Life, Styled
Whether you’ve recently purchased a new construction house or you happen to live in a historic home, there are several things you can do to make your home more technologically advanced. From unique features on kitchen appliances to the latest security accessories, where do you begin when upgrading to a smart home? Read on for some tips, tricks, and easy hacks that will help you discover how to make your housework harder and smarter for you.
Smart Home Trends and New Technologies
If you’re considering creating a smart home, there’s certainly no shortage of incredible technologies. One of the most tried-and-true products that can make your home more efficient is smart lighting. These modern light bulbs, lighting systems, and accessories have been around for years, and they’re an easy way to upgrade any space to make it more modern. Smart lighting can change colors, turn on and off, and perform other functions with just the press of a button or the sound of your voice. The same applies to other appliances in your home, like surround sound speakers, thermostats, and security systems. And, while these are starting to be considered “old school” products, new developments are making them more streamlined than ever.
As for trends in home technology, there’s certainly no shortage of new products and ideas. Today’s updated versions of innovative products are more efficient and easier to use than ever before. They’re also much safer than some of their previous counterparts. What once required manual programming is now automatically plug-and-play for most items. Combinations of buttons can now be controlled faster with just the sound of your voice. Even innovative irrigation systems are being developed and sold, making watering your lawn and garden an easy task with minimal effort required. Thanks to these new developments in smart home technology, you can easily enjoy what you know and trust with more straightforward operation than ever before.
Features That Make Life Easier
From productivity apps on your smartphone to a home security system, today’s smart home products are designed to make your life easier. You can even save money with some of these products since many are specially designed to make your home more energy-efficient. Let’s break down some of these items on a task-by-task basis so you can determine which ones will suit your needs and lifestyle.
Productivity
Whether you work from home or need some help to make your life more productive, there are several things you can do to get more out of every day.
- Apps: With a simple download to your smartphone or tablet, you can enjoy improved productivity. Apps like Slack are perfect for collaborating with coworkers and clients from afar. And while having a paper agenda is still great, calendar apps like Google Calendar make keeping appointments in one place easy. There are even apps designed to improve your level of focus and creativity.
- Wi-Fi Enhancers: If you’re having problems with your Internet connection, a Wi-Fi enhancer can help. These products are a cinch to install, and you’ll notice faster Internet speeds and better signal, even if you’ve been struggling in the past. This smart home product is perfect if you work from home or live in a rural area with a weak signal.
- Smart Appliances: Even your refrigerator can help you be more productive these days. Look for a “smart fridge” with a screen built into the door that allows you to make grocery lists, look at your calendar at a glance, and collaborate with family members.
- Smart Vacuums: Keeping your home clean can take a lot of precious time. Consider a robot vacuum that can do most of the work for you. These excellent smart home products “learn” your home’s layout and can easily transition from carpet to solid floors to clean up dirt, dust, and debris. It’s a great product for busy people who don’t have the time or energy to worry about daily vacuuming.
Security
Smart security products are some of the best things you can purchase for your home. These items give you more control over your home and improve your sense of security, no matter where you are.
- Smart locks and cameras: For the ultimate home security, use a smart lock that you can control from anywhere. These durable locks also monitor whenever someone comes in and out of the home, and you can assign users to operate the lock when you’re out of town. Cameras are another essential product that can keep your home and family safe. Look for cameras that include an app so you can remotely monitor activity in and around your home, no matter where you are.
- Gates: If you have kids or pets, you want to keep them as safe as possible. Look for automated gates to keep Fido in until you’re ready to let him out. Many of these newer gates can be opened and closed remotely with the push of a button.
- Baby Monitors: The concept of baby monitors has been around for a long time, but today’s version is more convenient than ever. HD cameras offer a clear, crisp resolution, and you can download an app to watch your little one from another room without getting up from your chair.
- Safe Outlets: Babyproof your home with smart outlets to prevent injuries. Try a pop-out outlet that recesses into the walls so your baby or toddler can’t get their little fingers inside.
- Cybersecurity: Aside from home security to keep you safe, it’s important to consider cybersecurity, too. Identity theft protection is available from a wide range of services, and it will alert you whenever someone tries to access your account or use your private information to steal your identity or credit. You can also install software on your PC or Mac to prevent viruses and hackers from affecting your computer and your information.
Cutting-Edge Entertainment
Today’s consumer wants fast access to entertainment at all times. There are plenty of exceptional, innovative tech products and apps you can find to enhance your home entertainment experience.
- Video Games: New consoles from Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo feature larger memory capacity so you can immerse yourself in a realistic world. These cutting-edge consoles are in conjunction with new games that feature realistic worlds and characters. You can even interact with others as you play, making video games a more social experience.
- Smart TVs and other Gadgets: High-tech smart TVs can make your dumb TV set smarter. These televisions have a crisp, clear picture and usually include built-in apps to give you streaming and on-demand entertainment whenever you want it. Products like the Amazon Fire TV Stick can be supplemented with your smart TV so you can watch almost anything at home, whenever you want.
- Apps: Most entertainment services include an app for taking your entertainment with you when you’re on the go. These apps are easy to use and link to your account, so you can watch your favorite shows and movies anywhere, anytime.
Energy Efficiency
One of the most important ways to create a smart home is by using more efficient products. Whether you’re into saving water or money on your energy bill, energy-efficient products can help.
- Energy-Efficient Products and Appliances: Today’s major appliances use less water while still providing the necessary functionality. Look for washing machines that use less water to clean clothes and refrigerators that keep food cold without using a lot of power. Look for the Energy Star logo to be sure you choose products and appliances that will help you save money and the planet.
- Smart Lights: LED smart lighting lasts longer and costs less to operate. Look for new smart lighting to integrate into your home, and watch your energy bill decrease.
- Solar Energy: If you really want to save, consider switching to solar energy. It’s the most eco-friendly way to enjoy the comforts of home without straining the power grid. Talk to a local solar company about having panels installed on your roof and watch the savings roll in.
Greenbrook DesignMaking the decision to open our own showroom was not done overnight. It began as the answer to a need for our clients. They needed a place where they could come and explore the possibilities that awaited them for their home renovation. It was important to our owners, Travis and Stacey Walker, that their clients could see and feel the products, enhancing their design experience. As the idea became a reality, the Walkers realized the added benefit of having more than just cabinets featured in the showroom. Greenbrook Design is proud to be an authorized dealer for not just four lines of cabinetry but multiple home furnishings and decor companies like Europe 2 You and Moe’s. Get a peek inside the showroom here and listen to Stacey share her vision of the showroom.
We have all witnessed the transformation this past year, bedrooms become offices, kitchen tables become classrooms, and your basement doubles as a home gym. The problem is that most of these spaces were not ready to accommodate double duty. Multifunctional means one area of the home can handle multiple duties, while this sounds great, no one wants it to look like it’s a three-in-one, which is where good design comes into play. Selecting furniture pieces that can serve several purposes or planning a layout that can fulfill multiple needs is key to creating a home that suits your family’s unique lifestyle and routine. Let’s discuss what goes into designing these spaces and how you can make the most of the space you have.
Walker WoodworkingDesign is more than just creating a layout that is functional and beautiful; it is about turning a house into a home that has an atmosphere just right for you. A functional home is good, but a home where you feel at home is best, which is the end goal for every designer. One way to have a welcoming environment is to draw inspiration from nature, which is a trend that is gaining momentum in the design world.
Walker Woodworking When you think of a closet, you envision a space within a room that opens with a door. For some, it means enough room to hang up clothes or store larger items. It has, however, evolved to become much more than a mere stash and go-to spot for necessities. From hall closets to pantries to linen and bedroom closets, they serve multiple purposes. Today, it can be a mini dressing room, a place to keep all the kids’ sports equipment, and even a place of meditation ( really, it’s a thing). It is a great way to gain extra storage in the bedroom for personal items and is considered an extension of the home.
Walker Woodworking Are you feeling like something needs to change inside your home? Tired of the same old decor pieces greeting you when you come home? Maybe your taste in style has changed, and you’re looking for a little update? The good news is you don’t have to do a full-blown renovation to achieve your goal; sometimes, it takes a little freshening up to update your home.
Greenbrook Design