Tag Archives: HOME DECOR

7 KEY FEATURES OF A TRUE SMART HOME SYSTEM

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By Gregg Pechmann

Smart home technology has been around for the past decade. However, many of these smart home products were just plug-and-play devices, such as smart speakers, that didn’t deliver the true, connected smart home experience that is available today. But thanks to the adoption of those plug-and-play devices, home buyers are now willing to pay for true smart home solutions that enhance their lifestyle. Here are the key features of smart home systems that are becoming as desirable as the latest countertops and luxury bath fixtures.

Interoperability. Every part of a true smart home system needs to work well with the other parts of the system. The key is that every part, from lighting to HVAC to AV, is part of the same smart home ecosystem, or is from a third party that partners with that ecosystem.

Interfaces. Devices in a smart home system can have a variety of interfaces. There could be a voice user interface—VUI—or a graphical user interface—GUI—such as buttons on a touchscreen. What’s important is that adjusting any part of the connected home should be easily understood by a variety of users. Or an interface might be customized to different people using it at different times, in different rooms.

Automation. These capabilities make smart home living magical—shades opening and closing for cooling, heating, and privacy; hearing your favorite playlist on smart home speakers when you come home; having your indoor lighting adjust to the daylight outside.

AI and Machine Learning Capabilities. Machine learning is the technology that enables devices to log your behavior and adjust their settings accordingly—smart thermostats are a popular example. AI (artificial intelligence) is the technology that allows devices to learn, think, and make predictions. This could be a smart thermostat that would see you put on a sweater and then raise the temperature a few degrees. With these kinds of capabilities, it’s good to reassure buyers that a connected home isn’t a spying robot—it’s only as “smart” as it has to be.

Aesthetics. Smart home technology that’s visible should be pleasing to the eye—flush-mounted speakers, well-designed keypads, flat-panel TVs doubling as digital art displays, for example.

A Hard-Wired Backbone. Many smart home installations can run on Wi-Fi from a single modem-router. Wi-Fi is fine for smartphone and laptop connectivity, and for smart home systems in smaller properties. In larger homes, however, installing a hard-wired backbone is a good idea. These are cables running to wireless access points that result in smoother connectivity. A hard-wired infrastructure also provides a backbone for future system upgrades and property expansions.

An Integrator. This professional knows how to spec, install, and service robust, reliable smart home systems and how to keep them secure. Make sure the smart home system was done by an integrator who is available if needed in the future.

Image: Pexels (Andrea Piacquadio)

Hot Home Trend: Antiquing Your Design

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From Realtor Magazine

Antiques are surfacing in more homes, from nostalgic to modern spaces.
Whether it’s due to the extensive lag time in delivery of custom furniture orders or the trend in retro-meets-modern design, antiques in interiors are on the rise. Interior designers weigh in on how they’re incorporating more antiques into their styles.

A Little Refurbishing
Lead designer Lance Thomas of Thomas Guy Interiors(link is external) recently returned from a two-week trip to France specifically to seek out antiques for his design work.

What he found from his travels: “Although antique trends tend to vary geographically, I am seeing a similar trend in the refurbishing of these pieces,” he says. “Many antiques, especially those derived from oak, are getting bleached before heading back into clients’ homes. I also found that upholstered furniture was getting a textural upgrade with bold velvets and nubby boucle reupholstery, giving old pieces a new lease on life.”

View some of Thomas Guy Interiors’ designs incorporating antique pieces below.

Antique brass fireplace screen

Photo credit: Jen Burner

Antique Italian bamboo dining chairs upholstered in a soft green pinstripe

Photo credit: Jen Burner

Antique seat bench and artwork

Photo credit: Jen Burner

Antique pink sofa and Aubusson rug

Unique Touches
Designer Mary Patton of Mary Patton Design says she’s loving the antique trend, too. “For years, French antiques were trending. Now, midcentury vintage finds are in demand,” she says. “The goal for a well-designed home is to have that sense of interest. Finding a unique aesthetic is an art form, and antiques can do just that.” That unique touch could be anything. For example, Patton says she recently even came across a midcentury rattan fish tank to use in her designs.

Here are some of Patton’s designs incorporating antique pieces.

Antique French chaise with vintage fabric

Photo credit: Molly Culver

Antique dining table that is more than 100 years old

Photo credit: Molly Culver

Antique side table

Photo credit: Molly Culver

Timeless Aesthetic

Mel Bean of Mel Bean Interiors says she’s noticing more clients beginning to appreciate antiques for the depth of character they can add. “I like to use antique furniture, mirrors, or accessories alongside new pieces for a layered and timeless aesthetic, rather than attempting to replicate a historic era entirely,” Bean says. “I like to achieve a blend of both new and older that hits the right balance for each client. In some of our projects, that means mostly modern items with a single antique piece, such as a massive refectory table, for character.”

In some spaces, Bean also uses antiques mixed from various eras and locations all over the world that are brought together with a few timeless upholstered items and modern accessories for a more collected aesthetic.

See some of Bean’s designs incorporating antique pieces below.

Antique refectory table (with two white lamps and painting)

Photo credit: Laurie Glenn

Antique wooden side table (near the white sofa)

Photo credit: Laurie Glenn

Conversational Piece

Designer Jessica Nelson of Jessica Nelson Design in Seattle finds antiques can create more visual interest in a space. She recently used an antique bar cabinet. “This vintage 1950s bar piece is a showstopper,” she says. “It has an amazing black lacquer finish and fits perfectly in this space. It folds open to display our client’s collection of decanters and barware beautifully.”

Photo credit: Carina Skrobecki Photography

Photo credit: Carina Skrobecki Photography

4 To-Do’s For September To Save Money & Get Ready For Fall

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By: Kelley Walters

Now’s the time to stock up on paint.

When it’s hot outside, smart homeowners focus their energies inside on these four tasks. You know, like taking advantage of your nice, cool basement.

#1 ORGANIZE THE BASEMENT
The two most common types of clutter? Old clothes and seasonal items. Just the kind of stuff that winds up in the basement. So this month, face your messy basement head on. Not only will you regain space, but you’ll also save time and could even knock back clutter-related depression. (Yeah, that’s a thing.)

Now that you’ve got it organized, maybe it’s a good time to consider this next project:

#2 FINISH THE BASEMENT
The solution to a cramped house could be right under your feet. Transforming an unfinished basement into a media room, home office — or even a rentable space — builds equity, upping your home’s resale value. Start this project now, and you can kick back and enjoy your new space all winter long.

#3 BUY PAINT ON SALE
July. Not really the time of year you think of painting, right? It’s usually too hot and humid. Probably why so many places put paint on sale this month. Stock up now, and you’ll be ready for that painting project on your fall to-do list. (P.S. Latex and acrylic paint can last up to 10 years; oil-based, up to 15.)

#4 HIT UP RECYCLING CENTERS
Summer is home improvement season. That also makes it the savvy buyer’s time to seek out deals at recycling centers and home improvement resale stores. Since this is project time — not to mention moving season — lots of folks are ditching their old stuff. Take advantage and grab it up at super-low prices.

Image by Pexels