Symbio, we think you should love where you live and we fully believe that a home automation system will only improve your experience.
