Motorized shades in Sarasota

Sarasota's problem is not 'windows.' It is west and southwest glass that cooks the living room from 3 p.m. on, plus HOA rules about what the street is allowed to see. Motorized shades are the architectural answer; a stick-on film is not.

We layer solar screen for daytime view, blackout for sleep, and drapery where the designer wants cloth. Lutron Sivoia when the lighting is already Lutron; Somfy when the openings, pockets, or budget say so. Both get astronomical clocks and keypad scenes so you are not herding remotes at sunset.

Siesta, Lido, and Bird Key add salt and wind. Outdoor-rated motors and fabrics are in the spec, not an afterthought. We measure twice because gulf-front out-of-square openings are the rule.

Interior shades, exterior screens and blackout

Most Sarasota houses need two or three kinds of motorized shading. Interior roller shades with a solar-screen fabric cut glare and heat while you still see the water. Blackout shades or motorized drapery make bedrooms dark after a late dinner. Exterior motorized screens on the lanai block low western sun and insects without enclosing the space.

We choose fabric openness by elevation: a denser screen on the west and southwest glass that cooks from mid-afternoon, a lighter one where the view and the morning light matter more.

Lutron Sivoia or Somfy

If the lighting is already Lutron, Sivoia shades join the same keypads and clock. Somfy motors are the better fit for very wide openings, existing pockets and many outdoor screens. Both can be scheduled to sunrise and sunset and grouped into scenes such as Away. Why layered shades beat one compromise fabric is explained in motorized shades for Gulf Coast sun.

Near the water

On Siesta Key, Lido Key, Bird Key and Longboat Key, salt and wind are part of the spec: outdoor-rated motors and hardware, and fabrics chosen for UV. Island homes have their own pages: motorized shades on Siesta Key and motorized shades on Longboat Key.