Smart Home Technology We Can’t Live Without

Imagine this for a moment… It’s an unusually hot summer afternoon in the Bay Area. As you leave the office, you adjust your home’s thermostat from your phone, cooling the home down for your arrival. When you walk in the front door, you can smell the fresh scent that tells you your Roomba just finished its daily vacuum. Then, your child runs by you, drops their backpack, and asks Alexa to turn on their favorite playlist. Suddenly, your phone chimes that you left your front door unlocked. With one tap, it’s locked.

Okay, are you as amazed as I am? Twenty years ago, this would have been a far-fetched plot in a made-for-TV movie. (Fact check: It was.) But now, it’s a realistic scene in homes across the world. Why? 

Because smart home technology really does make life easier, saves time, and creates room for more of whatever is most important to you. So whether you’re already a believer or are still waiting to dip your toe into smart home technology, this week’s list of favorites has something for everyone…

1. Samsung Frame TV

What It Is: The Samsung Frame TV is exactly what it sounds like – a TV that doubles as art! It’s available in a range of sizes (43” to 75”), making it easy to find one that matches the scale of your room. 

Why We Love It: Have you ever met a designer who loves an enormous black square on the wall? Me neither. Thankfully, Samsung has come up with a great solution. As they say, “TV when it’s on, art when it’s off.” 

The Frame TV gives you access to over 1,400 works of art from galleries around the world. So you can swap out the image depending on your mood or the season. Different frame options also make this display an actual piece of art. Beautiful, practical, and easy.

2. Motorized Window Treatments

What It Is: Energy-efficient window treatments that are easily operated from your phone? Sign me up. We particularly like Somfy Motorized Window Treatments, which offers shades or drapes, indoor or outdoor, on a motorized track. 

Why We Love It: Have you ever woken up with the sun but craved a few extra zzz’s? Skip the hassle of getting up to close the drapes and simply press a button as you’re half-asleep. Lazy? Nope. Smart. 

Other advantages include being able to control those hard-to-reach shades, like the ones positioned behind a sofa or on a high wall, as well as offering temperature control during the hottest or coolest parts of the day.

3. Kasa Smart Light Dimmer

What It Is: Kasa Smart Light Dimmer is dimmable lighting you can control from your phone. It’s easy to install, and you can group your home’s lights together and sync them all with a single tap. Yep, one button for all of your lights. In addition, it integrates with Alexa and Google Assistant, so voice commands are also an option.

Why We Love It: Having your home on dimmers gives you the flexibility to set the mood whenever you want. Whether it’s a dinner party or your child’s midnight snack, this switch lets you select the right atmosphere. Best part? You don’t have to get up or even be at home to make the adjustments.

4. Nest Learning Thermostat

What It Is: Nest Learning Thermostat is a thermostat (surprise) that learns your daily living patterns and adjusts according to your movements. They also offer a Nest Temperature Sensor that you can install in certain rooms to ensure that they remain at a comfortable temperature.

Why We Love It: Have you ever forgotten to adjust the thermostat before leaving for a couple weeks? It happens. Fortunately, the Nest Learning Thermostat can adapt to your home’s climate even when you’re not there. It also helps you optimize energy usage to lower your electric bill. I’ll take it.

5. Miele Smart Oven

What It Is: The Miele Artline Smart Oven is a handleless oven that’s better at cooking than I am! With tons of features, you’re sure to impress your family and friends with delicious, perfectly cooked meals. Seriously.

Why We Love it: This oven gives you ultimate control because you can (again) manage it from your phone. Again, this is a blessing for the busy…like those of us who realize we left our ovens on when halfway to picking up our kids from school. With the Smart Oven, simply open your app and turn it off. Even better? It wirelessly senses internal food temperatures. No more guessing on Thanksgiving! The in-laws are going to be thrilled about this one.

And that’s a wrap — 5 options for smart home technology for several corners of the home. Which will you pick? 

Until next time, 

Melanie