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Outdoor Week: The Growing Demand for Outdoor Living Spaces

How motorized screens and awnings are elevating smart home solutions and enhancing outdoor enjoyment.

Outdoor Week 2025 presented by Furrion Logo

The shift toward outdoor living has been undeniable. Homeowners increasingly seek to extend their living spaces beyond the walls of their homes, investing in high-quality outdoor environments for relaxation, entertainment, and year-round enjoyment. These so-called “transitional spaces” expand indoor comforts to the outside of homes while still maintaining the conveniences and luxuries of being inside.

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This trend presents a significant opportunity for dealers and integrators who specialize in home automation and smart home solutions. By offering motorized screens for porches and patios that encapsulate transitional spaces; pergolas with automated screens that protect from the sun and keep insects out; or motorized retractable awnings that provide shade from UV rays, integrators can provide customers with comfort, convenience, and enhanced usability in their outdoor spaces.

Outdoor Week - Outdoor Trends by Somfy - Deck
Photos courtesy of Somfy.

Outdoor Automation: A Key Revenue Opportunity

For dealers and integrators, the growing demand for outdoor automation translates into new business opportunities. Motorized screens and awnings not only protect from harsh sunlight, wind, rain, and insects, but they also add a layer of privacy, elegance, and customization to outdoor areas. Additionally, these solutions seamlessly integrate with existing smart home ecosystems, allowing users to control their outdoor environment with the touch of a button or via voice commands.

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Smart automation systems now offer advanced scheduling, remote operation, and integration with weather sensors to automatically adjust based on real-time conditions. These capabilities enable integrators to provide clients with a premium, hands-off experience that enhances their outdoor living space while expanding the integrator’s portfolio of smart home solutions.

Innovations in Motorized Screen Technology

Recent advancements in motorized screen technology have made these systems more reliable, durable, and aesthetically pleasing than ever before. Quiet motors, customizable fabrics, and advanced control options provide a sophisticated and seamless user experience. Some key innovations include:

  • Smart Home Integration: Screens can be synced with automation platforms such as Control4, Crestron, and Savant, allowing seamless control alongside lighting, audio, and security systems.
  • Control in Your Hands: App-based control enables time-specific events, scenes, and comfort right from your smartphone.
  • Durable and Weather-Resistant Materials: New fabric technologies enhance UV protection, resist damage from the elements, and maintain their appearance over time.
  • Automated Sensors: Wind, sun, rain, and temperature sensors adjust screens and awnings automatically to provide the best comfort and protection.

These features make motorized screens and awnings an attractive addition to any integrator’s product lineup, offering clients a balance of functionality and aesthetics in their outdoor spaces.

Outdoor Week - Outdoor Trends by Somfy - Kitchen

How Dealers and Integrators Can Capitalize on the Trend

As demand for automated outdoor living spaces continues to rise, dealers and integrators should consider expanding their offerings to include motorized outdoor screens. Here’s how:

  1. Educate Clients on the Benefits — Many homeowners may not be aware of the advantages of motorized screens. Demonstrating their convenience, energy efficiency, and protection from the elements can be a strong selling point.
  2. Integrate with Existing Smart Home Systems — Emphasizing seamless integration with existing automation platforms makes these solutions even more appealing.
  3. Offer Customization Options — Homeowners appreciate tailored solutions; providing a range of screen materials, colors, and control methods ensures a personalized experience.
  4. Partner with Reputable Manufacturers — Working with trusted brands ensures reliability, support, and continued innovation in outdoor automation.
  5. Highlight the Return on Investment — Motorized screens not only improve comfort but also add value to a home, making them a worthwhile investment.

By positioning themselves as experts in outdoor automation, dealers and integrators can expand their market reach, enhance customer satisfaction, and, ultimately, increase profitability.

Outdoor Week - Outdoor Trends by Somfy - Dining

The outdoor living trend is here to stay, and integrators who adapt to this demand will be well-positioned for success. Motorized screens for porches and pergolas, as well as awnings, offer homeowners a way to enhance their outdoor experience while seamlessly integrating with modern smart home systems. By embracing this opportunity, dealers and integrators can provide innovative, high-value solutions that elevate outdoor spaces and redefine the way clients enjoy their homes.

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