There is no doubt that technology is transforming how we lead our lives. This is extremely relevant when discussing the rise of smart homes. There are currently more than 175 million smart homes found throughout the world. This is a clear indication that the trend is here to stay.
Of course, these innovations have also had an impact on other related sectors such as the interior design industry. Interior designers have realised this and learned to integrate smart home technology/appliances into their interior designs. But how exactly have they done this?
The Notion of “Intelligent” Curtains
Natural lighting provides rooms with a sense of warmth and it is often preferred over artificial fixtures. This is when the concept of intelligent curtain systems becomes even more relevant.
One of the latest smart home trends involves the installation of curtains that open and close on a predetermined schedule. Not only is this a great idea for those who would like to wake-up at a specific time in the morning, it is also a great way to lower your energy bills – as they can also help the home retain heat.
These systems are ideal for those who are keen to embrace a sense of sustainable home decor.
Aesthetically Integrated Home Audio Systems
The concept of wireless technology is certainly nothing new. This approach allows individuals to mount speakers in virtually any location to enjoy a truly immersive experience. Still, traditional speaker configurations can be difficult to integrate with the ambience of an existing room.
One way to address this issue is through “invisible” speakers. In other words, the units themselves are customized so that they blend into the background environment. They will still provide the same effects that audiophiles love without appearing obtrusive or otherwise out of place.
Smart Kitchen Appliances
There are many ways in which we can increase the functionality and aesthetic appeal of a kitchen. Some professional tips include the use of overhead lighting, creating a central countertop and adding a selection of space-saving shelves. Over the years, interior designers have learned to integrate smart appliances extremely well into kitchens.
These clever devices can perform a host of user-friendly options. Smart refrigerators will proactively monitor the condition of food and recommend which products need to be restocked. Intelligent dishwashers use much less water than in the past – offering a truly sustainable edge. From self-cleaning coffee makers and smart water purification systems to automated food composters and mugs that can maintain a specific temperature, the innovations are truly astounding.
Personalised Lighting Solutions
Interior lighting will have a massive impact on how any room is perceived. The good news is that there are many other choices besides fluorescent lamps and incandescent bulbs. One of the most well-known examples can be seen in the form of intelligent LED lighting systems.
The true “intelligence” of these units is associated with the type of light that will be emitted as well as the intensity. For example, studies have shown that shades of blue during the daytime can induce feelings of relaxation while helping us focus (important when we consider how many individuals are now working from home). Of course, these systems can be programmed based on end-user desires and many are accessible through dedicated mobile applications.
Interior designers will therefore need to consider the type of lighting that the client desires as well as how this illumination will affect other nearby elements such as upholstery and wall colours.
Home Automation Solutions
Although this is a rather broad category, it is still crucial to mention when discussing interior design. One of the core tenets of smart technology is personalization. Thus, users have much more control over their options. Here are some interesting examples:
- Thermostats can modify the temperatures of individual rooms.
- Biometric security features such as fingerprint scanners.
- Lights that automatically dim or deactivate when movement is not sensed for a specific amount of time.
- Underfloor (radiant) heating elements that raise or lower the temperature by the number of occupants in a house.
It’s clear to see that modern interior design specialists will consider more when creating the ideal living space. Indeed, they are likely to require a fair amount of knowledge in terms of how smart systems can be employed.
Smart Homes: An Undeniable Trend
There is no doubt that smart technology will continue to evolve and advance. Interior designers should keep up with the latest rends when it comes to smart technology and interior designs. After all, this is the “smartest” strategy!
You can essentially power your smart appliances and technology for free after a few years if you have solar panels installed. For example, if you have solar panels in cork, you pay for them for the first seven years but, any time after that, they will essentially be free or cost very little. That means you can power your appliances for free after a certain amount of time. This of course depends on the initial cost, the installation and maintenance of them.