While there are a slew of creative ways to deal with power cords, wires, remotes, and plugs, it can be a design dilemma. Creating a beautiful space takes work and the clutter that comes with electronics can put a damper on the aesthetic. A lot of clients want a huge TV in every room and it can be hard to work around. After reading up on home control, I reached out to Alpha Integrated, an expert in Vancouver home automation. Here are some tips for keeping your devices in check:
Photo via Emily A. Clark.
Much better:
Photo via Houzz.
Advances in technology have brought easy all-in-one interfaces to the table. Systems, such as Control4, allow you to go wireless and use one remote to control nearly all of your devices. Not only can you incorporate televisions, sound systems, and other modern day essentials in a sophisticated manner, it’s also a way to go green by reducing energy use.
Home automation means electronics and systems will work together seamlessly through a remote controller, keypad, mounted or portable touch screen, laptop, tablet, and even smart phone. Homeowners can integrate everything from thermostats, home security, video, music, lighting, pools, sprinkler systems, and more. As an added bonus, you can monitor your property, switch on the air conditioner, and man your alarm remotely.
Here are some things to consider when diving into the world of home automation:
Interfaces:
Photo via Houzz.
The Control4 7-inch Portable Touch Screen
Portable touch screens can be extremely convenient if you’ll be going from room to room. When entertaining, you can use the sleek tablet for adjusting media systems, climate control, and creating an ambiance with lighting both indoors and out.
Low-profile controllers can be mounted on walls in inconspicuous areas. There are options with motion detecting cameras for those who would like to enhance security.
Can’t give up your remote? Opt for a device that is the epitome of the universal remote. Compact and powerful, it can replace all of your separate remotes.
Wireless and wired keypads are customizable and come in a variety of colors and finishes to match your decor.
Because you can integrate your smartphone, laptop, or tablet, you can also take advantage of home automation on-the-go. You no longer have to worry that you may have left the garage door open or forget to turn on your alarm. On cold days, switch on the heat as you’re leaving the office. Own a vacation home? Use your smartphone to keep an eye on your property and bring it to life when you’ll be visiting.
Planning Your Project:
Customize home automation according to your budget and needs. Take into account physical limitations, your entertaining habits, which rooms you’d like to streamline, and which electronics you use the most. Automate your entire home or stick to the basics like the living room and master bedroom. What are your goals? Are you more interested in aesthetics, security, function, going green or all of the above? Your technician can help you build your system as your situation changes over time.
Go Wireless:
With home automation, you will no longer have to actually touch an object to control it. If your a technophile with a collection of gadgets, add wireless connectivity to anything. You’ll achieve a clean look. Functional furniture, such as blinds, can also be integrated for convenience.
Features:
Features like a “Goodnight” button, will automatically lower the blinds, turn off lights, shut down televisions and gaming consoles, and lock the doors when you’re ready to go to bed. “Away” mode is excellent for energy efficiency. You can make sure all non-essentials are powered down, adjust the temperature, and switch on the alarm system. You can also choose features that keep you in the loop while you’re away. Receive a text message if your child doesn’t return home after school, there’s a problem in the laundry room, or anything in your home is on the fritz. Take the sting out of waking up in the morning by configuring your system to heat up the house and gradually turn on lights and raise the shades before your alarm goes off. Create a smart home that works for you!
Wires and plugs used to be the bane of an interior designer’s existence. By looking into different interfaces, this is a problem of the past. Function and beauty can coexist. Enlisting the help of an experienced technician ensures that an integrated home automation system will be easy to install, compatible with your home regardless of age, and unobtrusive.
In the past, home automation systems were costly and confusing to use. However, the advent of intelligent devices makes the new systems user-friendly and easier on your wallet. The savings on utility bills can actually be worth the price tag. Automate your home or business and gear your plan toward your lifestyle, whether you’re a jet setter, busy parent, or love to host parties.
Have you tried home automation? How do you coordinate devices without the associated clutter?
