Outdoor entertaining is an integral part of summers in the South. Whether you have out of town guests staying with you that you want to impress with your spectacular grilling skills or are inviting family and friends to your annual 4th of July party, your outdoor living area needs to be an inviting setting. Well, when you are spending your time preparing and cooking the meal, how can you worry about other factors like fans, lighting, music, water features, etc. The answer is simple, utilize home automation so that you can control every feature from your Smartphone or iPad. Other than the use of your pool, the food is the star of your summer gatherings, and as such, it should get your undivided attention.

By utilizing home automation, you can program every factor before the party even begins. For example, you have a specific time that you want to eat dinner, but if you are caught up in other things and forget to turn on the grill until you are ready to cook, then you have set yourself back a half-hour at least. To prevent such a dilemma, use your smartphone to set a time for the grill to automatically turn on, and then it will be preheated and ready for you to cook whenever you are. You can also preset different light settings as well as the specific times for them to change. So, as the sun sets and it becomes darker, your lights can automatically get brighter and brighter. As far as keeping a comfortable temperature, we know that things tend to naturally cool off once the sun goes down. So, you can adjust the speed of the ceiling fans conveniently from your smartphone.

Basically, with home automation, we have eliminated the hassle of trying to find which switch controls what and replaced it with your smartphone controlling everything. Excusing yourself to turn off the fountain or lower the volume of the music is a thing of the past. Don't miss a moment of your summer parties because you have to manage the setting, call BRAVAS Atlanta at 770-844-5800 for your home automation system.

"Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and charm gaiety to life and everything," so says Plato. Personally, we couldn't agree more. Music is an integral part of home entertainment. It can lift your spirits, help you relax, create an atmosphere, and get you moving. Filling your home with music is easy, but the party shouldn't stop just because you move outside. What you need is a complete home entertainment system that allows music to play inside and out.

With our home entertainment system, not only will you get speakers in every room of your house, but also dispersed through the outdoor living areas. Outdoor speakers tend to have a bad reputation, an unfortunate consequence of the ostentatious speaker rocks. Yet we are happy to tell you that there have been drastic improvements in the outdoor speaker industry, and we can beautifully hide the speakers throughout your yard (can you see the speaker in this photo?). While they may be small and camouflaged in your garden, they do not lack for sound quality and volume.

The best part of our home entertainment system is that it is part of your home automation. So, each room can have different music playing, and they can all be controlled by your smartphone. Volume, song selection, and the on/off capabilities are all in the palm of your hand, which makes outdoor entertaining much easier. So, don't let your summer pool parties be without music, contact us to get a complete home entertainment system installed.

If you’re the owner of a swimming pool or thinking about putting one in at your Atlanta home, one of the best ways to manage, monitor, and control the equipment is via a home automation control system. We’re not suggesting that you install a system just to run your pool, but if you’d also like to automate lights, thermostats, A/V equipment, and more, it makes sense to also tie in the swimming pool equipment.

The biggest benefit you’ll reap is the ability to operate the pool system from the same touchpanel or iPad app you might also use to control the other tech elements in your home. It’s much more convenient than having to trudge outside every time you want to make an adjustment to your pool settings. Plus, you’ll be able to set the outdoor scene from one device, turning on the music, the lights, and the pool waterfall, for example. Without all these elements integrated, you would be visiting pushing buttons on several independent controls. Even though modern pool controls are pretty smart in and of themselves, meaning there’s a lot they can automate without the help of a home control system. For example, your pool installation company can set up specific activation times for the heaters, pumps, jets, filtration, even the pool lights.

A home control system simply gives you an easier way to adjust those settings and activate special features on a whim. You’ll also be able to monitor the water temperature, chlorine and pH levels, and more right from the screen of your iPad. If you would like to utilize Home Automation to simplify the operation of the pool at your home call BRAVAS Atlanta at 770-844-5800 or use the convenient “Contact” feature on our website.

If you are in the process of redecorating your dining room Home Automation may not be one of the first things that come to your mind. There are many features that Home Automation can bring to your dining room that will help it become a highly desirable and gathering spot for family and friends.

Lighting Control 

A simple dimmer switch can adjust the intensity of the lights to suit the occasion—bright for family dinners or soft for just you and the spouse. Take it a step farther by tying the dimmer (as well as other dimmers in the house) to a lighting control system. This feature Installed and programmed by BRAVAS Atlanta allows you to engage various “scenes,” by touching a single button on a keypad, touch panel, or even your iPhone. For example, a romantic scene could signal the lights to dim and the music to activate, while a movie scene could dim the lights and close the window treatments. 

Motorized Shades

If you find yourself battling the glare of the sun during meals, consider having motorized shades installed on the windows. These can be operated from a remote or tied in with the lights and music via a home automation system. You can also ask BRAVAS Atlanta to put them on a timer to rise and lower automatically at certain times of the day.

In-Ceiling Speakers 

Positioned above the table, a flush-mounted speaker can deliver music to the dining area. You’ll need to also invest in some type of whole-house audio system that can connect your audio components (iPod, media server, etc.) to the dining room speakers as well as to other speakers throughout the house.

Home Automation is not just about mechanicals it is about helping you to fulfill your lifestyle. The professionals at BRAVAS Atlanta in Atlanta can design and install a system that is easy to operate and expresses the personality and lifestyle you desire. Call us at 770-844-5800 or use the convenient “Contact” feature on our website to start utilizing Home Automation to enhance your lifestyle.    

One of the first things to consider when planning a new Home Theater is whether to get a rear-projection LCD or plasma TV or a two-piece system consisting of a front projector and screen. Both approaches have benefits.

Large Screen TV 

Large Screen TV’s are simpler for most people to understand. Part of it is due to the simplicity of the product. After all, what could be easier than getting a bigger TV? If you want a larger image with no muss and fuss, if you've got the space, you are in business with almost no effort.

Part of the appeal of Large Screen TV’s is the impression that they are cheaper than front projection systems. However, front projectors will deliver a much more cinema-like experience for the money. From a practical perspective, your room size has a lot to do with determining which approach is best for you. If you don't have a large viewing room, a 40" to 60" diagonal TV will probably be plenty. 

Front Projection 

If you want the large screen cinema experience in your home and your room size will allow it, front projection is the way to go. Front projectors are made to produce screen images in the range of 70" to 120" diagonal or more. Once people realize they can get a picture up to four times the size for the same money as a large screen TV, the choice becomes easier.

At BRAVAS Atlanta we can assist you in making the right choice for Home Theater for your specific situation. Call us at 770-844-5800 or use the convenient “Contact” feature on our website.   Image courtesy of Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Many people are under the mistaken impression that Home Automation is only for the ultra-contemporary home of the future (like The Jetsons) and is not present in more traditionally designed homes. At BRAVAS Atlanta we proud of the work that we do with some of the leading design companies in the Atlanta area to not only incorporate Home Automation into any type of home style or décor but help to enhance the livability without being intrusive. Professional designers take great pride in the aesthetics that make up a beautiful home. Many of them rely on Home Automation to avoid the use of clunky electronic devices and wall clutter. BRAVAS Atlanta works with designers so that they know what options are available, this enables them to improve their designs.

A Home Automation system by BRAVAS Atlanta is custom designed and installed to meet the individual lifestyle needs of our customers. We want to integrate the system within their homes in a subtle way that compliments their design aesthetic and lifestyle. For example, our lighting solutions allow a homeowner to accent areas of the house to create a special mood. Perhaps they want to be able to touch one button and activate a certain light level to showcase their art collection. Simply put, home automation can assist in showing off what an interior designer does within the home. Home Automation can make life less chaotic and so much more enjoyable. For instance, you can set entire Home Automation scenarios or "events". With a simple button press, you can make the entire house go to sleep: it will turn off all lights in the house, lock the doors, set the temperature where you like it, and arm the alarm system. The ultimate convenience for busy families on the go is the ability to log into your home at any given time from your iPhone and view cameras or lock/unlock doors plus many other items. It’s incredibly convenient, and since all the equipment is hidden it doesn't disrupt the décor of your home.

For more information on Home Automation Services provided by BRAVAS Atlanta call us at 770-844-5800 or use the convenient “Contact” feature on our website.

With the prevalence of basements in Atlanta homes, this is one of the primary areas that people choose to use when installing a dedicated Home Theater. There are a lot of reasons that a basement can be a good location for this feature including the fact that the out of the way location makes it the perfect place to escape. There are however specific concerns that should be addressed when installing a Home Theater in your basement.

As Home Theater experts in the Atlanta area, the team at BRAVAS Atlanta can help you plan for these issues in order to maximize your experience and investment. Moisture is probably one of the biggest concerns that must be addressed. Remember that you are dealing with an unconditioned underground space. Ensuring that the space has proper drainage and no potential areas for leaking is important. In addition, making sure that you have a proper HVAC system and dehumidifier (preferably a separate system from other parts of the home) to control the temperature and humidity levels is also important. Mechanicals housed in the basement can also be an issue, many times HVAC ducting, plumbing, and electrical hang below your proposed ceiling height and affect the placement of projectors, speakers, screens, etc...

As a professional installer of Home Theaters, we can determine if relocation of any of these elements is necessary. Room sizing can also be an issue as basements often contain walls that function as load-bearing for the upper floors of the home. It is necessary to make sure any partition walls that are removed are of the non-load bearing variety or that appropriate beams or supports are used to maintain the structural integrity of your home. If you are considering adding a Home Theater to your basement contact BRAVAS Atlanta in Atlanta and we can assist you in everything from planning, to construction, and installation. Call us at 770-844-5800 or use the convenient “Contact” feature on our website.

If you’re the type of person who shuts down the Internet and dodges friends and family to avoid TV spoilers, it’s a good sign that you are a binge-watcher. If you are a binge-watcher a Home Theater or updated entertainment system may enhance the overall experience. Many people have found that they are too busy to keep up with a TV series while it is being broadcast. Instead, they rent or buy DVDs or stream programs via the Internet, catching up on an entire season (or seasons) over the course of a single weekend. Some people are movie binge-watchers and will sit down alone or with friends and family to watch a whole series of movies such as Star Wars or maybe just the movies of a specific actor/actress. In order to get the best out of your binge-watching experience, you will want to take advantage of the audio and video solutions that BRAVAS Atlanta of Atlanta can provide for your home.

Whether you prefer a projection TV or the latest in flat-panel technology, it’s important to have professionals come to your home to help you plan a customized solution for maximum enjoyment. With so many programs being available in high-definition video with surround-sound audio, it only makes sense to watch them using state-of-the-art equipment. Services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon make it easy to catch up on the entire run of many TV shows and we can integrate the programming of these online services with your own equipment. When you binge-watch, it’s easier to keep track of character developments. You’ll notice important details that you might otherwise forget about if you only watch one episode per week over the course of a season. Plus, you don’t have to suffer the agony of waiting to see how a cliffhanger will resolve itself since you can keep watching the series for hours on end.

To maximize your binge-watching home entertainment experience call BRAVAS Atlanta at 770-844-5800 or use the convenient “Contact” feature on our website.   Image courtesy of Boians Cho Joo Young / FreeDigitalPhotos.net  

BRAVAS Atlanta is proud to work with Harrison Design Associates to help their clients achieve their dreams with seamless integration of home automation and home technology that is thoughtfully planned and executed from the beginning of the design process to final installation. To show our appreciation, the BRAVAS Atlanta team this May will be sponsoring for the fifth time a summer Bar-B-Que at the Atlanta location of Harrison Design Associates in Buckhead. This is our way of thanking them for their continued partnership with our team. We also do this out of the recognition that out of the many companies offering similar services to those that we provide, that they have chosen us to work with their select clientele. In addition to great food on the grill including steaks, brats and chicken, our team led by Chuck Schlick B.M.E. (Beer Meister Extraordinaire) brings a sampling of 15 to 20 different beers. These represent micro brews as well as different styles and flavors. Then there are some that are just for fun like a Schlitz Malt Liquor High Gravity. This gives the teams of both companies the opportunity to get to know each other on a more comfortable and casual basis. There is also plenty of shop talk and the opportunity for the BRAVAS Atlanta team to talk about our diverse product offerings for the entire home, like lighting control, electronic shades, integrated technology of home systems, and of course the latest in Home Theater technology. With a design philosophy of taking the best from both past and present Harrison Design Associates is charged by its clients with taking dreams of the perfect custom residence or commercial building and turning them in to reality. As one of the top architectural firms in the country with offices in Atlanta, Beverly Hills, New York, St. Simons, Santa Barbara, Shanghai and Washington, DC. This team of over 60 in-house professionals shares the belief that a well-designed building is a work of art, an enduring investment, and a place to express the client’s individuality. BRAVAS Atlanta is honored to work with and bring the latest technology to the projects designed by this outstanding group and looks forward to this event.

Thinking about including Home Automation in your Atlanta home but not sure if it is right for you, how to begin, or maybe you are afraid of the cost. In the past Home Automation was something that was something that was only thought of for high-end clients because of the price tag. Today with the advent of smartphone and wireless technology the cost of Home Automation has dropped substantially. In fact if you own a smartphone or tablet you already own a control interface that just a few years ago cost tens of thousands of dollars. If it’s not knowing what you may want, need, or even what’s available take a look at this checklist to get you started thinking in the right direction.

• Do you consider yourself or your family tech-savvy? • What lifestyle enhancements or solutions do you want your technology system to provide? • How often do you watch TV? • In which room(s) do you watch a TV? • Do you prefer to have background music playing? If so, when, and in which rooms? • What are the most frustrating technologies, products, or items you use today? • Where do you spend the most time in your home? • How do you communicate throughout the house? • Is energy conservation important to you? • What are the special circumstances, if any, of those living in your home?

With this information, the professionals at BRAVAS Atlanta can work with you to provide a custom Home Automation  solution to meet both your wants AND needs. From programmable locks to lighting control, audio, video and everything else we are a one stop resource for all your Home Automation and entertainment needs. Call our Atlanta office at 770-844-5800 or use the convenient “Contact” feature on our website to schedule your consultation.