Chester, Nova Scotia is known for its stunning coastal beauty, charming architecture, and homes that blend traditional Maritime character with modern luxury. This brand-new custom-built home in Chester is a perfect example — soaring high ceilings, an open-concept kitchen flowing into a sun-drenched breakfast nook, and oversized windows designed to frame the surrounding natural landscape. For a home this beautifully crafted, the window treatments needed to be equally refined. We installed motorized roller shades throughout the main living areas, using two distinct fabric types tailored to the function of each room. Blackout Roller Shades for the Kitchen The kitchen received full blackout motorized roller shades. While kitchens aren't traditionally the first room people associate with blackout fabric, this home's kitchen features large west-facing windows that catch intense afternoon sun. Without shading, the direct glare makes meal prep uncomfortable, heats up the countertops, and can fade cabinetry and finishes over time. The blackout fabric eliminates 100% of incoming light when lowered, providing complete glare control during the brightest hours of the day. When the sun moves on or the homeowner wants to enjoy the view, a single tap on the remote raises the shade and the kitchen floods with natural light again. Solar Roller Shades for the Breakfast Nook The breakfast nook sits adjacent to the kitchen with a wall of windows overlooking the property. Here, the goal wasn't total darkness — it was comfortable, filtered light that lets you enjoy your morning coffee without squinting. We selected solar roller shade fabric with a balanced openness factor that reduces glare and blocks UV rays while still preserving the outdoor view. Solar fabric works like a fine screen — from inside, you can see through to the trees, garden, and sky beyond. From outside, the fabric provides daytime privacy by reflecting light and obscuring the interior. It's the ideal choice for living spaces, dining areas, and any room where you want protection without sacrificing the connection to nature outside. High Ceilings & Motorization With the home's high ceilings and tall window openings, manual operation was never a practical option. Cordless spring mechanisms can't handle the reach, and corded systems don't meet modern building codes. Motorization was the clear — and only — solution. Each shade is powered by a whisper-quiet tubular motor integrated directly into the roller tube. The motor raises and lowers the shade smoothly, with precision limit settings that stop the fabric at exactly the right position. There's no manual contact required — everything is controlled remotely. Rechargeable Battery Power Rather than hardwiring each motor into the home's electrical system, we opted for rechargeable battery-powered motors. This approach offers several advantages for a new build: no need to run additional wiring to each window header, no electrician coordination required, and the flexibility to add or reposition shades in the future without rework. The rechargeable battery pack tucks neatly inside the headrail, completely out of sight. A single charge typically lasts 6 to 12 months depending on usage, and recharging is as simple as connecting a USB-C cable for a few hours. For homeowners who prefer a truly hands-off experience, we also offer solar-panel charging accessories that keep the battery topped up indefinitely using ambient daylight. Multi-Channel Remote Control All shades in the home are programmed to a single multi-channel remote. The homeowner can control every shade simultaneously with one button — perfect for a quick "close everything" at sunset — or switch to individual channels to adjust a single window independently. The remote sits on the kitchen counter, always within reach, and requires no phone, no app, and no Wi-Fi connection to operate. For those who want smart home integration, the motors are also compatible with Google Home, Alexa, and Apple HomeKit, allowing voice commands and automated scheduling alongside the dedicated remote. A Turnkey Solution for New Construction When window treatments are planned during the build phase, the results are always better — cleaner installation, better fit, and a finished look that feels intentional. This Chester home is a perfect example of what's possible when homeowners invest in quality motorized shades from day one. Book a free consultation to plan window treatments for your new build.