For a long time, technology and classy interior design were almost polar opposites. While there are those who can appreciate the beauty of a server rack or a perfectly angled row of monitors, they are not typically what people associate with a refined style.
However, things have changed a lot in recent years. Technology and design have finally met in the middle. While the iPhone was probably the first example of a modern and beautifully designed mass tech product, there are now so many amazing smart devices you can use that are not only feature-rich but will make your home absolutely gorgeous.
Here are a few key smart home internet strategies along with products that you should consider as you transform your home into an elegant and modern masterpiece.
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Step 1: Start With the Right Foundation
Once you get things like smart thermostats, lightbulbs, cameras, and other tech into their respective nooks, it can be a headache trying to get that untangle to solve a technical or security issue.
Before doing anything, make sure you have a strong foundation for your smart home. Of course, you’ll need a reliable home internet connection to allow all these devices to come to live.
Further, since many smart home devices are not actually WiFi compatible, you’ll need a smart-home hub. These not only organize all the devices you have but enable them to communicate with your home WiFi network so you can control things remotely via your smartphone.
While setting this up, you need to consider security. Hackers routinely target IoT devices because of their relatively low security features as compared to smartphones and computers. Let that sink in for a second. They are even less secure than our phones and computers, which get hacked all the time!
Fortunately, a VPN can greatly increase your security. What is a VPN? A VPN or virtual private network encrypts your internet connection and hides your IP addresses improving cybersecurity and privacy for all devices connected to. The best approach is to install a VPN directly on your router so that all connected devices are protected against these threats.
Finally, test everything before setting it up. If you’re mounting a string of LED lights 20 feet above the floor, it will be much easier to figure out issues before you have to tear them down from the ceiling!
Step 2: Blending Into the Background is Key
Great design is about a natural and effortless look. Your technology should blend right in and accentuate the room around it. There are so many great examples of this.
Whether it’s recessed lighting that you control with your phone or “Frame TV,” which turns into wall art when it’s not in use, you can find excellent ways to subtlety combine technology into your home’s design.
You don’t have to spend thousands either. Smart home design is about making the right decisions. For example, if you have a small space, you can remove the TV entirely and use a projector on an empty wall. It’s not only compact but convenient!
Step 3: Color at Your Disposal
In the old days, technology came in three colors—white, black, and grey. Now, things are available in the entire color spectrum. For instance, you find smart speakers in aquamarine or rose gold. Or you can smart bulbs like the Philips Hue that change color on command.
Don’t forget about the accessories. From cases and chords to everything else, you’ll be amazed at the colors you have to play with.
Image by cloudlynx from Pixabay
Step 4: Don’t Be Afraid to Go Bold
Technology, minimalism, and elegance are the hot design style right now. That means you can let your tech itself be the statement you’re looking for.
Some companies like Samsung and Bang & Olufsen have turned their products into true art works in themselves. The only limit is how bold you want to go and how much you can stretch your pocketbook!
Step 5: Some Tech Should Be Concealed
While certain tech can be a statement, other parts of it just won’t fit into your design. If it doesn’t work with your current style, then don’t force it. Instead, work to create an elegant solution to keep certain items out of sight or harmoniously contained.
Above all, the issue is cords. Chords just make things look messy. While you may not want to invest in creating hidden nooks or rewiring your house, you can take advantage of breakthrough battery technologies.
Battery life on smart speakers, for example, lasts 8-10 hours. That means you may only need to charge certain devices once a week. Having a small out-of-the-way charging corner allows you to position things where you want them, and then hide them away when it comes time to charge.
Now you have everything you need to seamlessly blend technology and design in your home. So, where will you begin?