January 18, 2023

Our routines at home have taken a dramatic shift to welcome “simpler times” through the integration of technology. It once seemed a daunting task to interact with the very components that, today, fit so easily into our daily lives. Our environment feels and sounds appropriate when our senses experience a calm and seamless fit, supporting our health, safety and well-being.

Above photo: High brightness at the countertops ensures a functional work environment, while blue LED canopies tune our circadian rhythm to an elevated alertness while activating the space. Toe kick lighting defines the kitchen perimeter and illuminates the floor. Photographer: Mark Heffron

An Intuitive Environment

When designing a house, leading a discussion around a connected home has always been top of mind. The idea of technology is to help positive living habits become routine and easy not burdensome and difficult. The integration of tech systems that easily respond to our senses helps us fit into our environment without issue. If components are placed in the wrong location or if they are difficult to operate, it is frustrating rather than useful. Smart home specialists develop intuitive solutions that do not require a high level of understanding by the user.

To ensure our systems have the functionality that perform to expectations, we start with the right foundation – the network. Starting with a good network, installed by an accredited partner, is a building block that ensures the components work together seamlessly.

Illuminating Ideas

Aesthetics is a big part of integrating smart technology for wellness. For a well-designed space to feel comfortable, it cannot be messy with clutter, so most systems are installed to not be seen at all. What we do see is tunable lighting set for various activities. Programmable lighting controls adjust the amount of light, the temperature of the light (relaxing warm tones or stimulating cool tones) and color (blue, red, green – any color for any occasion) for various mood scenes. Lighting also accounts for safety, providing perimeter definitions and contrast for depth of field by highlighting toe kicks, ceiling coves and illuminating dark corners. Lighting is automated to provide appropriate morning, day and night light levels across the public spaces throughout the home.

Touching & Hearing with Tech

Smart tech is right at our fingertips, allowing us to access all the smart home features – from lighting, security, sound, window shades and entertainment – with one touch of a keypad, wall switch, tablet or mobile app. All these systems are programmable for time of day and daily routines, as well as accessible whether on our way out the door, from the car or a remote location. A growing feature is voice-activated controls via personal assistant platforms for environment, music and security. In this format, you do not have to physically interact with a tablet, which is a great alternative for the visually impaired or unsteady hands.

A superior quality audio solution is similarly important because music adds to the enjoyment of the space, contributing to our well-being. If it sounds great at both low and high volumes and is easy to use, music will fill the home from room to room. Selections are accessible from controls to choose which rooms will play what music, creating a customized audio landscape throughout the home. Audible alerts beyond the doorbell are also becoming mainstays, such as gate and driveway sensors to inform that someone is approaching the home. Smart homes have no shortage of different detectors – natural gas, CO₂, smoke, water, fire and motion – that alert the homeowner of a health/safety hazard.

Work It Out

As part of a healthy lifestyle, there is an increase in the need for exercise rooms. The wellness movement has impacted the desire for meditation studios, saunas, cold plunge pools and healthy food stations. Technology is no stranger to these spaces. Creating a smoothie bar or grab-and-go snack area includes refrigerator drawers and other equipment for effortless healthy food preparation. Dietary apps, fitness trackers and smart appliances provide easy access for positive routines to promote and enforce good health behaviors.

The best residential architecture and interior design consistently activates the senses and engages the heart, mind and soul. The wellness movement has taken on expanded meaning beyond what we can do daily to move our bodies and keep them healthy. We desire maintaining a healthier mindset with a renewed lifestyle. When we simplify our approach through designed spaces that incorporate smart technology for wellness components, life becomes easier, more enjoyable and results in a happy productive life.

Authors: Natalie Erickson, interior designer & Richard Sherer, design principle, Deep River Partners; Jason Koziol, CTS, technology integrator, Global Sight and Sound Inc.; Steve Klein, lighting designer, Klein Lighting