The Extraordinary Difference Between Smart Devices and Smart Home Living

Many homeowners have entered the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) craze, and for good reasons. They can learn new skills like refreshing the caulk and grout, installing shelving, and elevating bedrooms with a new paint job and décor. 

In the process, they save money and may even enjoy the experience.

When it comes to home automation, however, DIY vs. professional installations result in far different outcomes. Yes, you undoubtedly save money, but does your home welcome you when you pull into the driveway by streaming your favorite music through your whole-home audio system, turning on the landscape lights to the color of golden candlelight, and heating the spa? Probably not. 

You may open an app to turn on the lights and another to raise the shades, but that is a far cry from a fully automated home designed by an integrator. Here, we’ll explore the difference and why homeowners should consider leaving the smart home solutions to the professionals.

The Difference Early Integration Makes in a New Build Smart Home

Just like plumbers and electricians, integrators are essential partners in new-build smart home projects. During the pre-construction design phase, they support the build team, suggesting how to incorporate technology that aligns with the client’s vision and the overall design. 

Before wires are laid, the discovery phase begins. It’s during this time that an integrator discusses the many options with the homeowner and specifiers, reviewing possibilities and the floor plan. Does the family want whole-home audio? Are they extending their entertainment and lighting into the backyard? This timing is essential to create a functional, personalized, and beautiful smart home system.

The problem arises when integrators are introduced as an afterthought, after the design and planning have been completed. Here, we’ll explore just what a smart home integrator does and why they need to be brought in at the beginning of the project. 

Elite Product Spotlight: Wisdom Audio

At Elite Automation, we approach each project with the same goal: to enhance your home without compromising its aesthetic. For our clients who value clean design and performance-grade audio, hidden speaker installations are a must. 

And when it comes to audio that can be completely invisible but sound like a private concert or cinematic masterpiece, few brands deliver like Wisdom Audio.

Optimize Lighting Fixtures with Today’s Advanced Lighting Systems

At Elite Automation, we work with specifiers throughout Washington, integrating the latest technology solutions from advanced lighting systems to motorized shading, home entertainment, and whole-home automation. One of the areas we’ve witnessed the greatest advancements and changes in is lighting.

Today’s luxury homeowners expect a wide range of lighting fixtures and capabilities, from signature designer fixtures to those that disappear into the decor. No matter the source, they want beautiful lighting that’s changeable for every mood and activity. 

To provide our trade partners with the highest quality lighting, fixtures for every room and design, and illumination that changes with one touch, we partner with Lutron. Here, we’ll explore some of the top trending solutions and how to streamline lighting right from the start. 

If You Upgrade Anything in Your Home, Start with Lighting 

When most people envision a smart home, they often picture voice-controlled thermostats or security systems accessible from a smartphone. But at the core of any sophisticated home automation system lies something more fundamental: lighting.

Smart lighting is more than a fun party trick to play with color-changing LEDs. It’s the infrastructure that supports and enhances every other aspect of a connected home. For local Seattle-area homeowners who want a truly integrated and luxurious living experience, lighting should not be an afterthought. It should be the starting point.

No-Compromise Outdoor Spaces Start with Smart Pre-Construction Planning

Modern luxury homes need outdoor spaces that can handle whatever entertainment or lifestyle amenities homeowners dream up. One of the big differences between a space that feels like an afterthought and one that's on par with luxury indoor living comes down to building the right technology foundation from day one.

When builders partner with experienced AV integrators during the design phase, they're not just adding entertainment systems—they're creating outdoor environments ready for anything without sacrificing aesthetics or performance.

Experience Effortless Enjoyment with Outdoor Home Automation

Now that summer is officially here, it’s time to ensure we make the most of it. From outdoor pool parties to barbecues with loved ones, it’s a season that embodies fun, relaxation, and camaraderie. 

Are you ready to turn your backyard into that outdoor oasis you’ve been dreaming of? With the right entertainment, lighting, and controls, you can enjoy a summer to remember that begins in the spring and lasts through the fall. The key? Outdoor home automation.

Let’s see how it’s done.

The Benefits of Working with a Smart Home Integrator

When building or renovating a smart home, there are many demands on a specifier. From ensuring compatibility with every system, technology, and product to selecting the appropriate devices for the client's needs and visions and integrating that technology into the design, it's a position that requires technical, design, and building expertise. 

As home automation experts, our team at Elite Automation works with specifiers to support their efforts, streamlining their projects. Here are a few of the many ways we add value to the team and support these professionals in their numerous responsibilities. 

Redmond, WA – June 9th, 2025 – Elite Automation, a recognized leader in luxury smart home integration, is excited to announce its acquisition of Gradient Solutions, a Pasco-based company known for its deep experience in electrical and technology integration.

This strategic move significantly expands Elite Automation’s reach throughout Eastern Washington, especially in key regions including the Tri-Cities, Spokane, Yakima, and the Wenatchee/Chelan area.

With Gradient Solutions’ local expertise and relationships, Elite Automation is well-positioned to bring its high standards of design, performance, and client care to even more homeowners and businesses. The combined team will deliver smart home experiences that go beyond convenience—focusing on seamless technology, personalized solutions, and long-term reliability.

"This is a big moment for us,” said Henri Beaudoin, President of Elite Automation. “Gradient Solutions has built strong roots and trust across Eastern Washington. By combining their local knowledge with our commitment to craftsmanship and innovation, we're ready to raise the bar for what smart living can look like in the region."

Zach Reed, a partner at Gradient Solutions, shared his enthusiasm for the new chapter: “We are proud of the strong foundation and trusted relationships we've established. Joining Elite Automation greatly expands our capacity to deliver industry-leading innovation and a broader range of premium solutions—including advanced controls, sophisticated lighting systems, and exceptional audio experiences—throughout the entire Eastern Washington region. We're excited to raise the standard for smart home integration and client satisfaction across all our communities.”

High-End Performance Starts with a Network that Supports Every Connected Solution

Modern luxury living extends beyond aesthetics and finishes; it depends on the performance of the systems behind the scenes. In the most prestigious homes, comfort, security, and entertainment are no longer bound by walls. From the living room to the lanai, smart devices have become indispensable for how we live, relax, and entertain. Yet, the performance of these sophisticated technologies hinges on one critical, often overlooked element: your home network.

A robust, professionally designed network is the essential element that powers every automated light, security camera, streaming service, and outdoor speaker system. Without it, even the most advanced systems can fall short, plagued by lag, dropouts, or inconsistencies. Let’s dive into this blog to explore why a dependable network is a side of your smart home you can’t overlook and how it impacts your daily life.

Lutron Is the Pinnacle of Luxury and Simplicity

As a specifier, your reputation depends on selecting reliable, flexible, and user-friendly products. When it comes to smart home lighting integration, only one brand rises to this level of consideration. Lutron has been the industry standard for decades, innovating solutions that meet the needs of small and large-scale residential and commercial applications. Continue reading for more on why Lutron is the lighting control brand you should recommend.

A Symphony of Elegance, Comfort, and Innovation

Lighting automation is the pinnacle of modern luxury, redefining home design by delivering an unparalleled fusion of sophistication, convenience, and ambiance. Imagine an environment where light flows with ease, responding intuitively to your needs—setting the perfect mood for every moment. If you are in the process of designing your dream home, incorporating smart lighting from the outset is a decision that ensures a flawless and harmonious living experience imbued with elegance and cutting-edge technology. 

Let’s find out more about what smart lighting can do for you in today’s blog.

Combining Technology Expertise with an Eye for Aesthetics

The interplay of light and shadow transforms ordinary landscapes into extraordinary outdoor experiences. In environments where lush greenery meets modern architecture, professional landscape lighting requires more than basic installation skills—it demands a specialized technical approach that complements your design vision. When specifiers partner with dedicated integration specialists like Elite Automation, the result transcends simple illumination, creating immersive environments that enhance both form and function throughout the Pacific Northwest's varied seasons.

Illuminate Your Springtime Evenings

As the weather grows warmer, it’s the perfect time to enjoy long evenings in your backyard. To get the most out of your landscape, consider the benefits of elegant illumination. Outdoor lighting plays a vital role in your backyard’s aesthetic, safety, and curb appeal. Thoughtfully placed lights can turn a simple yard or garden into a stunning nighttime haven. Whether showcasing your home’s best features or guiding guests safely along pathways, good lighting makes a big difference. For homeowners craving an outdoor upgrade, professional landscape lighting offers a stylish and practical approach that’s often miles ahead of the DIY route.

Ensure Your Network Can Support Your Growing Demands

From streaming TV and gaming to running a home office and managing smart devices, our home networks are being asked to handle a lot. Therefore, it can be very frustrating when our internet slows down or our devices struggle to connect. There are small tweaks you can make as a homeowner to buy some time with this issue but to make substantial infrastructure changes to your home networking, you should call in the professionals. An expert will verify that your home network is powerful enough to efficiently and securely support your needs. Continue reading for some key ways they may be able to improve your setup.

Building Your Clients’ Dream Outdoor Space

At Elite Automation, we partner with specifiers, builders, designers, and architects, integrating advanced automation and premier audio-video systems. These systems are designed to elevate your clients’ lives in remarkable ways, from providing the best home entertainment to an extraordinary ease of living. 

One of the areas we’ve been keenly involved in is outdoor living.

Today, outdoor spaces have become extensions of people’s homes, as much a part of their everyday lives as their living rooms and kitchens. In some, they’ve become the centerpiece. Whether building a new outdoor space or refining an existing one, our experts are with you from the initial design and planning to the engineering, installation, programming, and support. 

Here, we’ll explore the many enhancements luxury homeowners ask for when building their dream outdoor space. 

Upgrade Your Workspace with AV solutions That Boost Collaboration and Efficiency

When giving your office a makeover, creating an up-to-date and productive workspace involves more than a fresh coat of paint or trendy furniture. With the right technology in place, like commercial AV solutions, you can turn your office into a hub of functionality, collaboration, and creativity. Consider the following must-have AV solutions that can make a big difference in revamping your office space. 

Discover the Difference Lutron Technology Can Make in Your Seattle Home

Homeowners in Seattle are always on the hunt for that sweet spot between luxury and functionality in their spaces, and the lighting company Lutron is on the cutting edge of both. Renowned for their groundbreaking light management solutions, Lutron offers an impressive range of shades, lights, and keypads that enhance both aesthetics and control in your home. With the expertise of Elite Automation, using Lutron to turn your home into a smart, efficient haven is a breeze. Let’s dive into how Lutron technology can enhance daily living and why partnering with Elite Automation makes all the difference.

Is Your Home Automated? It Can Be!

Smart devices are everywhere these days—chances are, you’re reading this blog on one, in a home filled with them. A home filled with smart devices could be called a “smart home,” but that doesn’t mean it’s an automated home. Smart devices are required for home automation, but home automation facilitates communication between these devices and allows you to control them with an app, touchscreen, or remote. 

So, is your home automated? Keep reading to explore the top benefits of luxury home automation and how it reshapes high-end living.

Light That Complements Your Luxury Lifestyle 

We often take lighting for granted, seeing it merely as something that brightens up our rooms. But when you think about it, lighting shapes how we feel, how we work, and how we sleep. For anyone wanting a luxurious and welcoming home, Ketra lighting brings a refreshing and human touch. With advanced tunable LED technology, Ketra invites you to play with the warmth and intensity of light. Let’s dig into the benefits of Ketra lighting and see how it enhances daily life in your home.