Each of your outdoor spaces deserves as much TLC as your indoor ones. You’ll want to manage your decor with the right landscaping and furniture, but comfort and fun are just as important. Outdoor audio is a great tool for making your pool, patio, and backyard more fun for family and friends. Unfortunately, wind, traffic, and the sounds of daily life sometimes get in the way. 

Thankfully, outdoor audio tech has come a long way, allowing folks to fill their spaces with rich sound, no matter what’s happening around them. This post dives into how to create that magical audio experience in your yard, featuring insights and ideas from the team at Eighteen Group.

Upgrading your home with integrated technology can unlock comfort, control, and energy savings. But not every smart home integrator delivers the same value—or the same results. A well-planned system depends on more than the latest gadgets. It requires deep expertise, attention to detail, and the foresight to match your lifestyle with the right design.

Before you sign a contract or commit to a quote, ask the questions that reveal the provider’s true capability. Below is a checklist to help you avoid missteps and uncover the best fit for your Portland, OR, home.

Even though they may not sound like the flashiest product for your home, automated lighting solutions are one of the top upgrades we recommend. They make everyday life a little easier, more energy-efficient, and—let’s face it—a lot more stylish. Remember the days of fumbling for light switches or juggling dimmers? Those are behind us. Today’s luxury home automation puts everything right at your fingertips for a smooth shift in lighting to match any moment or mood. Get lighting solutions tailored to your Portland, OR, home.

When most people think of powered window shades, they picture the classic roller shade smoothly gliding up and down at the touch of a button. And while roller shades are fantastic (and the most popular option), they're just the beginning of what's possible with today's motorized window treatments. From elegant Roman shades to innovative drapery systems, the world of motorized window solutions has expanded dramatically. As Portland homeowners increasingly embrace smart home technology, we're seeing growing interest in these lesser-known but equally impressive options. Let's explore five sophisticated alternatives that might be perfect for your Oregon home.

Picture this: you're settling into your favorite chair, the lights dim, and you’re about to experience a cinematic adventure from the comfort of your own home. A thoughtful home theater design does more than just enhance your movie nights; it can truly elevate your everyday living experience at home. Creating a customized home theater can turn an ordinary room into a place where memories are made, and stories come to life. Let’s dive into the crucial steps for planning and installing your ideal home theater in your Lake Oswego, OR, home.

When you invest in smart home technology, it should adapt to your needs—not the other way around. That’s where a professional Control4 installer like Eighteen Group comes in handy. We work with our customers to understand daily routines, security needs, and entertainment preferences so we can tailor the Control4 system to match your lifestyle. Whether you’re a busy professional, part of a growing family, or someone who loves big, theatrical movie nights, a Control4 system can be customized to support you. Continue reading to see what personalization might look like in your Lake Oswego, OR, home.

Wouldn’t it be fun and convenient if your music followed you through every room of the house? You press “Play” and tunes play in sync across a network of speakers, from the kitchen to the bedroom. 

The problem, of course, is the audio-video equipment. Who wants bulky boxes or tower loudspeakers blemishing a home’s design? How can you bring crystal-clear detailed music and stunning lifelike images into every room while maintaining the aesthetics? 

That’s where hidden technology and today’s architectural speakers come in. Here’s how to hide speakers in your living room in Portland, OR. 

More and more luxury homes in Lake Oswego and surrounding areas are being retrofitted with smart home technology that eases living and automates daily activities. If you’re considering remodeling or integrating smart home features, we always recommend consulting with a professional before you begin work. 

But be warned: choosing the right smart home integrator for your project isn’t always as straightforward as it seems. You can quickly find the best team for the job by asking the right interview questions. Here are the key questions to ask when hiring a smart home integrator to bring your vision to life.

Automated lighting is causing a shift in how we illuminate our homes. The days of just flipping a switch are gone. In its place is a solution that is more convenient and energy-efficient. With it, you can enjoy a smarter environment that amplifies your daily living. If you’re looking for a home upgrade, continue reading to learn about the key benefits of an automated lighting installation in your Portland, OR, home.

Nothing is more important than feeling safe in your own home. That’s why many of our clients in Portland, OR, and the surrounding area seek us out for our advanced security solutions. Our smart home security systems go beyond a traditional lock and alarm. They bring convenience, control, and an elevated sense of safety. Let’s explore how integrating smart home security into your residence can redefine your living experience and give you greater peace of mind. 

Creating a home theater is a dream for many Portland, OR, homeowners, offering an immersive entertainment experience right in the comfort of your own home. While the idea of a DIY setup may be tempting, partnering with a professional home theater company like Eighteen Group ensures you achieve the highest quality results tailored to your needs.

Here are the key benefits of working with a dedicated home theater company—keep reading below for more!

Adding automated features to a home can be transformational for activities and your daily life. Technology can make your house more comfortable, secure, and efficient. However, home automation projects are not necessarily DIY projects, so finding the right company to support you in bringing your vision to life is essential. With so many regional options available, it’s important to know what to prioritize when choosing a home automation company to support you in and around Lake Oswego, OR. Continue reading for tips on what to look for when choosing a home automation partner.

Smart homes are incredible ecosystems that function as a unit and communicate with various intelligent features and devices. This latest technology is much more than pushing a button to get your motorized shades to rise in the living room or turning off the lights downstairs after you’ve retired.

Today, your shades talk to your lighting and climate control, ensuring they’re all on the same page. Your home knows when you leave and when you arrive, setting off a chain reaction. You wake to a home set to the perfect temperature with lights that resemble the rising sun. When you head for bed, you say, ‘Good Night,’ and your smart home sleeps with you, turning off the lights, lowering the shades, locking the doors, and arming the alarm. 

And that’s where smart home security comes in. It’s as much a part of your automated home as the lighting, climate, shades, and entertainment. The only difference is that it’s responsible for the most important job: protecting those you love. 

Here, we’ll explore the advancements in today’s security and how this system integrates with your other smart home systems in Portland, OR.

In Portland, homeowners are turning to motorized shades and blinds for aesthetics, functionality, and a life of true luxury. Fortunately, the current trends in shading control offer exactly that—comfort, convenience, and energy efficiency. Let’s explore further how motorized shades are transforming homes in Oregon.

When you think about home security, what first comes to mind is probably cameras, alarm systems, and motion sensors. While those are all crucial, there’s one thing that often flies under the radar—lighting control. 

Believe it or not, lighting is a powerful tool in keeping your home and family safe. If you’re looking to beef up your Lake Oswego, OR, home’s security, lighting control might just be the solution you’re missing. Keep reading to find out why it’s so important.