These days, technology is our friend, making our lives effortless through automation and simplicity. Products designed to help us streamline tasks and flow throughout the day with ease are hitting the market every day; considering Americans spend over 90 percent of their time indoors, and with the persistence of smartphones constantly at our fingertips, it makes sense that homes are adapting to this lifestyle, too. Home-management systems help to streamline the process of maintaining a well-lit, comfortable abode while also providing security and energy maintenance. Here are five ways to leverage technology in your own home.

Speakers photo courtesy of Apple.

1) Voice-Controlled Speakers

With products from Amazon, Google, and most recently Apple, the purpose of “smart speakers” is two-fold: They create a central hub for the whole family by listening and performing like an assistant by linking to various other devices in your home, and they play music like a traditional speaker system. Usually they’re connected to your phone via Bluetooth and respond to your voice with specific commands, allowing you to order a pizza, set a reminder, make a phone call, and even adjust lighting in your house through smart lighting options. 

2) High-Tech Lighting

Speaking of smart lighting, did you know there are specialty lights that reduce your energy intake and connect to your smartphone? Swapping out bulbs for smart LED lights doesn’t only use less energy overall; you can also program them remotely, so if you forget to turn the lights off after you head to work, you can shut them off from your phone. You’ll never waste electricity by leaving the lights on again!

3) Security Systems

Thanks to smart technology, you can get a professional-grade security system without the fees or installation hassles we used to endure. Smart security systems use your smartphone, Wi-Fi, and a small camera to monitor your entire space and give you 24/7 access to the goings-on in your home. They can push an alert right to your fingertips when someone is at the front door or moving inside your home. Plus, these security systems are streamlined, simple to use, and often disguised as sleek and contemporary décor.

©zhu difeng - stock.adobe.com

4) Smart Thermostats

While you inch your way toward a smarter, tech-savvy home, your first step might be incorporating an energy-saving thermostat. The everyday thermostat that was installed in your rental unit before you moved in is more than likely unattractive and difficult to program. Modern thermostats are sleek and eco-friendly—not to mention cost cutting. Equipped with the power to learn your schedule and behavioral patterns, they’re able to adjust according to your habits and maintain your heating and cooling schedule with just a click of a button.

Photo courtesy of Robern.

5) Futuristic Bathrooms

As a brand ambassador for Robern, I get to see some of the great products they offer for bathrooms and powder rooms to make your morning routine seamless. Expertly lighted mirrors provide proper color and hue, so you can be sure you’re blending your makeup well and not a hair is out of place; innovative electrical plugs inside vanity drawers help keep cords off the counter; while charging ports for phones and other devices behind a vanity mirror provide simple solutions to common problems. One of my favorite features is the defogging technology included in the mirrors, so you don’t have to spend an extra moment waiting before you start getting ready.

We may not be The Jetsons in flying cars here in the 21st century, but there certainly is a wealth of technology at our fingertips to make our lives simpler and more efficient. 

By Kerrie L. Kelly, Fasid

Kerrie Kelly; © Style Media Group

 Kerrie L. Kelly is an award-winning interior designer, author, and multimedia consultant. She has authored two books: Home Décor: A Sunset Design Guide, published by Oxmoor House, and My Interior Design Kit, with Pearson Professional and Career Education. To contact her, visit kerriekelly.com or call 916-706-2089.