Interiors by Design

Smart Home Technologies

The Home of the Future is Here

By Robyn V. Powell

Thanks to the rapid transformation of home-based technologies, the smart home is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s the new reality. Smart home technology has made our homes more efficient, secure, and comfortable. Through innovative devices, our homes have become virtual hubs of hands-free functionality. By 2025, it’s estimated that there will be more than 70 million smart homes in the United States. What’s possible today and in the future may seem mind-boggling. In reality, transitioning to a smart home is surprisingly easy and affordable.

What exactly is a smart home? A smart home enables household devices and appliances to be remotely controlled through an internet connection and a phone or tablet. A connected home enables homeowners to control lights, doorbells, thermostats, and window treatment functions from another room—or even from another country!

Smart home technologies have evolved, with new generations of smart devices and appliances now able to connect with each other and with the cloud. This integration has launched the next level of seamless, convenient, and cost-saving functionality. For example, a smart front door lock can now automatically send a message to your thermostat to turn down the temperature every time you leave the house and lock the door—sending energy savings directly into your pocket.

With so many smart home devices to choose from, how do you begin to incorporate devices into your existing home? The growing demand for security and efficiency have made smart home features that improve safety and energy efficiency the most valued choices.

Many people are finding that the best way to step into the new smart home world is to invest in a smart speaker. Like a phone, smart speakers come with a personal digital assistant—a voice that communicates audibly with the user and responds to voice commands. Voice assistants can make calls, send texts, look things up online, and get directions.

Voice assistants can be quite useful on their own. When paired with compatible smart-home devices, they can be used in many new ways; for example, you can control lights without having to leave the comfort of your sofa or your bed. With the addition of separate phone apps, your voice can act as a remote control for your life—activating security systems, changing temperatures, adjusting window shades, and more.

If you’re simply looking to add some smarts to small appliances like coffee makers, lamps, and entertainment systems, installing smart plugs paired with apps or compatible with voice assistants can provide ultimate convenience. Arrive home and be greeted with ambient lighting, lowered shades, and your choice of music.

Smart locks, doorbells, and security cameras offer peace of mind and convenience, while indoor cameras provide security and nanny services all in one device. Two-way communication allows you to listen or talk to your kids or pet and even dispense pet treats on demand!

Smart thermostats that enable control of heating and cooling systems by phone or voice are ideal for travelers and second home owners. Setting temperature schedules and remotely monitoring energy consumption allow homeowners to come and go worry-free. Exciting new devices like robot vacuums and mops equipped with artificial intelligence and visual interpretation (AIVI) technology allow automated cleaning devices to identify and avoid obstacles. Voice-activated models with hybrid floor-cleaning options can take care of carpet and wood floors. Some even include features that allow you to watch the cleaning by video from wherever you happen to be!

As smart home systems are more widely adopted, they are being factored into appraisals for home sales. Devices like smart thermostats, smart smoke detectors, and home security systems not only increase a home’s value but may help sell it faster. Almost all new home construction includes some smart features. Factoring smart home features into a new build is no less important than installing quartz countertops in the kitchen or making sure you have a luxury master suite.

Smart home features can be wireless or hardwired or a combination of both. Wireless systems are easier to install and more cost-friendly, especially in existing homes, where you can add a home automation system to control lights, blinds, and thermostats for several thousands of dollars. Hardwired systems are considered more reliable than internet reliant systems and are more difficult to hack. While hardwired systems add value to your home, they come with a higher price tag, in the tens of thousands.

Smart home technology is definitely here to stay, and it’s growing quickly. Visiting your local home technology center is a great way to check out the options and learn more about how a smart home can improve the quality, safety, and convenience of your life.

Sources for this article included: forbes.com, consumerreports.org, and hgtv.com.