The Ultimate Room-by-Room Guide to Smart Home Planning

1. Living Room: The Heart of the Smart Home

The living room is often the central hub of your home, and it’s an ideal place to start building your smart setup.

• Smart Speakers and Voice Assistants: Amazon Echo, Google Nest Hub, or Apple HomePod can serve as the control center for your smart home, letting you manage devices across the home through voice commands.
• Smart Lighting: Set the mood with smart lighting, such as Philips Hue or LIFX, which can change colors, dim, or turn on/off via an app or voice command. Consider adding a smart light switch to control overhead lights or a smart plug for floor lamps.
• Streaming Devices: Enhance your entertainment options with devices like Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, or Apple TV. Most integrate with voice assistants, allowing for hands-free control.
• Smart Thermostat: The living room is an excellent location for a smart thermostat like the Nest or Ecobee, which can adjust the temperature based on occupancy and preferences.

Tip: Use automation to program your lights and thermostat to a cozy, energy-efficient setting when you’re home.

2. Kitchen: Convenience and Efficiency

Smart devices in the kitchen can save time, keep you organized, and make meal prep easier.

• Smart Displays: A smart display, like the Google Nest Hub or Amazon Echo Show, provides easy access to recipes, timers, and music while cooking. It can also serve as a control panel for other devices in the home.
• Smart Appliances: From smart refrigerators that track your groceries to smart ovens that can be preheated remotely, appliances like those from LG or Samsung streamline cooking. Smart plugs can also make regular kitchen gadgets like coffee makers smart.
• Smart Lighting: Under-cabinet lights or adjustable smart bulbs brighten workspaces and enhance the kitchen’s ambiance.
• Voice-Activated Assistant: A small smart speaker lets you set timers, convert measurements, or control other devices without interrupting your workflow.

Tip: Program your smart coffee maker to brew in the morning as you wake up or your lights to brighten gradually to help with morning routines.

3. Bedroom: Comfort and Relaxation

Your bedroom can be a place of relaxation with the right smart devices.

• Smart Lighting: Dimmable smart bulbs are ideal for a relaxing atmosphere, and you can use routines to dim lights gradually at bedtime or brighten them as part of a morning wake-up.
• Smart Speakers: Use a voice assistant to set up routines, play calming sounds for sleep, or give gentle weather and news updates in the morning.
• Smart Plugs: Connect lamps, fans, or even heated blankets to smart plugs to control them remotely or set them on a timer.
• Smart Blinds or Curtains: Automate your window shades to open in the morning and close at night, aligning with your sleep schedule and saving energy.

Tip: Try a bedtime routine that gradually dims the lights, lowers the thermostat, and plays relaxing sounds for better sleep.

4. Bathroom: Hygiene Meets High-Tech

The bathroom is one of the more overlooked areas when it comes to smart devices, but there are still a few valuable additions that enhance daily routines.

• Smart Speakers: A small, water-resistant smart speaker like the Echo Dot with a clock is ideal for playing music or news as you get ready.
• Smart Scale: Track health metrics like body weight, BMI, and more with scales from brands like Withings that sync data to your smartphone.
• Smart Mirror: Some mirrors come with built-in displays for news, weather, or even a built-in virtual assistant.
• Motion-Sensor Lights: These are perfect for late-night trips to the bathroom and can be programmed to emit a softer, non-disruptive light.

Tip: Set up a morning routine that plays the news or your favorite playlist and adjusts the bathroom’s lighting as you get ready for the day.

5. Home Office: Productivity and Connectivity

With remote work on the rise, smart technology can make your home office more functional and comfortable.

• Smart Lighting: Lighting can significantly impact productivity. Adjustable white or daylight bulbs help reduce eye strain and maintain focus throughout the day.
• Smart Thermostat: Create a comfortable working environment by controlling the room’s temperature, so it’s warm in winter and cool in summer.
• Smart Plugs: Use smart plugs for your computer, printer, or other electronics to turn them on and off easily, reducing energy consumption.
• Video Doorbell: If your home office is away from the main entrance, a video doorbell lets you see visitors or deliveries without leaving your workspace.

Tip: Program your smart lighting and thermostat to adjust automatically during working hours for an optimal office environment.

6. Entryway: Secure and Convenient

Your entryway is the first line of defense in home security and a key area for smart tech.

• Video Doorbell: Video doorbells like Ring or Nest Doorbell provide real-time video of anyone at your front door and can notify you of package deliveries or unexpected visitors.
• Smart Lock: With a smart lock, you can lock or unlock your door remotely and grant temporary access to family, friends, or service providers.
• Smart Camera: Install a smart camera outside to monitor activity. Many outdoor cameras offer motion detection, night vision, and two-way audio.
• Smart Lighting: Motion-activated lights add an extra layer of security by illuminating the area when someone approaches.

Tip: Use geofencing to have your smart lights and lock activate automatically when you leave or return home.

7. Outdoor Spaces: Secure and Functional

Your outdoor areas can benefit from smart technology too, whether for security or enjoyment.

• Smart Floodlights: Smart floodlights with motion sensors deter intruders and illuminate pathways. Many are equipped with cameras and two-way audio for added security.
• Outdoor Smart Plugs: Use these to control outdoor lights, fountains, or seasonal decorations from your phone.
• Smart Sprinkler System: Automated sprinkler systems, like Rachio, adjust watering schedules based on weather and season, saving water and maintaining a healthy garden.
• Smart Grill Thermometer: For BBQ enthusiasts, a smart thermometer allows you to monitor the grill’s temperature remotely, ensuring perfectly cooked food.

Tip: Set your outdoor lights to turn on at sunset or when motion is detected to save energy and improve security.

8. Garage: Practicality and Security

Don’t overlook the garage when setting up your smart home. Here are a few key devices that enhance security and convenience.

• Smart Garage Door Opener: Open or close your garage door from your phone, and receive notifications if you accidentally leave it open. Some models integrate with voice assistants.
• Smart Camera: For additional security, install a smart camera in the garage to monitor vehicles and stored items.
• Smart Lighting: Motion-activated lights are useful for the garage, especially if you frequently enter or exit with your hands full.
• Smart Plugs: Connect power tools or other equipment to a smart plug for easy on/off control, reducing the risk of electrical hazards.

Tip: Link the garage door to your smart lock and security system for unified control, especially when leaving or arriving.