6 Ways to Turn Your House into a Smart Home of the Future

There was a time not so long ago when smart rooms, voice commands, and AI were reserved only for Sci-Fi shows like Start Trek: TNG. Well, it turns out the 24th century came by much faster than we hoped for. These days, the smart tech has become so affordable and so widely accessible any house can be home can be easily turned into your very own USS Enterprise.

Well, sans the FTL speed of course.

So, if you have always dreamed of turning your house smart and getting the taste of the futuristic life you were promised as a kid, now’s the time to do it. Here are a couple of tips to help you along the way.

Start with the smart lighting

Putting aside the smart lighting fixtures are incredibly cool, useful, and can work independently from other home systems, this upgrade can also produce considerable energy savings so it makes a very good foundation for all of your future efforts. Another perk that comes to mind is the ability to turn the lights on and off while you are away from home which creates the illusion the house isn't vacant and sends away curious burglars. All you need now is a couple of motion-activated outdoor lights and you’re good to go.

Pick your go-to personal assistant

At the moment the three main options you have to choose from are Google, Alexa, and Siri all of which come with some pros and cons. In terms of general knowledge, making reservations and similar chores Google represents the most versatile solution. On the other hand, being tied to Amazon's online empire makes Alexa the best pick for entertainment and online shopping. Finally, although it doesn't perform these tasks on the same level, Siri is best integrated with Apple's services so if you are a loyal user that's the obvious pick for you.

Get yourself a smart life kit

Some people like to build their smart homes from the ground up and pick all of the IoT components they are going to use. But honestly getting a smart home system kit is so much easier. These bundles usually come with top-tier devices like smart cameras, smart plugs, alarms, and door and window sensors, so they pack all you need to get your smart home get off the ground. However, if you are going to use these components with some third-party or preexisting hub be sure to check are all the devices compatible.

Connect to a smart hub

Speaking of the hub these components are incredibly useful so it’s more than recommended to get one in your living room. Essentially smart hubs put all of your IoT devices and virtual assistants under the same roof and allow you to control all of them without having to switch between dozens of different apps. What’s even better, smart hubs also allow you to create customized, automated routines (e.g. turning the music on whenever you use the kitchen) so your life is made as streamlined as you can possibly get.

Replace the old appliances

Smart capabilities have long since strayed from the world of gadgets and found a way into our kitchens so why wouldn't you bring some of that AI in your kitchen as well? Like always the choices are plentiful and you can find some cheaper entries like smart trash cans for less than $100. Installing some of the biggest appliances like vacuums and refrigerators will, naturally, cost more but all these new devices also come with a killer ENERGY STAR rating so if you have already thought of canning your old appliances this is a perfectly good way to go.

Make use of solar energy

Yeah, is there anything more futuristic and smart than ditching the traditional energy sources and doing something good for the environment? Solar technology is the tech of the future and hooking up your house to this renewable source will solve most of the energy problems that are expected in the near future. Granted, although the tech has become more affordable it still entails considerable upfront costs but the investment more than pays off, and government rebates and incentives should make a purchase at least a bit easier.

In the end, we have to point out that these few mentions are only the tip of the iceberg – smart tech is evolving too fast to make putting all the smart home upgrades in one article possible. But, they do offer a good place to start. The tech world is working 24/7 to make our lives more enjoyable and simpler, and faster so there’s no point in waiting to jump on the bandwagon. The future is finally here and you only need to reach out and take it.

Guest Post - How to Overhaul Your Home with a Sustainable Style Makeover

Is your home long overdue a makeover? Renovating a property can be an enjoyable and richly rewarding design project. However, before you dive headfirst into your renovation planning, think about how you can use this as a chance to improve your green credentials.

An eco-friendly makeover won't just help you reduce your carbon footprint, it can also help you save money on energy bills throughout the year. There are countless things you can do to ensure your renovation is an eco-friendly one. Below are just a few ideas to help you on your way.

Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Supplies

Before you start planning a green renovation, focus on everyday changes that can make a big difference. One of the surest ways to ensure your home is sustainable is to reassess the cleaning supplies you're using.

Whether you're planning a spring clean or keeping on top of the daily chores, consider switching to eco-friendly cleaning solutions. The average surface cleaner contains dozens of harmful chemicals that are hazardous to health. If you suffer from asthma or allergies, consider making the switch to cleaning products containing only natural ingredients.

Natural cleaning products aren't just only better for your health, they're also kinder to the environment. The toxic compounds found in things like washing detergent and dish soap can easily pollute groundwater if not disposed of correctly.

Cleaning product packaging is also something to think about. Many of us don't take the time to rinse out and recycle containers, throwing them straight in the trash instead. If you're planning on improving your green credentials, make sure you're fully embracing recycling. Things like dishcloths and dusters can't be recycled. To save them from ending up in landfills, switch to biodegradable alternatives instead.

Use Sustainable and Recycled Materials

When overhauling your interiors, it's tempting to buy materials. Reclaimed materials are a far better option if you're looking to reduce your carbon footprint. Reclaimed wood is a particularly eco-friendly material, lessening the strain on sustainable forests. What's more, reclaimed wood is rich in natural character.

Unlike many composite and man-made materials, reclaimed wood is incredibly durable and hard-wearing. If your makeover budget is on the small side, reclaimed wood is an expensive choice of material. You can use it to construct unique pieces of furniture, replace old flooring, or even in building construction.

Choose Engineered Wood Flooring

Flooring often represents a big expense when tackling a home makeover. To ensure you're getting a floor that will stand the test of time, think carefully when choosing materials.

Materials like carpet and vinyl have no place in an eco-friendly home. Hardwood tends to be the preferred choice for those looking for a premium finish. However, just because it's a natural material, doesn't mean it's particularly eco-friendly.

If you're purchasing virgin wood, make sure it's been sourced from sustainable forests. For maximum durability, it's best to go with engineered wood flooring instead. This innovative material combines a robust core with a thin hardwood veneer. The result is a particularly hard-wearing flooring material that's easy to maintain. What's more, because only new wood is required for the veneer layer, manufacturing this material results in minimal environmental impact.

Kit Out Your Home with Forever Furniture

You need to be cautious when selecting furniture for your home makeover. Although chain retailers provide inexpensive suites and room sets, making a saving on these items isn't particularly eco-friendly.

Once you've taken care of more major renovation tasks, start thinking about what furniture you can recycle for future use. If an old dining table or shelving unit has seen better days, think about upcycling it before sending it off to a landfill.

In many cases, a simple sanding job or a fresh lick of paint is all a tired piece of furniture needs. Approach restoration and upcycling projects to stamp your personality on your new space. If your rooms are still looking rather barren, be economical when sourcing new pieces.

Go online to find unwanted furniture that is being offered free to a good home. It's also worth exploring your local thrift stores to find vintage pieces being sold at bargain prices. If you have any reclaimed wood left over from your construction projects, you can also transform this surplus material into bespoke furniture pieces.

Improved Air Quality

When it comes to picking out the perfect shade for your walls, avoid selecting paint that contains volatile organic compounds. These toxic compounds are omnipresent and, when applied in the form of paint to interior walls, can significantly reduce the air quality within your home.

When shopping for paint, take the time to read the label thoroughly. Although paints containing VOCs are still commonplace, you'll find many health-friendly alternatives on the market. Organic paints are a particularly good choice as they contain little or no VOCs. Instead of volatile compounds, these paint products make use of plant and food-based ingredients to produce eye-catching colors that will bring your rooms to life.

Rethink Interior Lighting

Reconfiguring interior lighting is a key part of any makeover project. Take some time to consider your options here, as choosing the right type of lighting can help you slash your energy consumption and save you a considerable amount of money on fuel bills.

Older lighting fixtures should be replaced entirely. It can be hard to say goodbye to period features, but older fixtures are limited by energy-intensive bulbs and inefficient wiring. If your budget allows, you can always consider retooling older fixtures to bring them in line with modern standards.

When it comes to choosing new lighting, always opt for energy-efficient ceiling fixtures, lamps, and free-standing lights. You'll also need to ensure any fixture you choose is compatible with LED bulbs. 

Making Sustainable Style Choices

An eco-friendly home makeover doesn't need to be restrictive. Many of the suggestions outlined above are as beneficial to your bank balance as they are for the environment.

Making use of reclaimed materials is one of the easiest ways to ensure your makeover is an environmentally friendly one. If you do need to purchase new materials, always ensure you're buying them from sustainable suppliers.

Furnishing your home is another area where you can stamp out waste and curb costs. Avoid buying brand new items and focus on restoring and upcycling older pieces instead. Looking to fill a larger floor plan? Thrift stores and online ads are bursting at the seams with free items and bargain buys.

Finally, don't overlook the little things. Choose paints that are low in VOCs if you want to breathe easy in a home with improved air quality. Need to install new flooring? Opt for engineered wood and ensure you're using non-toxic adhesives when it comes to installation. 

Author Bio:

This article was written by Martin O’Callaghan of Wood Flooring Ireland. Martin has over two decades of experience designing bespoke engineered wood flooring such as herringbone flooring for households and businesses.

Renovations That Will Make an Old Home Look New

While the United States may not be as old as other countries, we still have no shortage of older houses, especially in New England. If you live in one of these older homes and want to bring it into the modern era, consider some of these renovations that will make an old home look new.

Update the Bathroom

The bathroom is a good place to focus your efforts because it’s typically where your day starts. Some older homes also have restrooms that use carpeting or linoleum floors, which is never ideal. In an environment that often gets wet, such moisture can ruin linoleum or fester in carpets until mildew and mold take hold. Consider trending designs with tile instead for a bathroom that’s both stylish and much more practical. Tiles are nonporous, meaning water, dirt, and other contaminants can’t get stuck on their surfaces. Cleaning and maintenance for tiles are thus so much easier.

Refresh the Kitchen

Have you ever considered how much time you spend in the kitchen or how old your appliances are? An easy renovation that will make an old home look new is replacing your current, outdated appliances with modern ones. This may seem costly at first, but it will save you money in the long run because modern appliances are much more efficient and less wasteful due to advances in technology. Tile can also come into play once more to give your kitchen sink a sleek new backsplash that accents the walls beautifully.

Improve First Impressions

The entryway is the first impression your guests receive when they enter your home. For many people, renovating the entire house is probably not viable. So, instead, focus on devoting the time and effort to renovate the entryway. This will do wonders for changing the perception of your home to something a bit newer and more stylish that’s in line with modern housing trends. Painting alone is a great way to update the entryway and make it look new and fresh. This is especially true because the paints of eras past were different from the vibrant paints of today.

The 4 Types of Wall Finishes and Which Would Be Best for Your Home

A pleasing home is one with many great details in place. One of the most important is the right choice in wall finishes. All rooms need to look and feel inviting. If you're not sure where to begin, our company can help. We know precisely how to create pleasing wall finishes based on details such as the application of color theory. Below are four types of finishes you could choose from.

Flat

One of the single most important things to understand when it comes to interior painting choices is that paint finishes have certain amounts of shine to them. Flat paint has a lot of uses. It provides a lot of coverage on walls. However, flat paints are not as durable as other kinds of paints. This one can easily crack and chip. It's best to keep this one to areas that don't get a lot of traffic. Use it on your ceiling as you're far less likely to touch that space on a daily basis.

Eggshell

Another option is what is known as an eggshell. Eggshell paints have just a bit more luster than flat paints. This is a good choice when you need to cover flaws with your existing walls. This is an ideal choice as they are more durable than standard flat finishes. This is a good choice when it comes to painting areas in your home that get only a bit of traffic now and then. They work in areas like your dining room that aren't used as frequently.

Satin

Satin finishes are actually the most common kind of wall finish. That's because they combine a great many qualities in a single paint finish. They have a low-level sheen that brings in light and helps add color. They're also very easy to clean. Use them in areas such as the laundry room and other areas where you need to clean often.

Gloss

Paints with gloss to them include semi-gloss and high-gloss. These are shiny and durable. They're also very easy to clean. Use them in your bathroom, kitchen, and other high-traffic areas. This is a great way to show off beautiful details such as intricate woodwork and trim. Keep in mind they will show stains immediately so they need to be washed as soon as you see a problem.

No matter what choice you make, you'll find it easy to pick out fabulous wall finishes with a little research and expert advice that will make your walls look amazing. The more effort you’re willing to put into your walls, the better the result is likely to be.