Smart home technology promises a fusion of convenience, entertainment, security and safety. Yet, as interior designers, you understand the hesitation some homeowners may have about adopting such innovations with today’s smart tech offerings. Whether it’s a gap in knowledge or a previous unfavorable experience, these concerns can be significant barriers to implementing smart technology in your projects.
Bridging the Knowledge Gap in Smart Tech Offerings
The first step in overcoming these challenges is recognizing that many homeowners simply “don’t know what they don’t know.” A lack of what’s available and “what’s in it for me” can deter investment in smart home technology. This is why it’s crucial for interior designers to collaborate with a qualified home technology integrator. A home technology integrator is the specialist trade that designs, installs and services all manner of home technologies such as smart lighting, motorized shades, audio/video, home control, security, Wi-Fi/networking and more.
Your home technology partner will provide valuable insight and guidance, ensuring that the chosen technologies not only meet the homeowner’s needs but also complement the aesthetic design of the space. For more on finding the right home technology integrator partner, delve into the informative piece on page 18 of our September/October 2023 issue.
Learning from Real-World Demonstrations
To counteract prior bad experiences with home technology that may not have lived up to the hype, nothing is quite as convincing as firsthand exposure to quality products installed by a quality integrator. Encouraging clients to experience live demonstrations of smart home systems in action – be it at an integrator’s showroom or one of their past clients’ homes – will showcase the seamless operation and integration of how these systems should work. Lighting control, motorized shading, single-app home management and well-designed audio/video systems will demonstrate the tangible benefits of smart home technology when thoughtfully integrated.
The Role of Interior Designers in Client Confidence
Interior designers have the opportunity to guide their clients through the smart home journey from the outset. By proactively introducing clients to elegantly integrated technology systems, designers can enhance the home’s convenience and entertainment quotient. This foresight not only elevates the client’s living experience but also solidifies the designer’s role as a visionary advocate for modern living.
By working with design-friendly technology integrators, interior designers ensure that the selected smart home technologies are not just easy to use but also aesthetically harmonious. This harmonization is not by chance but by choice – a choice made possible through the designer’s partnership with integrators who prioritize both design and the role of interior designers.
Embracing smart home technology can be a transformative step for homeowners, and as interior designers, it can be your privilege to guide your clients. The integration of this technology extends beyond mere functionality; it’s about crafting an experience that aligns with the lifestyle and aspirations of your clients. By choosing the right technology integrator partner and demonstrating the thoughtful blend of design and innovation, doubts are overcome and new possibilities for living spaces are increased. The result is a home that’s not only connected but is more relaxing and fun to live in.
By Josh Christian, CEO of the Home Technology Association, which helps design pros find the most qualified home technology integrators.
