For many homeowners across North Jersey, the backyard is no longer just a seasonal space. It
has become an extension of the home, a place to gather with family, entertain friends or simply
unwind at the end of the day. And for Made in the Shade North Jersey owner Jose L. Siandre,
helping families transform those spaces is more than a business. It is personal.
Founded in 2024, Made in the Shade North Jersey specializes in custom window treatments and
outdoor living solutions, offering everything from motorized retractable awnings and pergolas
to smart-home-integrated blinds and shades. Serving homeowners throughout North Jersey,
the company provides a full-service experience that begins with in-home consultations and
ends with professional installation tailored specifically to each home.
“What drew me to this business was the combination of design, craftsmanship and helping
people truly enjoy their homes,” Siandre says. “Every project is personal.”
That personalized approach is resonating with homeowners who are increasingly investing in
outdoor living spaces designed for comfort, flexibility and year-round use. According to Siandre,
patios today are evolving far beyond a simple table and umbrella setup.
“We’re seeing homeowners create true outdoor rooms,” he says. “People want adjustable
shade, weather protection, integrated lighting, heaters, fans and privacy solutions that allow
them to use the space in every season.”
One of the biggest trends gaining popularity throughout the area is the use of louvered pergola
roofs with adjustable slats that allow homeowners to control sunlight and airflow with the
touch of a button. Combined with retractable side screens, lighting and smart technology
integration, the result is a space that feels both elevated and effortless.
While many homeowners initially think only of traditional awnings, Siandre says the industry
has expanded dramatically in recent years.
Today’s options include motorized retractable awnings, drop-down shade screens, pergola
systems, solar shades, motorized drapery and fully integrated smart-home solutions that can be
controlled through apps or home automation platforms.
“The flexibility is what people love most,” Siandre says. “When the weather is beautiful,
everything opens up. If it gets too hot, starts raining or you want more privacy, you can adjust
the space instantly.”
The systems are designed not only for convenience, but also aesthetics. When retracted, many
of the features virtually disappear into the architecture of the home, preserving clean lines and
unobstructed views.
For homeowners, those details can solve some of the most common frustrations that make
outdoor spaces difficult to enjoy, including harsh afternoon sun, excessive heat, unexpected
rain or lack of privacy from neighboring homes.
“Our goal is to help homeowners control the environment instead of letting the weather
control how they use their space,” Siandre says.
Customization also plays a major role in the company’s approach. Every project is measured,
designed and built specifically for the home, with a wide range of finishes, fabrics and styles
available to complement different architectural aesthetics. Rather than forcing homeowners to
redesign existing patios or decks, the systems are integrated into the current space seamlessly.
One recent project in Wayne showcased that philosophy perfectly. The homeowners wanted a
cohesive indoor-outdoor feel throughout their home, leading the company to install custom
banded shades in the main living areas alongside a motorized smart drapery system. Outdoors,
retractable screens and integrated features helped transform an underused backyard into an
inviting entertainment space.
For homeowners considering an outdoor upgrade, Siandre encourages families to start by
thinking less about products and more about lifestyle.
“How do you want to use the space?” he says. “Is it for entertaining? Relaxing? Family dinners?
Once you identify the biggest pain points, whether it’s sun, rain, privacy or insects, the right
solutions become much clearer.”
Ultimately, Siandre believes outdoor living is about more than aesthetics. It is about creating
spaces where families spend more time together and feel more connected to their homes.
“Most people don’t realize how much potential their outdoor space has,” he says. “With the
right design and protection, you can truly change the way your family lives in and enjoys the
home.”
For More Information
For more information or to schedule an in-home consultation, contact Made in the Shade North
Jersey at 973-833-1612 or email northjersey@mitsblinds.com. Visit MITSNorthJersey.com,
follow along on Instagram at @mitsnorthjersey and connect on Facebook at Made in the Shade
North Jersey.