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Designing the Connected Outdoors

How Smart Tech Is Transforming Outdoor Living

Article by Kim Wicklund

Photography by Kim Wicklund

Gone are the days when outdoor living meant just a grill and a patio chair. Today’s backyards,

decks, and porches are becoming fully connected extensions of the home—complete with

automated shading, smart lighting, and integrated control systems that enhance both comfort

and style.

One standout upgrade? Motorized shading systems. From retractable awnings to adjustable

pergola louvers and bug-blocking screens, these features help homeowners adapt to sun, wind,

rain, and even insects—all at the push of a button or through smart automation.

With sensors that respond to weather and the ability to integrate into platforms like Control4,

Savant, or Alexa, these outdoor systems can run themselves—closing awnings in high winds or

dropping screens at sunset. It’s smart living that thinks ahead, ideal for both full-time homes and

vacation properties.

Motorized insect screens add comfort without compromising views or airflow, and they

disappear when not in use. For families and anyone who loves to entertain outside, they can be

the difference between enjoying the outdoors or heading inside early.

Add in smart lighting—think dimmable LEDs and scene-based controls—and the outdoor

experience becomes just as flexible and inviting as your favorite indoor room.

For homeowners and integrators alike, the message is clear: the outdoors is no longer off-limits

to smart home technology. With the right tools, the backyard can be just as connected,

comfortable, and customizable as the rest of the house.

Businesses featured in this article