It is estimated that there will be more than 12 billion smart devices in homes around the world by next year. This statistic can strike both excitement and fear in the hearts of designers. Up until recently, technology has generally been seen by the design community as a gadget to add to the home after design is complete. Home technology has evolved, however, and designers have more options than ever. Kitchen countertop surfaces feature built-in charging capabilities for mobile devices. Mirrors double as TVs and TVs double as beautiful artwork. Designers should familiarize themselves with tech that can bring new devices together to delight clients. A foundational smart product that will revolutionize the way clients experience their home is a smart home operating system.
A smart home operating system (OS) expertly connects virtually all technology in the home. It can unify hundreds of connected devices and runs them through a single platform for easy control of all home tech. Too many designers have experienced the difficulties of DIY technology when trying to incorporate devices into a design. A smart home OS takes these disparate devices and connects them into one centralized system. This allows clients to access, adjust and automate all home tech with ease.
A Connected Home OS Brings the Home Together
A smart home OS supports and controls products across all categories of electronics, appliances and systems in the home. For example, a system like the Control4 Smart Home OS 3 integrates with thousands of different technology devices and services in the home, including:
- Connected appliances
- HVAC control
- Electric blinds and shades
- Smart lighting
- Security cameras and systems
- Video doorbell and smart locks
- Universal remotes
- Multiroom music and video
- Home cinema and audio control
- Sprinkler systems, pool controls, etc.
Home automation design is particularly important when incorporating kitchen and bath technology as it provides various ways for clients to access the technology. A client with messy hands in the kitchen can use a voice command to adjust lighting, or an early riser can quietly use a bedside keypad to turn on the bathroom lights to a dim 20% so as to not wake his or her partner.
Contact a Control4 Professional
Much like electrical, plumbing or HVAC experts, an Animative Smart Home professional is trained and experienced in designing electronic ecosystems. Bring us in early on a project—we’ll work with you to create a smart home that is comprehensive, reliable and customized. Your home will also require a rock-solid network, so our professionals will make sure the tech infrastructure of your home – or business – is dependable and “future-proof”. We’ll make sure the network and hardware can handle more devices, when you inevitably decide to add them later.
Once the technology is installed and the core programming is finished, an Animative Smart Home pro will teach you how to manage your home to ensure you know how to access and control devices, adjust presets and access automated scenes. We will also provide concierge-style tech support and service for our clients if you ever need to add, remove or change devices.
If you’re ready to elevate your designs with a custom smart-living experience, contact us to help integrate a smart home OS to your project. No matter the size or budget, new construction or old, Animative Smart Home can help!
