DECK THE HALLS: THE MAGIC OF SCENE SETTING
Video footage courtesy of our band partner Savant.
The festive season is upon us, and with it comes the joy of creating magical moments within our homes. The act of setting the scene and creating an inviting atmosphere has itself become magical with whole-home automation systems. With a simple command, ambient lighting and twinkling decorative lights can be conjured to the backdrop of your curated winter playlist in front of a warm glow from the fireplace.
This blog explores the joy of bespoke atmospheres, the comfort and convenience of remote control, shared experiences with family favourites playing from room to room, and enhanced home security whilst at home or vacated for the holidays, all thanks to intelligent scene-setting functions within whole-home automation.
IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS
Whether you’re juggling gift-wrapping, sinking into a classic film, enjoying drinks with friends, or hosting a dinner party, whole-home automation systems keep the focus on the experience, not the logistics. Picture your dining room softly lit for an intimate dinner, then transitioning seamlessly to a festive glow as guests move into the lounge. With a connected home, these changes happen automatically, freeing you to enjoy the occasion. You can set the atmosphere at the press of a button with pre-programmed scenes that can control indoor and outdoor lights, shades, music, screens, heating and any of your connected appliances. From a subtle morning glow to a sparkling evening display, your Christmas lighting can even shift with the time of day, adding a touch of magic to every moment. Intelligent integrated systems also support voice control, making it effortless to adjust lighting levels or activate scenes without lifting a finger.
DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR?
Imagine festive music playing seamlessly across every room as you bake cookies in the kitchen, wrap presents in the living room, or relax by the fire. Family members can watch their favourite holiday classics in different rooms without competing for the main TV, while guests enjoy a winter playlist throughout the house during festive gatherings. With the ability to control everything from a central app or remote, you can easily set the mood in any space, ensuring the holiday spirit is everywhere. Whether it’s a Christmas movie marathon or soft carols to unwind in the evening, multi-room AV ensures your home is filled with the sounds of the season, tailored to everyone’s preference.
BABY IT’S COLD OUTSIDE
One of the splendours of a connected home is the convenience and comfort thanks to remote access and control. Temperatures have fallen with the sun and it’s time to illuminate your outdoor scene, but braving the elements to do so is less than appealing. To put it another way, the weather outside is frightful but the fire is so delightful! From your device, whether it’s a remote control or an app on your phone, you can illuminate your outdoor lights from the comfort of your sofa, without interrupting your routine or fussing over suitable clothing and footwear. You can even change the colour and speed settings to synchronise with your indoor lights, and in time with your favourite album.
DRIVING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
Automated lighting and security systems ensure peace of mind during the Christmas holidays, whether you're home or away. With features like ‘mockupancy’, your home can simulate activity while you're gone, cycling lights on and off in different rooms to deter unwanted attention. Light sensors ensure that exterior and interior lighting adjusts naturally to the fading daylight, keeping pathways, porches, and rooms illuminated when needed. While you're out enjoying festivities, smart lighting acts as a subtle yet powerful deterrent, creating the illusion of occupancy. And when you’re driving home in the dark, automated systems ensure that your arrival is met with a warmly lit entryway, welcoming you back to comfort and safety. This season, let technology handle the details, so you can focus on making memories.
SILENT NIGHT
As the end of a bustling day before Christmas finally arrives, the house hums with the echoes of festive preparation. The tree glows warmly in the corner, and the scent of gingerbread lingers in the air. But unlike years past, there’s no need to do a last-minute sweep of the house to turn off the lights, check the doors, or silence the screens. As you climb into bed, a single command switches off every light, powers down every screen, and activates the security system. Outside, the world may be frosty and chaotic, but inside, your home is a sanctuary of calm—efficiently cared for while you rest.
IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR (ALL YEAR)
For those who find peace and joy from being in complete control, whole-home automation is the gift that keeps giving all year. From setting the perfect atmosphere with ambient lighting and multi-room AV (whatever the occasion), to ensuring peace of mind with smart security and remote control, every aspect of your home management is made easier, for greater enjoyment. Whether you’re hosting loved ones, creating a cosy retreat, or away enjoying seasonal festivities, intelligent systems work seamlessly in the background, leaving you free to focus on what matters most.
Blog Author: Joanna Richards, Butler Harwell Marketing Manager
Date: December 2024
Butler Harwell is a lifestyle technology concierge; a professional service that project manages the seamless integration of luxury technology with interior design. We specialise in whole-home automation, lighting design, multi-room AV, climate control, outdoor technology, security, cinema rooms and media rooms. We have carefully considered and selected our portfolio of brands for their commitment to technology advancement, respect for interior design, and their suitability for sustainable integration in the home. Our engineers undergo brand partner training to correctly install specialist products and ensure their compatibility with other products and systems.
