As we approach the halfway point of the decade, we can see the massive growth smart homes have experienced in the 2020s. More homeowners are starting to fully embrace smart devices, with 30% of homes now having three or more of them. The phrase “smart home device” often conjures up images of thermostats, doorbells and televisions. But as the smart home industry continues to grow, homeowners are craving seamless integration of smart technology – such as smart lighting and audio systems – into every aspect of their living spaces, and the kitchen and bathroom are no exception.
Many kitchen and bath designers, remodelers and architects are anecdotally noting a rise in smart device adoption, but the market bears it out as well: Demand for smart kitchen and bath products is expected to grow 12% every year until 2030, according to a recent Market Analysis Report from Grand View Research. With the knowledge that the demand for these products will continue to rise in the coming years, you can set yourself apart from the competition by embracing smart home technology and helping clients experience the height of convenience, efficiency and luxury in their homes.
Smart Kitchen & Bath Devices Homeowners Love
While there are endless possibilities for integrating smart home into kitchens and bathrooms, there are a few standout devices that are growing in popularity among homeowners.
1. Smart Refrigerators. Often the subject of jokes when the tech was first revealed, smart fridges have come into their own and exploded in popularity recently. They offer a laundry list of features, including maintenance alerts, interior cameras that can be accessed from anywhere and screens that can be used to display recipes, listen to music or watch videos.
2. Smart Lighting. This is a growing favorite for both kitchens and bathrooms. Smart lighting gives homeowners the flexibility to adjust brightness and color temperature, whether they need soft, ambient lighting for entertaining guests or bright task light for cooking or getting ready in the bathroom. Motion-detected low lighting in the bathroom also provides a convenient, non-disruptive option for middle-of-the-night trips. Additionally, smart lighting can contribute to energy efficiency by automatically turning off when not in use or adjusting based on natural light levels.
3. Smart Ovens. These are a great addition to any kitchen, offering handy convenience features like voice-activated controls, interior oven cameras, automated maintenance alerts and automatic temperature adjustments to prevent food from burning. Some brands have even started to integrate smart meat thermometers into their apps, allowing for real-time temperature tracking.
4. Smart Mirrors. Fog-free smart mirrors are a huge timesaver in steamy bathrooms and often offer a variety of luxury features like LED lighting, digital clocks and Bluetooth-ready speakers.
5. Smart Shower Systems. Smart showers elevate what many see as an everyday task. Not only can they provide convenience through voice activation, but they also offer enhanced comfort with precise temperature and pressure controls to create a customized experience for each user, each time they shower. Many smart shower systems have built-in eco modes and water usage tracking to promote water conservation and mindful usage.
Smart Home Pros & Seamless Integration
It’s no surprise that homeowners seek seamless integration when adding smart devices throughout their homes, including in their kitchen or bathroom. A recent Deloitte survey revealed that 79% of smart home users think interoperability between devices is very or somewhat important. When installing new smart devices, consider diversifying yourself from the competition by partnering with a professional smart home integrator who understands the technical aspects of smart home installation and integration. This allows you to focus on continuing to build functional, beautiful spaces for your clients without worrying about any technical issues or limitations that arise.
Smart home pros are useful at every stage of a project: They bring in-depth knowledge in selecting and recommending products, as well as configuring and integrating them to ensure a seamless user experience for your clients from day one. While integrating products, a professional can also install a secure network to protect homeowners’ privacy and ensure security, which is increasingly important as homes become more connected.
—By Daryl Friedman, global president and CEO of CEDIA, the association for smart home professionals, cedia.org
