DESIGN
Smart
Nicole Michael Designs/Submitted
Homes
The latest technology can update your space By Kamala Kirk
S
Voice control One of the current trends in smart home features is Josh, a voicecontrolled automation system created by Josh.ai, an American artificial intelligence company. Aside from residential homes, it is also being used in assisted living facilities, as well as commercial and hospitality spaces. “Voice control is taking the world by storm because being controlled by voice makes it usable by the elderly, children, the visually impaired and people who are mobility impaired,” Torossian points out. “It allows you to set up scenes using your voice. For example, you say, ‘Good morning,’ and Josh automatically turns on the lights, opens your window treatments and turns your TV on to your favorite news station. The system will also send you alerts letting you know if you have left lights or the air conditioner running for an extended period of time in a continued on page 28
Nicole Torossian, owner of Nicole Michael Designs, incorporated smart features in a client’s Arcadia home, including lighting control, motorized window treatments, speaker control, audio/video control and a universal remote control.
The Sycamore Collective/Submitted
mart homes are a growing trend in homebuilding and design; according to a survey conducted by Statista, a company that specializes in market and consumer data, there are an estimated 175 million smart homes in the world, and that number is expected to pass the 350 million mark by 2023. The United States has 41.3 million smart homes, the greatest number of smart homes compared to other countries, and 69% of households in the United States have at least one smart device. There are many benefits to updating a home with smart technology, including customization, improved safety and wellness, greater control of energy use, as well as convenience. From automated temperature settings and lighting control to motorized window treatments and universal remote controls, technology plays a big role in elevating one’s home life. “People are constantly striving to make their lives easier,” says Christopher Wierer, managing partner and principal at The Sycamore Collective, a Los Angeles-based group of designers, architects, artists and craftspeople that promotes great design and the art of living well. “With our busy, complicated professional and personal lives, having a smart home can help to create that serene sanctuary you need to recharge and relax. In the not-too-distant past, technology used to frustrate us, but with the quick advances many things are making life easier. With a lot of things now connected to the internet, such as your lighting systems, locks, climate and security systems, you can also be sure your home is safe both when you are and aren’t there, giving you less to worry about.” Nicole Torossian, owner of Nicole Michael Designs in Pasadena, adds that smart homes are especially practical for vacation homes and contribute to easier maintenance. “You can set the temperature in your home before you arrive,” Torossian says. “It allows you to see if you left any lights on or water running. It will also alert you if your smoke alarm is going off. Enhanced security is another benefit, as you can lock your entire house with the push of a button. It controls indoor and outdoor security cameras, the sensors on your windows and doors, and can close your garage door. This is all very important in a home that you may not go back to for several months.”
According to Christopher Wierer, managing partner and principal at The Sycamore Collective, technology plays a big role in elevating one’s bathroom for a more spa-like experience. 06.22 | ARROYO | 27
27-Smart Home.indd 27
6/3/22 1:09 PM
