kitchen with a panel fridge

Design Notes

TECHNOLOGY IN THE HOME

More and more homeowners are looking for ways not just to maximize their space but also to be efficient, which is why smart home technology has become popular over the last few years. We love the ease and peace of mind it gives us as we turn off a light with voice commands or secure our doors from our phones. Multiple products are available, with some integrating with current ones to make the transition easier. Manufacturers are also recognizing the growing demand for smart home technology, which is why they have worked hard to develop new and innovative ways to deliver the best in every area. If you want to know the newest and most popular smart home products that can make your life easier and better, read on.

Smart Home Office

Working from home has become the norm for many of us, making it necessary to have a dedicated office space to work from undisturbed. There are new smart home products that can help you focus better while still balancing your home life. Having your main devices connected wirelessly, such as a printer and computer, will save you space and keep your desk free from unnecessary cords that always make it look messy. Since we spend a lot of time looking at a screen during the day, lighting is important. With smart lighting that can be adjusted throughout the day to accommodate your needs, it has never been easier to reduce eye strain. Smart plugs offer additional benefits, as they can turn a regular appliance or item into a smart one by simply plugging it in. They can then be controlled with your phone or other devices. Coffee breaks are a staple in the office, whether at home or downtown, so having a coffee maker that can be preprogrammed to be ready for your afternoon cup is a dream come true. Adding a few smart upgrades to your home office can quickly and easily make it a comfortable yet efficient place to get your work done.

Smart Home Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home, where we gather not just to eat but to connect at the end of the day. Opting to upgrade your space with a few smart home products can be a great way to spend more time with your family and keep your kitchen cleaner and more efficient. Has this ever happened to you? You are in the middle of dinner prep with hands covered in food, and suddenly need to turn on the faucet, but don’t want to get it dirty? Did you know that there are faucets activated by voice? That’s right, touchless faucets are now available and are a great asset to the home, especially for children who want to wash their hands but can’t turn them on or off. It is also a great way to reduce the spread of grease, grime, and germs. Newer appliances can now connect to your smartphone, so you can easily preheat the oven on your way home, which is a win-win for everyone. The kitchen is one of the busiest places in the home, and smart home technology can help you get more done with less effort. Talk to a designer about ways you can incorporate tech that will give you the best for your kitchen space.

cutting board with strawberries

Smart Home Living Room

The living room is where we relax, spend time with our guests, or host Friday night football with neighbors and friends, so having a few smart home products can make life a little easier for everyone. Some worth mentioning include lighting, TVs, vacuums, and even ceiling fans. Like most areas in the home, lighting is a key player in the overall function of the space. The living room, however, has a few activities where dimming the light is needed, such as watching TV or enjoying a restful evening. Who enjoys getting up off the couch to turn them down? With smart lighting, you can dim the lights with your voice or even your phone. Dirt is another living room aspect that can be bothersome to keep up with unless you have a handy automatic vacuum. These robotic helpers are on duty 24/7 and never tire of cleaning. They can do it all day long. Plus, as technologies continue to improve, it is safe to say you won’t have to worry about surprise visitors ever again. Because the living room is where we like to gather with family and friends, the temperature can quickly rise, making it necessary to turn up the AC unless you have installed ceiling fans. Did you know that smart ceiling fans are now available, including one compatible with Alexa? Be sure to check it out and read about the fantastic benefits it can bring to your next gathering, along with a host of other great smart home products, in this informative article from Smart Home Starter.

entertainment center with decor

Why Have Smart Home Technology?

Some may wonder whether it’s really worth upgrading to smart home products. Of course, the decision is up to you, but a few of the benefits include:

  • Security
  • Efficiency
  • Convenience

Have you ever left home and wondered if you locked the back door or turned on the security system? Smart home technology can be synced with your phone, allowing you to quickly check in. Are you worried about leaving your sweet pet home alone? There are products available to let you speak to them throughout the day to reassure them. Saving money is another great plus to incorporating smart home technology because certain things, like the AC and watering the lawn, can be preprogrammed to turn on at the right time for the correct amount of time. No more worries about running an AC during the day when no one is there or having the lights on in rooms no one is using. If you have questions about whether or not you could benefit from installing some of these products in your home, be sure to reach out to your local hardware store or even trusted friends who may already have them to see what they think.

Technology In The Home

Home is a special place; it is our refuge and recharging station. Smart home technology can make it easier to have and do both, so take some time to explore the available options and see what products would benefit everyone in your home. You don’t have to do it all at once; maybe just one product at a time, and see where that takes you.

/onFebruary 7, 2022/updatedJanuary 28, 2026/inDesign Notes
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