5 Things You Need to Know About Smart Homes

Smart homes are the future, and they exist now! You can now integrate technology into your home to make your day-to-day life more manageable. There are many ways to automate your home with smart appliances, devices, and apps. As a result, you can fill your home with a surprising number of smart features you may not know exist yet!

Does having a smart home sound complicated and intimidating? We understand that a digital home might not be for everyone, but it is helpful to have all the facts before making the decision one way or the other.

In today’s blog post, we will be sharing the essential components, features, and organization systems surrounding smart homes.  

1. Functional Family Features

Why do you need innovative features in your home? Simply put, they make your life so much easier. Smart home features are nearly endless and continue to grow daily! Smart features are personal. Think about how your family functions, and then decide which features your family would benefit from the most.  

For example, window coverings are almost always specified as automatic in our projects these days. In addition, smart glass is the new privacy curtain for shower partitions and room separators!  

Appliances are now coming with smart features, including refrigerators, washers and dryers, stoves, and even microwaves.  The best part is that most of these convenient smart home features are all controllable through your smartphone or tablet, further streamlining your daily life.

2. Smart Home Have Increased Security

You will probably be connecting most of your smart home features to your home’s Wi-Fi. However, there are often concerns about internet security because the house is constantly connected to the internet.

Make sure you have a password-protected secure network and know the capabilities of each smart device. Avoid 3rd party apps, and make sure you update them regularly. We always suggest working with a smart home professional to set up proper encryption and provide ongoing service.

3. Endless Possibilities

I have seen several different smart devices working in the field with my clients. Some of the cool features that seem to be the most popular are: 

Kevo Smart Locks: Tired of carrying your keys around, or maybe you can't remember if you locked the front door and you are already in bed? Kevo can lock and unlock doors directly from your phone!

Ring Doorbell: Want to see what is going on at your home while you are out? Ring monitors who is at your door and allows you to communicate with the person at the door. You can also connect multiple cameras throughout your home so they can all work together seamlessly.

Honeywell Home: Control the comfort of your home and save on energy costs with Honeywell Home thermostats. You can control the thermostat from your phone so you can cool or warm your home before you arrive home from work. Honeywell Home products meet various needs, from smart Wi-Fi thermostats with room sensors and humidification control to programmable and non-programmable thermostats.

4. Manage the Hub of the Home

No matter the number of smart devices in a home, a designated space for the "main brain" or hub is essential. Make sure you have the professional set up your hub, keep those wires and dials hidden, and everything neatly organized. 

Be sure to check out Eero! Eero is a mesh networking system that offers internet efficiency to reduce network congestion. This smart device allows you to add more devices without slowing down your internet connection. Eero also offers security features to protect your family’s personal information. 

5. Organize Your Devices

Technology-related clutter is real. With all the devices, charging cords, and accessories of each family member, it can be too much to handle. Here are some organizing solutions that are working for us! 

• Create a centralized charging location in the home!  

• Replace some of the outlets throughout the home to include USB connections. 

• If you are putting in a new kitchen or remodeling with new cabinetry, set up charging stations in drawers so that you can't see them.

There are so many great functions that can make your life easier if you consider upgrading your home or building with smart home capabilities. The possibilities are endless and often very practical, not to mention fun!

Have any questions about smart homes or technology organization? Feel free to reach out to us! info@blushinteriordesigns.com

Xoxo,

Jeanelle