THE RISE OF THE SMART HOME

By Megan Dunn

The main concept of interior design is enhancing the interior of a space to accomplish a maximised version, complete with all the right aesthetics and amenities for people to live well in their chosen environment.

Seems pretty straight forward, right? Well yes, but like all spheres of our lives in the 21st

century, technology is rapidly transforming the world of interior design making the capabilities of a space endless in a way not possible a decade ago. 2022, the year we have not only smartphones and smart cars, but now the steady growth of the smart home in New Zealand, revolutionising the meaning of convivence in and around our homes.

A smart home is a home system where devices and appliances can be seamlessly controlled on mobiles remotely from anywhere with an internet connection. Its possible functions can extend to every room in the home from the bathroom to your backyard.

Checking security camera footage while away? Wouldn’t it be helpful to pop on the heat pump before you arrive home? Updates to an app when your washing load is completed? Having full control of your speaker system on your phone? All easy tasks with an automated home system. By the end of 2023 globally there will be over 300 million smart homes and more than 6.4 billion smart home devices — an average of 21 per smart home, this is according to a report by research firm Strategy Analytics. It’s no surprise that smart homes are gaining momentum as not only can they save you time and offer a new level of ease, the system can also improve security and comfort all whilst adding a new layer of value to your home. Technology commentator Peter Griffin shares via Stuff, “I think New Zealanders are still getting their heads around how to utilise smart technology and we’re not really at a point yet where it’s all unified on one network, but we’re rapidly getting there. “By 2023 we’ll be in a situation where the average, middle-class home will have 20 plus devices that are talking to the cloud, talking to each other, and have voice activation.” Many companies are now offering the installation of automated home systems in New Zealand, at an affordable cost with a non-invasive approach, meaning homes of all different shapes sizes and age can get a tailored system which works for their home and budget. Just want a few smart features in selected rooms, or your whole home kitted out? The option is yours. If you have been thinking that it’s time to bring your home into the modern age, now is as good a time as ever.

Although initially the whole process may seem daunting, there are many uncomplicated approaches for installation. The best port of call is to do some research online, accessing who offers what near you. Somewhere as simple as Bunnings Warehouse is a great place to start. Since we're living in a smart world, it makes sense that we are progressing in wanting our homes to match this level of intelligence. Check out your smart home options, it really does go a long way in making life easier, and more fun — crank the speakers!