2018 was a big year in home automation, and you may even have an “assistant” in your home. If you’re like me, you want to understand how these tools offer real-life value. I like to call it the “does it improve my quality of life” factor. If it’s fun, or a cool gizmo, I don’t underestimate its value, I simply decide that I don’t need it in my life. I wanted to show you some of the newer options in home automation that help you, add comfort, saves money, or offers peace to your life. A few highlights:
Home Security
Everyone wants to feel safe in their home, and there are many affordable options available on the market to help achieve this, click here to read about them and the investment costs.
If you’re not in the market to have a full security system, yet you would like to know who is at your front door, the Ring Door View Cam can be used if you live in an apartment or a place you own. It fits into your existing peephole; therefore not requiring hard-wiring or cutting. It offers a camera with high res imaging and motion detection, 2-way talk, and there is a companion app so you can see what is going on when you are away.
Energy Efficiency
Programmable thermostats have been on the market for a while, and they continue to add features and integrate them into security systems and house assistants. The benefits of a programmable thermostat are that you save money and energy by programming your schedule. Always maintain the right temperatures to maximize your desired comfort, I can’t imagine living without this device. Click here to learn more about the many options available.
Hiding or Decorating with large TV displays
In the past, I have written decorating articles on how to hide or decorate around your large TV display. Manufacturers realize that people don’t want to look at a big black spot in their room and have developed products to address this need. LG is offering the OLED 4K Smart TV that is rollable, and when not in use it rolls into a rectangular frame. Samsung offers The Frame which can be a TV when in use or a piece of art when it is not.
In the Kitchen
I love this idea, and I think it would be a fantastic gift for a new homeowner or newlyweds. KitchenAid Smart Display with the Google Assistant has a 10†display, offers all the Google Assistant benefits, plus ties into the Yummly app for step-by-step cooking instructions. If you are a messy cook, and the smart display gets splattered, it’s water-resistant, and the marketing material says it can be put under a running faucet to clean. Fantastic!
Looking forward to:
The color of your light bulbs change the look and feel of a room. At the Computer and Electronics Show (CES 2019) held in January, Sengled announced that they will be releasing a 100W A19 1500 lumens LED bulb (fits in the lamps you own now) that offers a soft and bright light. They are predicting early Q2 for release. I’m curious how these bulbs will look in a room and love the idea that they can be combined with a module to dim the lights.
Look forward to more articles about new technology in the bathroom and kitchen in the upcoming months. For all your home design and decorating needs, home staging requirements, or color consultations give me a call 610.955.8202 or email for a consultation!
By Debbie Correale, founder and owner of Redesign Right, LLC. You can learn more about her at RedesignRight.com. Find her on Facebook.com/RedesignRight, Twitter@RedesignRight, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Houzz, Google+ and Instagram. Feature photo from Pixabay.