With the rise of connected devices and home automation solutions, homeowners can now control lighting, temperature, and security in their homes from anywhere. From smart thermostats to connected locks and lighting, today’s luxury home technology is no longer just about convenience. It’s a way to make your home a place you want to spend time in. And while it may seem like another expense at first glance, these upgrades will not only increase the value of your home but also save you money in the long run with reduced energy costs. Read on to discover our top eight luxury home automation ideas that will change your life.
Smart Lighting
One of the easiest ways to start experiencing the luxury of home automation is with smart lighting. Simply install a smart lighting system with smart bulbs and light switches and you can remotely turn your lights on and off, dim them, or set schedules and timers — all from your phone. You can also link your lighting system to other smart home devices, such as smart thermostats, smart security systems, and more. And if you’re looking to add a touch of style to your home, there are tons of stylish designs to choose from — including options like mini pendants and wall sconces. There are many different ways you can set up your lighting system, so you can choose the one that works best for you. You can set up a system that is controlled by a central hub, such as the Amazon Echo or Google Home, or you can set up a system that is controlled by your smartphone.
Security and Monitoring systems
Your home’s security is one of the first things potential buyers and tenants notice. And while you may have wired your home with expensive and dated technology, there are now affordable and stylish home security and monitoring systems that go beyond basic lights and sirens. From indoor and outdoor cameras to smart doorbells and sensors, you can find a home security solution that fits your needs and budget. Many home security systems are also compatible with other smart devices, so you can tie them into your home automation system. You can also add monitoring services that will send you alerts when your home has been broken into or a family member has opened a door. For example, you can receive a notification when your garage door has been opened, which can be helpful for knowing if you need to take out the trash or if someone has broken into your home.
Smart Thermostats
Thermostats may not seem like a luxury, but the newest smart thermostats are impressive pieces of technology. They not only allow you to control the temperature from your smartphone but also learn your habits and adjust settings based on your preferences and schedules. For example, if you’re at work during the day, a smart thermostat can turn down your home’s temperature to save you energy costs. You can also set it up to connect with other smart devices — like a smart lighting system, smart sprinkler system, or a smart security system — to make your home even more automated. In addition to adjusting your home’s temperature, many smart thermostats are also compatible with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa. You can ask Alexa to turn up or turn down the temperature at any time — even when you’re away from home. There are also other smart thermostat brands to consider, such as Honeywell and Ecobee, to give you more options.
Automated Windows and Doors
Opening and closing the windows and doors in your home manually is time consuming — especially when you’re rushing out the door. This is where automated windows and doors come in. Simply install motorized or remote-controlled windows and doors in your home and you can control them from your smartphone — or ask your voice assistant to do it for you. You can also connect them to other smart home devices, such as smart thermostats, smart lighting systems, and more. Many homeowners install automated windows and doors to create privacy or soundproofing in their homes. For example, if you have a baby or toddler and you want to create noise-blocking windows, you can do that by installing remote-controlled windows. This can be beneficial for parents of young children who want to block out noise at night or during nap time.
Co-Located Appliances
Your washer and dryer, refrigerator, and freezer are among the most expensive appliances in your home. Luckily, you can add connected appliances that can help save you money and time. For example, adding smart refrigerators and freezers can help you avoid food waste by reminding you when food needs to be thrown out. You can also connect your refrigerator and freezer to other smart home devices, such as smart thermostats, smart security systems, and more. There are also smart washers and dryers that use sensors to monitor cycles, water and energy usage, and even the health of your clothing. You can even find smart appliances that are designed to look great in luxury homes, such as Bosch and Miele fridges, Whirlpool washers and dryers, and Electrolux freezers.
Smart Home Hub
A smart home hub is a centralized control center, so to speak, for all your smart home devices. By installing a smart home hub, such as a Wink home automation hub, an Amazon Echo Plus, Google Home, or a HomeKit hub, you can control all your smart devices from one place — and even create customizable scenes. Scenes let you control multiple devices with just the touch of a button. For example, you can create a “goodnight” scene that turns off the lights, closes the garage door, and lowers the thermostat. This can save you a lot of time and hassle when you’re rushing out the door in the morning. Many home automation hubs also allow you to set up rules that let you control your devices based on what time it is, where you are, or what’s happening in your home. For example, you can set rules that turn up the thermostat when you leave work or turn down the lights when you go to bed.
Conclusion
When it comes to luxury home technology, you don’t have to sacrifice convenience for cost. Today’s smart home devices are easy to install, affordable, and can be controlled with voice assistants, your smartphone, or even your smart watch. And while you may think these upgrades are out of reach, the average cost of a smart home technology upgrade is about ( price ).
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