Guest Post - The Influence Technology is Having on Interior Design Trends

Interior design specialists have always possessed a keen eye for detail, and they are capable of keeping one step ahead of the latest trends. While these are both undeniable talents, we also need to remember that technology is now beginning to transform the entire industry. What types of changes are taking place? How might these impact current approaches to home décor and why is this great news for the average homeowner? These interesting questions deserve a bit more attention.

The Notion of Smart Homes

While intelligent homes may be associated with classic cartoons such as The Jetsons, the fact of the matter is that this notion has now become a reality. Not only do smart homes provide a more user-oriented experience, but they tie traditional design concepts together with cutting-edge technology. Examples include biometric locks, seamless smartphone connectivity, and lights that automatically deactivate when a room is unoccupied.

A Focus Upon Sustainability

As climate change continues to rear its ugly head, average consumers are now placing greater importance upon developing design concepts that help to ensure sustainable earth. The good news is that technology is capable of playing an important role. Eco-friendly materials are replacing traditional substances and thanks to ongoing research, it is much easier to appreciate how these approaches will benefit the consumer from a long-term perspective.

Computer-Aided Design

To be clear, computer-aided design (CAD) has existed for well over 20 years. The main difference is that this technology has advanced to the point where it is capable of providing clear representations of how a structure will appear well before the foundations are ever poured. Not only will this save both time and money, but it helps to streamline the overall design process while offering architects a level of digital flexibility that would not have been possible in the past.

Augmented Reality

In some ways, augmented reality (AR) is another branch of computer-aided design. The main difference is that AR is more intended for customers as opposed to interior designers. Here are some of the ways in which augmented reality can be used when envisioning a home, office, or retail center:

• Users can digitally select what type of furniture they desire.

• AR can provide real-time views of a specific location.

• 360-degree walkthroughs are possible; offering a first-person view of how the final design will appear.

• Changes can be made with the simple click of a button.

Augmented reality can offer amazing levels of insight and we are only beginning to realize its full potential.

Three-Dimensional Models

It can sometimes be difficult for an interior designer to convey his or her vision to the customer. As opposed to sketches and mock-ups three-dimensional models are now possible. We are not only talking about digital images in this sense.

Thanks to 3D printing, rooms or even entire homes can be physically created from scratch. These options provide a much more hands-on appeal that is often required before making a final decision. From individual items such as furniture and ornaments to illustrating the layout of a modern kitchen, the possibilities are virtually limitless. As the cost of printing models continues to plummet, even average consumers can take advantage of what is in store.

Redefining the Office Environment

Let's remember that interior design is also associated with the business sector. Just as the importance of recycling outdated equipment is becoming realized, owners are equally keen to develop "green" workplaces. In this sense, bigger is not necessarily better.

One interesting interior design trend involves downsizing contemporary office environments in order to place a greater focus upon functionality. After all, massive spaces will inevitably contribute to the carbon footprint of any business. By incorporating technologies such as energy-efficient lighting systems and relying upon sustainable sources of power, companies are now able to adopt eco-friendly solutions.

Digital Collaboration

It is now possible to speak with a friend or family member who may be located thousands of miles away within seconds. So, it only stands to reason that this very same trend applies to the world of interior design. Professionals can collaborate with colleagues via webinars, VoIP meetings, and video conferences. Information (such as floor plans) can be shared within milliseconds.

These capabilities have served to streamline the entire design process while providing customers with more options than ever before. Millennials are particularly keen to leverage such benefits, as they can provide a sense of flexibility that would not have been possible only a handful of years ago.

Looking Toward the Digital Horizon

Keep in mind that the observations highlighted above could very well represent nothing more than the tip of the proverbial iceberg. As computers and digital technology continue to advance at a breakneck pace, the interior design sector will continue to evolve. This is great news for industry professionals as well as for the average property owner. Regardless of what may come to pass, there is no doubt that these trends will continue to reshape the world around us.

Author Bio: Eoin Pigott is a Business Development Associate for Wisetek, a global leader in IT Asset Disposition, Data Destruction, & IT Reuse.

Guest Post - Compelling Advantages of Having a Smart Home

We live in a technologically advanced era, which means that innovations are everywhere. Even if there are still traditional ways of living, these advancements in technologies have made our lives easier. One of these said innovations is a smart home, a home system that controls your appliances and equipment. 

A smart home makes your life easier because instead of manually controlling appliances like home security or air-conditioning, the smart home system does it for you. In the following, we'll list down the several advantages and disadvantages of owning a smart home. 

Advantages of a Smart Home

1. Tighter Security

Whether it's video monitoring or motion detection, a smart home guarantees better security. It can also help you keep tabs on your kids to ensure that they're safe at home. If there are unusual changes that need alerting, an alarm can be set off so you can take immediate action when there is a security breach. 

Whether as a homeowner, parent, or someone who genuinely cares about the overall safety and security of the place they call home, a smart home will give you real-time alerts and updates if anything suspicious is going on. 

2. Energy Management

One of the remarkable benefits is that a smart home helps you save energy and costs. It manages your utilities, appliances, lighting, and other energy-consuming factors that can potentially add more expenses to your monthly bills. 

When you program aspects like your thermostat to a specific temperature for a specific period of the day, you're saving yourself both time and expenses. It really is a smart way to save money and energy in the long run. Smart homes can save between 30–40% of your home's energy consumption. 

3. Convenience

The most obvious advantage behind smart home technologies is the convenience they provide. Think of how much time you're going to potentially save by using a smart home system to get things done for you. This is especially true if you're busy with work tasks and barely have the time to think about responsibilities like changing the thermostat or managing security cameras. 

Having a smart home will make your life so much easier, and it would also ease your mind from potential threats and harms that could happen in your home if you're away.

4. Accessibility

Individuals of all ages are finding the accessibility of smart homes to be very enjoyable. Based on a survey, one in seven adults aged 50 and above have home assistance devices like Google Home. For the elderly who need more assistance, smart homes can help them do labor-extensive tasks. 

The elderly need the most support, and if they're living alone, nobody else can cater to their needs, such as lowering the air-conditioning or turning off lights. Smart home technologies also provide real-time, two-way communication through audio and video, so you're free to check up on your elderly loved ones, even from your office or elsewhere. 

Disadvantages of a Smart Home

1. Expense

While a smart home can save your energy costs in the long run, it's generally not a cheap investment. Since it's a modern technological innovation, expect that this investment will entail a large portion of your savings if you lack the resources. 

Based on a source, you may spend approximately $1,000 on lighting alone by turning each regular light bulb into a smart alternative. While turning your standard home into a smart one is the most ideal and attractive option, it won't be exactly cheap to get to this point.

2. Power Surges

Before you completely turn your home into a smart home, you need to ensure that it's safe from power surges for your own safety. According to the Insurance Information Institute, this is to avoid disasters from occurring when lightning strikes or a storm occurs. 

3. Compatibility

As perfect as a smart home may sound, it's not compatible with all smart home technology manufacturers, so the effectiveness of turning your home into a smart home depends on the appliances and technologies you're using. This is where you need the perspective of a professional to help guide you on which devices are compatible with your smart home system.

Highlights to Conclude

The innovation behind smart homes will help you save energy costs and make things easier for you in managing and looking after your home, even from miles away. Smart home technologies are also one of the modern technological innovations today that can assist your elderly family members or watch over your kids.

Incorporating home automation systems has several benefits, but it's not all perfect as there are still downsides. Even if having a smart home is energy-efficient in the long run, it's initially an expensive investment to make. Therefore, you must look into all the factors before deciding if a smart home is something you need and can afford to have.

About the Author

Serene Yu is the Vice President of New Manila San Juan, the premiere real estate marketplace for luxury properties in the Philippines. Serene is a well-versed writer and marketer that enjoys keeping up with the latest trends in real estate, interior design, and technology. Outside work she enjoys travelling, cooking, and baking.

Guest Post - 10 Essential Products Every Home Needs in 2021

When it comes to your home, it’s important to consider form and function. Make sure that your house is filled with items that not only help you be productive but improve your overall health and wellbeing. You don’t need to undergo a major home improvement project to change up your space. 

Here’s a list of the ten best products that your home needs in 2021. 

1. Kitchen Knives

When was the last time you replaced your old kitchen knives with new, sharper ones? A dull knife can absolutely ruin your cooking and eating experiences, not to mention, duller knives take longer to cut and may actually shred your food instead of chopping or slicing it. Take a look at your current kitchen knives, from your steak knives to your cooking knives. While they may not be broken, consider whether or not they work as well as they used to.

While you can always sharpen your knives, you can’t completely return them to their former glory. Instead, look at the ways your kitchen has changed over time. Maybe you’ve gotten new cupboards or changed the color scheme. Replace your knives with new ones that match your kitchen’s aesthetic so that your knives look like they belong. 

2. Robot Vacuum 

The most famous brand of robot vacuums is Roomba®, but there are tons of other brands on the market. These robot vacuums can help keep your home dust-free and can be especially beneficial for homes with pets. While these vacuums aren’t as powerful as your traditional vacuum, they lessen the need to vacuum as often. They’re also not designed for serious messes, but they can offer you protection from dust and any crumbs that you might have let fall onto the floor. 

3. Pet Feeder

If you have pets, a pet feeder can help you manage your dog or cat’s eating habits. There are tons of pet feeders and food dispensers available, and some you can even manage remotely, which means that you can feed Fido while you’re at work. These automatic feeders can help you ensure the health and wellness of your pet while you’re away from home. 

You can also find pet treat dispensers that come with a built-in camera so that you can train your dog or cat while you’re on the go. You can also watch them through the camera when you miss them while you’re away. 

4. A Solid Air Conditioner

We’ve been at home a lot more lately, and having a well-working AC unit to cool your home is pertinent, especially in the summer months. In order to decide what would be the best AC unit for your home, you’ll want to know the square footage of your house. That way you’ll be able to calculate the number of BTUs your space needs to cool down your home when it gets too hot outside. 

5. Light Dimmer Switch

You don’t have to change out the lighting in your home to change its ambiance. Simple as can be, a light dimmer covers your light switch so that you can have dimmer control for smart lights. These can also be controlled via an app and prevents anyone from disabling your smart lights by accidentally flipping the switch out of habit.

6. A Better Bed and Quality Pillows 

Your bed is essential for your sleep. Unfortunately, most of us don’t purchase new mattresses or pillows as often as we should, which can result in poor sleep quality and pain. A shoulder relief pillow can take the pressure off of your shoulder if you’re a side sleeper so that you can sleep more soundly at night and wake up with less pain. 

Did you know? Your pillow can actually be a health hazard. Many people use the same pillow for decades without taking proper care of it. Dust, mold, and more can get trapped in your pillow without you realizing it, which can be a health hazard to you and your family. If you haven’t properly cleaned your pillow in a long time, do it ASAP. If you’ve never cleaned your pillow, it might be time to look for a new one that can improve your sleep and your health. 

7. Security Cameras

Security cameras for your house connect to your Wi-Fi and are an affordable way to watch your home when you’re not there. You can even record images and videos of suspicious activity. These cameras also alert you of movement so that you know exactly when there is a suspicious person outside your home. 

Wi-Fi enabled security cameras can be used indoors and outdoors so that you can have a clear view of your home. You can also use them to keep an eye on your pets!

8. Smart TV

Smart TVs are high resolution that improves the contrast of your television screen, making your television shows and movies come to life. They also offer benefits that other televisions cannot, such as voice control and access to a number of channels without the need for an antenna or cable service. Some smart TVs even provide web browsing and access to your stored media content. 

9. A Laptop Table

Working from home or any place other than your office just got easier. With a laptop table, you can adjust the height of your laptop to make it easy to use just about anywhere. You can even use it on top of your home desk to make it a stand-up desk or in bed when you need additional comfort while you work. Laptop tables can improve your posture by allowing your back, arms, wrists, neck, and shoulders to align properly no matter where you choose to work. 

10. An Elliptical (Or Other Exercise Equipment)

While some people enjoy going to the gym, others don’t have the time to drive to a new location for a workout. An elliptical can provide you with a total body workout without the need to leave your house. These machines are available at all different price points, so you can choose one that works for your space and budget. Not a fan of the elliptical? You can try a stationary bike that folds up to be stored away in a closet when not in use. 

Author Bio

Matt Casadona has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a concentration in Marketing and a minor in Psychology. He is currently a contributing editor for 365 Business Tips. Matt is passionate about marketing and business strategy and enjoys the San Diego life, traveling and music. 

Are you a digital hoarder?

Spring has sprung, which means organizing enthusiasts naturally have spring cleaning on their minds. But there’s one area of our day-to-day that even the most detailed cleaners overlook: our digital lives. 

Especially after 2020 — a year that put us all online more than ever — it’s best we all take the time to consider the digital clutter we’ve acquired. Think of those old cell phone photos, bookmarked recipes on our browsers, and even old, broken devices. All of these considered, and you may even be teetering toward digital hoarding. Of course, it’s hard to give attention to the clutter we don’t physically see. 

Which is why downsizing your digital data — deleting those cell phone photos, erasing the bookmarks, recycling those devices, and then some — is something we must proactive about. It’s not a one-and-done deal like decluttering your whole home. 

To put you on the right track, Norton pared down some digital hoarding tendencies to consider, plus tips to spring clean your digital lives, noted in the infographic below: