Smart Home Trends of 2016

January 7, 2016

If you grew up watching the Jetsons, you probably thought we’d be flying in cars by 2016. Although we’re not quite there yet, there’s plenty of amazing smart home trends that will make you feel like George or Jane Jetson. From talking appliances to robot vacuum cleaners, we’re getting closer. One of the unbeatable luxuries of building a custom home is that you can can make your home as smart as you’d like. Here are some of our favorite smart home trends for the year that you won’t want to miss.

Smart Thermostat

Nest Thermostat is a self-learning thermostat that you’ll love. It starts learning your room temperature preferences right away. For example, it makes note if you turn up the heat in the morning as you get ready for work. After a few days and through the power of amazing engineering, it will program itself to automatically turn to that temperature in the mornings. Nest is remote-controllable, meaning that you can program it from your smartphone to heat or cool your home in anticipation of your arrival. A handy feature to have on your way home from vacation.

Smart Locks

Are you constantly digging for your keys? What if you have both hands weighted down with groceries and your keys are in your pocket? It’s annoying, to say the least. With smart locks from brands like August or Kevo by Kwikset, you won’t have to worry about physical keys ever again. Your simple touch is all it takes to unlock your door. It turns your bluetooth-enabled smartphone into a virtual key. You can also remotely lock and unlock.

Smart Blinds

Automate your windows. Schedule your blinds to raise and lower based on your daily needs. Instead of waking up with the jarring beeping of an alarm, set your blinds to raise as a gentle alarm. Install from a company such as Serena Shades or Smart Shades.

Smart Lighting

Control your lights remotely and create an ambiance that matches your mood. Use a brand like Philips Hue to create a lighting solution that saves energy but gives absolute delight.

Smart Television

You’ve heard of high definition. Meet ultra high definition. It’s name is 4K and it has up to four times as many pixels as standard definition televisions. The images are so real, it’s almost like being there. This television is a must-have in your theatre or family room. Most 4K televisions are also smart, allowing users to surf the Internet, browse Netflix, check social media and play videos.

Smart Whole Home Control

Being able to turn off lights, play music, ask questions, or order pizza all from voice commands? It’s no longer science fiction, it’s here now. You can choose from Amazon Echo to Ivee to (eventually) Jibo. It’s a brave new world, and robots are a part of it.

Ready to Build?

Are you ready to build your own custom dream home in 2016? Complete a Project Analysis to see how easy and smart it is to build a home that is designed to make your life easier. Estes Builders is an award-winning design build firm that specializes in custom homes in Western Washington. We have earned more than 130 customer testimonials and a reputation as Western Washington’s most trusted custom home builder. We build custom homes in Sequim, Port Angeles, Port Townsend, Port Ludlow, Bainbridge Island, Kingston, Silverdale, Port Orchard and surrounding areas. Contact us for a FREE Project Analysis to discuss your project.]]>

CATEGORY: Design