Technology is moving so quickly it can be a challenge to keep up with the latest and greatest options to make ‘your home smart’. S Interior Design recommends that you don’t get carried away and install every option available, but rather assess your personal lifestyle and determine the best products to support that.
Thanks to continued advances in technology, even a 16th century cottage can be turned into a “smart home”. Connecting lights, thermostats, sound systems and even garage doors to the internet so they can be controlled remotely from your computer or smartphone is relatively simple. Here’s what you need to know when making your home “smart”.
What is smart technology for the home?
Simply put, smart homes are homes containing a number of different devices that are able to be connected to a central network that gives the homeowner and other residents the ability to monitor, access, and control them remotely or with voice commands.
Smart devices are able to connect to the internet and through this, be controlled via an app on a smartphone or computer. Thanks to better broadband coverage, it is becoming easier to connect the entire home and all of the facilities to the same network enabling remote controlled access and even voice commands.
The benefits of a smart home
A smart home provides the ultimate in convenience and peace of mind – ever headed off to work wondering if you’d remembered to lock up or turn off the air conditioner? With a smart home, you’d be able to check the door was locked and the air conditioning was off while everyone was out – what’s more, you’d be able to turn it on before you arrive home and unlock the door when your children get back from school.
Along with the convenience and security a smart home provides, additional benefits such as the ability to monitor energy consumption and your health, and then provide insights to help you improve your living and well-being, are making the popularity of smart home technology soar.
What to know when making your home “smart”
Before you start purchasing smart light-bulbs, thermostats or any other devices, you’ll need to decide on a home assistant that’s most suited to your needs. There are a wide range available. Apple, Google and Amazon all have big stakes in the market, but Samsung and Habitat also make some good devices – which you decide to choose will depend on your priorities and the kind of smart tech you’re interested in.
Best tech for the living room
While not just affecting the living room, the thermostat for heating and cooling your home is a great start with smart home tech. Smart thermostats were one of the first devices for homes and there are a lot to choose from. Each will be able to control the heating and cooling, learn the preferred temperature for your home (some will adjust for different rooms) and some energy companies offer deals for their customers, so it is worth checking with them before you purchase.
While in the living room, it’s worth thinking about your sound system and upgrading to smart speakers. Smart speakers can play music, answer questions and even help control other smart devices in your home. They’re particularly handy in the kitchen if you want help with a new recipe, which is where we’re headed next.
Best tech for the kitchen
You’ll appreciate a smart speaker on your kitchen bench – it can read you the recipes and even find new recipes you might like. But smart tech for the kitchen doesn’t end with speakers.
Smart slow cookers are great for help preparing food – you can turn them on while away and have dinner ready for when you walk in the door. Grocery shopping can be made easier with smart fridge magnets that record what you need, or sensors can note what’s gone into the bin to remind you what needs restocking. If you’re trying to lose weight, a smart fork could help you along by monitoring how fast you eat and gently reminding you to slow down if needed.
Best tech for bedrooms
When it comes to getting a good night’s rest, a smart bedroom can be a boon! Smart lights can change the hue of light, cutting down on the blue light in evenings to help you prepare for sleep and increasing it in the morning to dispel sleepiness.
A smart bed and mattress can help you stop snoring, monitor how well you sleep and even adjust to your changing positions in the night for ultimate comfort.
Best tech for security
If you’ve ever left for work wondering if you did lock the front door, a smart lock could be the answer. They’re easy to install and can lock and unlock via an app on your phone.
Smart security cameras will provide additional peace of mind and even let you check up on your pets from the office (or anywhere else).