Home is where the heart is, and as our lives and needs evolve, our homes must evolve too. Each room in your house has unique needs, and future-proofing means making smart choices now so your space remains practical, comfortable, and ready for whatever comes next.
From integrating smart technology in the living room to designing an adaptable bedroom, these five essential tips will help you keep your home in step with the future while continuing to be the place you love most.
Upgraded Living Rooms
Investing in smart lighting and thermostat systems can significantly enhance convenience and energy efficiency in your home. Smart lighting automatically adjusts brightness based on natural light, helping reduce energy use.
Similarly, smart thermostats have been shown to save households around 10% on gas and 4% on electricity annually, making them both eco-friendly and cost-effective.
A smart home hub, centralises control over all your devices, allowing for seamless management and custom automation. Additionally, integrating smart TVs and sound systems ensures your entertainment setup remains cutting-edge, with features like streaming, voice control, and device syncing.
Pro tip: Conduct a “whole of home assessment” before upgrading to identify which areas will benefit most from smart technology, ensuring targeted and effective investments that keep your home adaptable as technology evolves.
Go Green with Energy-Efficient Appliances
Upgrading your kitchen with sustainability in mind is about creating a space that’s both eco-friendly and cost-effective in the long run. Opting for energy efficient appliances with regards to refrigerators, dishwashers, and ovens as these consume significantly less energy and reduce energy bills.
For example, an “ENERGY STAR-certified” refrigerator typically uses about 15% less energy than non-certified models, translating into lower electricity bills and a reduced environmental footprint.
Another great idea is adding a smart faucet to your kitchen allowing precise control over water flow and temperature; reducing wasted water. Some even come equipped with motion sensors that automatically turn off the water when not in use, further enhancing efficiency.
If renovating the kitchen in general, consider options like recycled glass countertops, bamboo flooring, and reclaimed wood cabinets as these are not only more environmentally friendly than standard choices but also just as durable and aesthetically pleasing.
Create A Multi-Functional Bedroom
Your bedroom should be a sanctuary, but it also needs to be versatile. Modular furniture, like beds with built-in storage or multi-functional wardrobes, can adapt to your changing needs.
For instance, a bed with drawers underneath can replace a bulky dresser, freeing up floor space and making your room feel larger. Whereas things like smart blinds can be programmed to open with the sunrise, helping you wake up naturally, or to close during the hottest part of the day to keep your room cool.
Additionally, integrating a smart thermostat ensures you’re always sleeping at the perfect temperature, improving sleep quality and energy efficiency.
As you plan your bedroom’s design, think about long-term usability. If you plan to age in place, consider features like wider doorways, lower light switches, and grab bars that can be easily installed later.
Plan for Long-Term Usability
Incorporating safety and accessibility features in the bathroom doesn’t mean sacrificing style. Install grab bars and non-slip flooring that blend seamlessly with your bathroom’s decor.
Additionally, non-slip flooring, such as textured tiles or rubber mats, reduces the risk of slips, especially in wet areas.
A walk-in shower with a bench is both stylish and practical for all ages. A shower with a low or no threshold makes it accessible to everyone, including those with mobility issues. A built-in bench provides a convenient spot to sit while showering, adding an extra layer of safety.
Consider a smart mirror or lighting to enhance your bathroom experience. Smart mirrors with built-in lighting and anti-fog features can make your morning routine more enjoyable while improving energy efficiency.
Optimised Home Offices for Productivity and Comfort
As remote work becomes more common, a well-designed home office becomes increasingly essential. You’ll want to Invest in ergonomic furniture like adjustable desks and chairs to maintain your health over time by preventing strain and improving productivity. With chairs you need to look for ones with lumbar support and adjustable heights, for desks you want to consider a standing desk to promote better posture.
One of the main things you’ll want to do is upgrade your internet connectivity. Consider upgrading to a mesh Wi-Fi system that can provide reliable coverage throughout your home, whilst being able to connect to all your required devices.
Designing with flexibility in mind means thinking about how your workspace might need to evolve, not just the practical matters of today. Movable furniture in general and modular shelving are great options when it comes to the wider needs of the office, these types of furniture offer the adaptability to reconfigure your office as your needs change.
