The smart technology market is booming due to the recent fad surrounding smart homes. And it’s easy to see why. Smart home technology allows for more convenient living.
In fact, 57% of smart home device users believe that they save time. Plus, the advanced systems help save energy and reduce costs within the household. For instance, smart temperature control systems can save the homeowner 50% in energy use.
But as big of a trend as smart homes are, does it mesh well with minimalist living? The short answer is: yes!
Here are three simple tips to help you merge smart home technology with your minimalist lifestyle.
1. Hide your gadgets
Home electronics and smart home technologies will take up plenty of space in your home. While these make for a more convenient home experience, their size and possible cable placement might get in the way of your minimalist aesthetic.
Wires are not the most attractive sight! The easiest thing you can do is hide the wires behind furniture or cleverly placed house decor. Just be sure it matches the overall style. Otherwise, you’ll end up cluttering your house with more items.
In this case, a simple cable concealer goes a long way. Alternatively, you can rework the current architecture of your home to allow for hidden compartments where you can keep the bulkier smart home devices out of sight.
2. Get rid of all the switches
You’ll also want to retain the wide open wall space to stay true to the minimalist aesthetic.
Unfortunately, many smart home systems will require wall-mounted control panels and different remote controllers. An easy fix for this is to install the switches in places that are out of sight.
Another clever solution, and one that is in line with your quest to build a smarter home, is to invest in a smart home speaker and voice assistant.
These gadgets serve as a central control system that you can connect to different smart home features, such as security systems, smart speakers, and lighting.
With them, you won’t need to put up those unsightly control panels on your wall. Plus, they’re voice-controlled, meaning you can take control of your home hands-free.
One great option for a smart home system is the Apple HomePod Mini. It’s a small, compact speaker that can easily fit with your minimalist decor. It comes with Siri, who can help you control your other smart devices, tell you the weather, and even set your personal schedule as you dictate it.
For the more hands-on homeowner, another option is the Google Nest Hub. It has a clean design with a 7-inch screen that can display your daily routine, the weather, and the configurations for your smart home.
3. Invest in smart lights with simple designs
Minimalism relies on a lot of natural light to brighten up the space. But in case you don’t have access to that, it’s a good idea to invest in smart lighting options.
Smart lights come with built-in dimming capabilities that are smooth and precise. And these can be controlled via a switch or a smart app. Remember to opt for quality lighting options that can easily brighten up entire rooms.
This ensures that you won’t need to fit a room with too many light fixtures. Don’t forget to opt for bulbs or lamps with simple designs!
A good choice for smart lighting would be the Philips Hue White & Color. It’s a bright and powerful lightbulb that’s easy to use and has a simple design.
You can pair it directly to your smartphone or with your smart home system.
Another option is the Wyze Bulb, which has a color temperature setting feature that lets you change the hue of its light from warm, neutral, to cold. They’re also some of the most powerful bulbs on the market.
Final Thoughts
As you work towards making your smart home a minimalist’s dream, remember one of the movement’s central beliefs: Quality over quantity.
There are hundreds of different smart technologies available, all of which bring a different set of benefits. But if you want to retain your minimalist lifestyle, you need to know which ones you truly need and which ones will only end up cluttering your home.
For more informative posts about minimalist living and interior design, check out the rest of the blog!