With the approach of Spring our thoughts are turning to the outdoors and Summer. And, if there’s one thing we’ve learned over the past couple of years, it’s the importance of our outdoor spaces. And outdoor spaces represent an interesting additional revenue stream for your business – namely, motorized shades!
As potential customers start thinking about outdoor living plans for this Summer, here are some points to discuss with them!
It’s all about comfort.
What most impacts the comfort of an outdoor space? Is glare the main issue, or are they more concerned about insects? Do the neighbors feel a bit too close? Do extreme temperatures limit use of the space?
There are shading solutions to help alleviate all these issues, so you can help your clients truly enjoy time in their outdoor spaces. Balancing fabric color and openness factor will address many of these issues. Using “zipper” style shades will keep out the insects. Combining shades with fans or outdoor heaters will keep the space comfy for a longer part of the year.
Create the space that matches your lifestyle.
What is your client’s outdoor M.O.? Do they like sitting on the porch or patio with a beverage and a book, or do is it more about entertaining? Maybe they even take advantage of the space while working from home.

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Remote controls continue to evolve at a rapid pace. The days of integrators providing remote controls simply for the TV have migrated to full home automation control of lights, shades, security, HVAC and audio/video in a single form factor. Join this free one-hour CE Pro webinar to hear from a panel of experts who will delve into finding the right remote that can effectively control all the subsystems in a home and empower consumers to customize the solution, while at the same time allowing integrators balance their service requirements. Register Now!If they host large parties, recommend using shades to create multiple spaces where small groups can gather or enjoy different activities. It’s easy to bring everyone together by raising the shades with the touch of a button.
Make better use of that garage or shed.
An existing garage or large shed can double as an entertaining space or be a transition area from the indoors and outdoors. They are perfect for open houses, graduation parties, and rained-out barbeques. For such uses, the FlexShade® ZIP provides additional protection from the elements and neighbors’ prying eyes while still allowing a view-through to the outside.
Bring Hollywood to your back yard.
Back yard movie nights are all the rage, whether that means a display or screen on the patio or a large projection screen by the pool.
The Draper@Home Nocturne+ E projection screen is a nice solution. Its case is weather- and insect-resistant, and the powder coated finish stands up to sun, rain, snow, and whatever else Mother Nature can throw at it. Side cable guides keep the surface steady and flat.
Another idea is to include the AV in a pergola, patio, garage, or other covered structure. Once again FlexShade ZIP shades will block glare and insects.
For more information on all our outdoor living solutions, click here. To see what Draper can do for the inside of your favorite place on earth, click here for Draper@Home interior solutions.