Integrating smart home technology without compromising aesthetics

Smart home technology uses wireless connectivity to improve the functionality and comfort of our homes. Smart screens, smart thermostats, soundbars, smart lighting and even home security are all examples of devices that can be controlled wirelessly through a smartphone app. 

As smart home technology has progressed, the aesthetics of the design has also taken on greater importance. Smart home designs can now reflect your style without compromising on aesthetics. 

Why Choose Smart Home Technology?

The concept of a smart home is an evolution of the home for the digital age. By connecting common household devices and objects through your home Wi-Fi, you gain greater control. By using an app on your smartphone, you can operate your common household objects wherever you are.

On your way back from work and want to return to a warm house? No problem, adjust the temperature of your smart thermostat remotely. Want to check on your home while away? Not an issue, smart door security will monitor comings and goings and keep you updated. Want the lighting to indicate someone is at home, again not a problem as smart lighting can be set to a schedule.

A smart home can be safer and more convenient as well as offer the possibility of saving you money on energy when running common household devices.

In the early days, a prime sticking point in adopting smart home technology was the concern over style and having to compromise on aesthetics. However, this is a thing of the past. Smart home designs are as integral a part of smart home technology today as functionality and convenience.

Integrating Smart Home Designs

Smart home technology is far less obtrusive than when the concept first came to market. Advancing design techniques have removed the need for ugly wires everywhere, countless remote-control devices, and obvious wall-mounted operating panels.

To maximise the benefits of a smart home - while still achieving the aesthetics you desire for your home - requires the consideration of four main steps.

1. What Do You Want Your Smart Home Technology to Achieve?

Before considering the stylistic qualities of any smart devices, you first want to consider the main objectives you desire from them. Functionality and convenience are two of the primary driving forces behind the increasing popularity of smart tech in the home.

However, delving deeper, you need to consider what you want to function better in the home. What would make home life a little easier? Is it entertainment, comfort, security, reducing energy use, or a combination of several factors? Which smart devices will you actually use?

When you have highlighted the household objects you would like to upgrade with smart technology, then you should consider the smart home ecosystem that will connect all your smart devices and allow you to control them from a single app. Apple, Google and Amazon remain among the major players in this field.

If you have an older house, you should check that the wiring does not need upgrading to cope with higher-tech devices.

2. Think About Device Location

The objects and devices in a room will always draw the eye. Therefore, when considering the aesthetics of smart home designs, where you position them is key.

Fortunately, the range of smart products now available is quite extensive and provides all manner of styles and preferences. Smart tech devices are often much sleeker and can be easily positioned without becoming the central feature of the room.

Similarly, consider the placement of a smart thermostat or smart lighting so that they enhance the comfort of your home -- as well as offer convenience of use without becoming a focal point in themselves.

The wireless nature of smart home connectivity removes all the messy wiring of days gone by. Another bonus in tech development is one app centralizing the control of your smart devices instead of a myriad of remotes that you find you misplace on a regular basis!

3. Match the Smart Device to Your Home Decor

The range of smart devices and designs also allows you to match the product to your preferred décor. For instance, smart speakers offer a range of styles and colours that allow you to integrate them without having to compromise on the aesthetics of a room. Sleek speakers can fit in with your existing décor when placed on tables or shelves.

Home entertainment will be at the top of the list for many when it comes to smart tech. For those who don’t want their television to be the focal point of the room, smart design allows you to hide them when not in use or even unfurl them when it is time to view your favourite program. They could also screen artwork when not in use.

Your chosen furniture could be multifunctional, with sofas that contain integrated speakers and side tables that house built-in wireless charging stations.

Ultimately, you do not have to forego the aesthetic style of a room in order to install smart home technology. The developing range of smart products allows you to consider functionality and design to the same degree so that your home has the look and feel you always wanted.

4. Future-proof Your Smart Tech Devices

Once your house is kitted out with the smart tech you require and in an aesthetically pleasing manner, the last thing you will want is to regularly replace it to keep up with developments in modern technology. 

Therefore, considering future adaptability in your smart home system is important. Technology constantly evolves. To try and stay one step ahead look to choose smart devices that are compatible across multiple home ecosystem platforms. This should mean they are easier to update or upgrade when necessary.

You do not have to compromise on aesthetics to enjoy the added functionality and convenience of smart home technology. Smart home designs allow you to seamlessly blend smart devices in with your home décor. Smart lighting controlled from anywhere via an app on your smartphone can then set the perfect ambiance. Smart tech combines innovation and aesthetic beauty to enhance a home’s comfort, security, reduced energy demands, and overall style.