Modern Technology in Today’s Homes

When it comes to remodeling or new construction in your kitchen and bath, we recommend familiarizing yourself with the latest in modern technology.

By incorporating technology into your design, you can customize your space to accommodate your family’s needs. Reach out to your designers and contractors to create a plan, keeping in mind that the key to a successful outcome is to make sure your smart home is understandable and relatable for all ages. That idea should be an integral part of your design process from the very beginning.

Designers have some practical options for improving functionality and connectivity in your home through smart products, including appliances. For example, you can set up your pantry so that the light comes on only when you open the door. Or the same power source could be used for a water system installation on the counter that offers filtered, chilled, sparkling or boiling water instantly from a single faucet.

Some products will alert you when filters need changing, or if a door is left open. There are even devices that send you messages when the washer is done.

Elevate your bathroom experience and look for plumbing products with shower valve controls that flow with temperature and water pressure settings tailored to your personal needs. Enhance your space using mirrors with lighting touch controls, or ones with TVs incorporated into them — with the option to hide the TV when you don’t want to see it. Even toilets have incorporated technology with automatic lid opening and closing sensors, and bidet options that are eco-friendly, too.

It’s also very nice to have lighting throughout your home that you can customize and control. Just think: If you were to leave the entry light on for someone coming home after your bedtime, you wouldn’t have to get up later to make sure the lights are off. Instead, you can control your lighting system all on one app and manage the controls from your phone or an interface pad mounted on the wall.

Other unique tech applications to consider for your home are smart shades, fans, door locks, TV and sound systems in each room, robotic vacuums, sauna and ice baths, air conditioning, landscaping and even fireplaces.

Whether you integrate modern technology in your design for luxury or practicality, it’s important to know your options. Create a budget that makes technology a priority in your build or remodel, and hire professional designers and architects. Many of them use smart home tech integrators, whose job is to help develop unique tech plans for clients.

The average home has 22 smart devices, and 71% of appliances and home products now include customizable and personalized technologies. Do your research for your next project and know what innovations are available. Modern technology should not be an afterthought in design — it should be built into your home to meet your lifestyle.

To learn more about the National Kitchen & Bath Association, and to find a local NKBA Aloha Chapter professional near you, visit nkba.org.

Pamela O’Donnell is a kitchen and bath designer for her firm, Coastal Creative Designs, and president of the NKBA Aloha chapter.

Editor’s Note: This article has been slightly modified from the original print version for optimal online reading. To view the full print story, subscribe to our digital edition or pick up your copy of Hawaii Home + Remodeling at one of our partner locations.