Choosing the Best Design Elements for Your New Home – Smart Technology
As a homeowner in the most tech-savvy era in history, the number of exciting innovations available for your new home can feel overwhelming. From phones that control your thermostat to voice-activated faucets and sleep-tracking devices, smart home technology can help you save energy, boost comfort, and keep your family safer. The team at Ernest Homes is here to simplify the options and highlight a few smart features our homeowners love.
Smart Climate Control for Everyday Comfort
Smart thermostats are one of the easiest ways to upgrade your new home. Systems such as the Trane smart thermostats with built-in Nexia Bridge let you create custom heating and cooling schedules, monitor indoor humidity, and even check the weather forecast from one sleek screen. Many models are Wi-Fi enabled, Energy Star certified, and can be updated with new software over time, helping extend the life of the system.
Curious about how these controls look and feel in person? Plan a visit to the Ernest Homes Design Studio to explore smart thermostat options and see how they integrate with the rest of your home’s design.
Fall in Love with a Voice-Activated Faucet
If you’ve ever wished someone in your home would listen to your every word, a voice-activated kitchen faucet might be the next best thing. Delta’s smart faucets can respond to simple commands such as turning the water on or off, warming the water, or dispensing a precise amount into a pot or coffee carafe. It’s a huge help when your hands are messy from cooking or you’re juggling kids and groceries.
These faucets pair beautifully with a thoughtfully designed kitchen in your new Ernest home, adding both convenience and a serious “wow” factor during gatherings.
Big Power from a Small Smart Plug
One of the most budget-friendly smart home upgrades is a Wi-Fi smart plug, like the Samsung SmartThings plug reviewed by PCMag. Simply plug it into a standard outlet, connect it to your preferred app, and you can turn lamps, small appliances, or holiday décor on and off from your phone or with a voice assistant.
Many smart plugs also provide power-usage reports and flexible scheduling so you can automatically shut off devices you’re not using. It’s a simple way to ease into smart home technology without a big investment.
Sleep-Tracking Tech for Better Rest
Good sleep is essential for the whole family, and smart devices can help you understand and improve your nightly routine. Products like the Withings Sleep Tracking Pad monitor sleep cycles, breathing disturbances, and overall sleep quality. Some models integrate with Alexa or other smart platforms so you can automate bedtime routines—dim the lights, adjust the thermostat, or start a relaxing playlist as you wind down.
If you’re creating a new owner’s suite in your Ernest home, pairing a calm, well-designed space with sleep-tracking technology can make it feel like a personal retreat.
Futuristic Mirrors and Smart Assistants
Smart mirrors are another emerging technology for design-forward homes. Concepts like MirroCool combine a mirror with a built-in display that can show your calendar, weather, traffic, and notifications while you get ready in the morning. Some versions even let you snap hands-free selfies with a hidden camera.
While features vary by brand, the idea is the same: your bathroom or entry mirror becomes a personal assistant, helping you start the day organized and on time.
Smart Ideas for Your Outdoor Living Space
Smart home technology doesn’t stop at the back door. Today’s robotic lawn mowers can automatically trim your yard on a schedule, navigate slopes and obstacles, and return themselves to a charging base when the job is done. PCMag’s roundup of the best robot lawn mowers highlights several models that handle everything from small suburban yards to larger properties.
For evening entertaining, consider a high-tech fire feature. Companies such as Music City Fire Company pair beautiful fire tables with integrated sound systems, allowing flames to “dance” in sync with your favorite playlist. It’s an eye-catching way to bring ambiance and music to your outdoor living area.
Designing a Smart Home with Ernest Homes
Whether you’re ready to dive into smart technology or just want to start with a few key upgrades, our team can help you choose options that match your lifestyle and budget. When you build with Ernest Homes, you’ll work with our Design Studio to personalize everything from fixtures and finishes to technology and security features.
Ready to explore smart home possibilities in a brand-new home? Browse our available homes or explore our floor plans, then connect with our sales team for a personal tour and more details about smart home options.
