The 7 Characteristics of a Truly Smart Home

Singapore | Veniz Kwong, List Sotheby’s International Realty

How can a luxury home enter a new strata? With the integration of the latest smart technology. When working in unison, the best home automation systems are woven into the house’s design and framework to make life more effortless, more secure, and even more eco-friendly. These seven characteristics of a truly smart home provide security, efficiency, and a seamless experience. 

Automated Heating and Cooling

Photo courtesy of insta_photos / Shutterstock Inc.

Modern thermostats not only look sleek and stylish, but they’re also capable of understanding our schedules and habits at home to optimize for maximum comfort. Heat and air conditioning can be conveniently managed with voice activation, remotely through an app, or from a master control panel. These clever systems can even pre-heat or cool down a home in anticipation of our arrival, and from an eco-friendly perspective, they optimize energy use based on need.

Efficient Lighting

New York, New York | Elizabeth L. Sample & Brenda S. Powers, Sotheby’s International Realty – East Side Manhattan Brokerage

A well-lit home no longer has to be switched on manually. Rather, creating the desired ambience is easy with smart, energy efficient LED lighting that can be activated by motion, voice, or app. Automated smart lighting is especially beneficial for security purposes, and to ensure a luminous arrival home.

Intelligent Appliances

Auckland, New Zealand | Pene Milne, New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty

Technology has accelerated in the kitchen, making it easier than ever to keep food fresh for longer and to cook more efficiently. Wi-Fi enabled refrigerators provide helpful notifications when ice is low or the door is left open, can sense humidity and regulate temperature to keep produce crisp, and keep records of what requires replenishment. Plus, busy families can bake and roast to perfection with smart ovens that can be preheated on the way home and temperature adjusted from another room.

Voice Control

The ability to activate elements of a home through voice command is a tool that saves valuable time and effort. Conveniently placed voice activation units within the home provide instant access to the news, weather, and entertainment like music and podcasts with just a simple prompt, but this voice control technology is also useful when integrated into systems such as heat and cooling, lighting, and even with appliances—no button pushing required.

Digital Security

What better way to protect your best asset, and the valuables inside, than with smart security technology? Nowadays, there are comprehensive systems that offer digital surveillance for peace-of-mind, which is especially pertinent to vacation homes that may sit vacant at times. High-resolution video doorbells and discreet cameras provide round-the-clock footage of a property, while incognito motion sensors and alarms can protect doors, windows, and garages. And for unanticipated guests and forgotten keys, locks can be managed remotely with an app and the swipe of a finger.

Automatic Irrigation 

To keep the garden and lawns in top shape without relying on the hose, smart sprinklers are a convenient solution. Once the irrigation system is installed, it can be switched on and controlled from anywhere with Wi-Fi. Features can even include scheduling and synchronization with weather apps to prevent overwatering when rain is sufficient. 

Effortless Entertainment

Côte d’Azur, France | Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty

While smart home technology often focuses on functionality, arguably no luxury home is complete without an impressive smart entertainment system. For the ultimate enjoyment, streamlining devices is key—televisions, monitors, displays, and speakers should work in tandem, whether managed via app, voice command, or both, so that audio and video content is synced and accessible in every room.

True Integration

A truly smart home is one that elevates everyday living through a unified home automation system. From security and cooking to entertainment and grounds management, the flawless integration of smart technology can transform an already superb home into an exceptionally optimized property. 

Curious how these smart technologies can be integrated into a house? View four exemplary high-tech homes.