As the artist and writer Aaron Rose said, “In the right light, at the right time, everything is extraordinary.”

Nothing is truer when it comes to outdoor lighting design. 

In the right light, your outdoor areas take on a whole new dimension. Textures and colors stand out in contrast after the evening falls. Your favorite landscape and architectural features reveal a different type of beauty, while shadows interplay with light, creating a sense of magic and mystery. 

This same lighting increases the safety and the value of your home in Portland, OR.

Are you ready to transform your outdoor spaces after dark? Let’s see how it’s done.

Backyards have come a long way from being just open space behind the house. For many homeowners, they’ve become an extension of the living room, a space for relaxing, entertaining, and enjoying time with friends and family. And while comfy seating and a grill can be great, there’s one upgrade that can tie it all together: an outdoor TV.

But simply dragging your living room TV outside for the weekend won’t cut it. Outdoor TVs are purpose-built to thrive in unpredictable conditions, deliver a clear picture in full sun, and bring your favorite shows, sports, and movies to the place you actually want to be.

Let’s dive into today’s blog to explore a few reasons why these TVs can be a game-changer for your outdoor lifestyle in Portland, OR. 

Turning your patio and outdoor living spaces into a personal haven for relaxation and fun starts with a great backyard sound system. Homeowners in the Portland area are realizing the value of upgrading their technology systems to deliver year-round entertainment, and Eighteen Group is here to help bring those dreams to reality!

Get ready to amplify the enjoyment of your next gathering while adding a touch of elegance, whether by the pool during summer or around the fire pit in fall.

Summer in the Pacific Northwest gives us those perfect evenings we wait for all year. The skies clear, temperatures warm up, and suddenly, your backyard becomes the most valuable real estate you own. But why limit your entertainment to indoors when the weather's finally beautiful?

More Portland homeowners are discovering the joy of extending their living space outdoors with high-performance patio AV systems designed specifically for our climate. At Eighteen Group, we've helped many clients turn ordinary outdoor spaces into extraordinary entertainment areas.

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!