Here at McKenzie & Willis, we love working with builders and homeowners on their new homes.

While everyone knows us for helping clients furnish their homes beautifully, the reality is, there is just so much more we can do. For example, have you considered how automation can play a key part in effortless living? Automation has become increasingly desirable in New Zealand homes.

Cozy bedroom featuring a large window dressed in beige blinds and light, airy curtains, softening the view of greenery beyond.

While not all new builds go down the full home automation route, many of us have technology integrated into our everyday routine. From electronic door locks and Wi-Fi heating, to lighting on command, and curtains & blinds that open at the touch of a button. All these everyday things are made effortless with the help of technology. When it comes to our furnishings, and in particular, covering our windows, using technology can transform a home and elevate your lifestyle. Automated solutions are readily available for both blinds and curtains, and thinking of these things early enough in the build to get the wiring in place means homeowners can take full advantage of what’s available.

Modern living room with sheer curtains that filter beautiful natural light.

While the products all come with a Lithium Ion battery option, the reality is that having something wired in place is so much simpler. Once they’re in place, it’s set and forget to give perfect control of UV, heat, security and more. Picture waking up and opening the curtains to see the sunrise, all at the touch of a button or a simple voice command. Imagine having your blinds programmed to rise in the morning all together at the same time and close again at night, or exterior screens and awnings giving shade when the sun is bright and retracting automatically when the wind gets too gusty. Think of the peace of mind being away on holiday and having your curtains and blinds open and close to give the impression someone is home.

A person holds a remote control towards a window with a closed roller blind, adjusting its position.

Regardless of whether you choose to go down the tech route or not, the other area we can help with is contemporary solutions like recessed curtains tracks that sit discreetly into the ceiling, or boxed recesses designed perfectly to hide blinds when not in use. We can advise where timber fixing should be placed to allow for the ideal heights to hang curtains. Too often, these details are not thought about until after the wall board is in place, so the end result is sometimes a compromise on what could have been possible for that homeowner.

Split image of recessed window treatments: left, striped curtains with wooden blinds; right, a black roller shade framing a view outside.

New Zealanders build homes with large windows and doors – we love our outdoors, our sun and views, but the reality is these large expanses of glass need to be controlled to work for us and enhance our living. Finding the best way to do that is something we specialise in.

Our interior designers are part of an expert and knowledgeable team, they’re backed by our collective experience as a company. We all want to help homeowners create homes that are both functional and beautiful. Curtains and blinds are an integral part of creating the perfect living environment, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for help with your project, to create the home for seamless living.

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