WHAT’S NEW
Smart home technology has been steadily on the rise over the last decade, making its way into more products as well as integrating with each other. Convenience, energy saving, and peace of mind are a few of the reasons homeowners are making the switch to smart home products, including lighting. Lighting is an important feature in the home and can be argued as one of the best since it allows us to see at any time of the day.
There are several factors that go into selecting your new light fixtures such as style and size with each room having different needs. Smart home lighting technology gives you the best of both worlds by allowing you to easily control when and how much lighting is in each space. Let’s talk about what smart lighting is, the benefits it brings to your home, and how to blend it all together plus we will highlight some of the new products available to you.
What is smart lighting?
Smart lighting is the new and improved way to light up your home with ease. Smart LED bulbs are equipped with software that allows them to connect with apps or other smart home technology which lets you control them remotely via Wi-Fi. It also enables you to brighten or dim them according to the room’s specific needs with a simple touch instead of the traditional dimmer. With such ease of access, light switches will be in less of a demand as homeowners enjoy the luxury of voice activation through Amazon’s Alexa or Google Assistant. Making the “switch” to smart home lighting gives you ultimate control for you and your family.
Benefits of smart home lighting
Smart home lighting comes with an array of benefits besides the obvious of remote access. They are easy to program, meaning you set the lights to turn on before you come home, such as the entryway or outdoor lighting, so you never have to come home to a dark house. This also works for early morning risers as well, who don’t have to stumble in the dark trying to find the switch. If you left the house in a hurry and wondered if a light was left on, you can easily check via an app and turn it off.
Smart lighting comes with a holiday bonus, too. Connect your lights to a smart outlet plug, and you can program them to turn on in the morning before anyone gets up. Few things can beat waking up to Christmas lights softly lighting up our home. Dimming is another benefit and gives you the choice of how bright you want a room to be, especially as we progress into the evening. Energy savings is a great perk with smart lighting since LED bulbs emit less heat than traditional ones, plus they tend to last longer too.
We know that lighting can impact our mood, which is why varying levels of brightness are a wonderful option with smart lighting. From bright white to warm white, you control how much and when. For a splash of fun and interest, consider including a few colored light options, especially in bedrooms or family areas. If you enjoy a routine and love the idea of having fully customized options for the lighting in your home, smart lighting is made for you.
New products in smart lighting
With its continued rise in popularity, lighting manufacturers are busy designing new and improved light fixtures that are sure to elevate and illuminate your space. Remember that you can transform any current light fixture into a smart light by replacing the bulb though be do recommend confirming this with vintage fixtures just to be safe. Because of this easy change you can immediately enjoy the benefits and bonus that come with it. Some of the top LED smart bulbs include:
- WYZE bulb color: it is compatible with multiple devices, including Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Though it does not come with any special effects it is bright and comes with the usual features such as remote access, scheduling, and timers. The price is affordable and it also comes with an easy-to-use app that even allows you to program it for vacation mode.
- Phillips Wiz smart bulb: for those who enjoy including a touch of color to their light, especially for special events and seasons, this bulb gives you a little more bang for your buck. Along with the expected features like scheduling, it comes with special effects that can mimic a fireplace and save your favorite colors, which saves you time.
- Phillips Hue LED smart kit: if you are just beginning your journey with smart lighting, a kit can be helpful and this one comes with all you need. With multiple smart bulbs included, you can quickly transform your lighting and pair it with the usual devices. It also comes with an almost endless array of color choices plus a smart button, a manual control, with a mounting plate meaning you can place it in a central location or carry it with you as needed.
Using smart lighting in your home
Transitioning from traditional to tech based lighting begins with a bulb and a device such as Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa or even Apple home. Knowing which one will work best for you is important since not all smart light bulbs work with each one. Since each bulb has varying features and color spectrums, be sure to read them carefully before making your final decision. Including a manual control is another bonus since it gives you full access from anywhere in the room from dimming to color tone.
Smart light switches are another way to slowly experience smart technology in the home. Just replace a regular switch with a smart one and you can remotely control the light even if it has regular bulbs. Many homeowners enjoy integrating both of these smart features into their home since it makes it easier to have the right amount of light whenever they need it.
Smart home lighting
Are you ready to make the “switch” and enjoy all the benefits of smart home lighting? From money saving to mood setting, smart lights let you have complete say in how your home is illuminated. It is the ultimate way to fully customize your home no matter where. You will never need to worry if everything has been turned off or of stumbling through the hallway to reach a switch. Visit a local home store to find the perfect one for you.
Click here to learn more about the Role of Smart Lighting in Interiors!
What was once just space to check your email quickly or jot down your to-do list, the home office is now essential for many who work from home. This shift from the nice bonus feature to the necessary has caused many homeowners to reevaluate their current condition, with many finding it lacking. Productivity and efficiency are linked to a functional space that gives you exactly what you need to get the job done. Here we share some tips on designing the perfect office away from the office.
You have been dreaming of a new kitchen for a while, and now the decision has been made to finally bring it to life. Cabinets, lights, faucets, tile, and flooring are all on your to-do list, but what about the kitchen appliances? Have you thought about whether you want a double oven? Two dishwashers? Maybe you want a wide refrigerator, a separate beverage cooler, or a wine fridge? The choice of kitchen appliance you need depends on what is important to you and what will suit your lifestyle. We will share some of our best tips on which appliances are best for your specific needs.
Greenbrook DesignYou need to understand the difference between style, class, and function. Although a house’s style may become outdated, it does not have to lose its class. Every home can remain functional regardless of its style and age.
An old-style home is one thing, but an obsolete home is an entirely different matter. In this article, we outline simple things you can do to pull your outdated home out of the past and into the modern period. You will be able to restore its appeal without giving up the quiet dignity that’s associated with old homes.
Walker WoodworkingYou moved into a house that allows you to have an extra bedroom, or maybe the kids have finally left, and you have a spare room, but now what? We would all agree that it is nice to have a spare bedroom, but should it be a guest bedroom, craft room, home gym, or something else entirely? Extra space is a good thing, but if it goes to waste, it has no value. Take the time to evaluate what you need and what could benefit you the most. A good plan yields excellent results and a space that will benefit you now and add value to your home later. Let’s explore some ideas to help get your creative juices flowing.
The master bathroom is considered a special retreat for the owners, a place of relaxation. Over the years, the design has changed from a garden tub and shower combo to walk-in showers and soaker tubs. Some wonder if both are needed or if one is more essential than the other. We want to explore the pros and cons of each and help you know which one is the best fit for you, or if you should have both.
Walker Woodworking
Greenbrook Design