Fixr Report on Smart Home Tech Trends
Our homes are evolving in a world where technology becomes ever more integrated with our daily lives. You cannot escape the rise of smart technology in recent years and the advancements making our homes work better for us. Each year, more options become available to make our living spaces 21st-century smart homes. But what are the latest smart tech trends?
Fixr surveyed top home design professionals to gauge what U.S. homeowners most want in their homes based on what their clients tell them. The results reflect that modern gadgets and smart appliances are important, with the kitchen as the most on-trend area to be smart in 2024.
Adam Graham, a construction industry analyst at Fixr and author of the report, tells KBB, “This report shows that technology is no longer an afterthought, but an integral part of the design process. 83% of design experts say smart tech is important to homeowners. The emergence and blending of smart technology with design is forcing people to reevaluate how they renovate a space. For example, design features such as lighting can now incorporate smart tech with sensors, ambiance control, and timer settings.”
Fixr’s home improvement specialist Ornella Bianco agrees, commenting to KBB, “Smart home tech trends show that more people are considering a new element in home design; convenience. Homeowners want a home that works around their lifestyle. This can involve anything from prioritizing smart appliances in the kitchen for easier and faster meal prep to smart bathroom mirrors with anti-mist settings.”
Excerpts from the Fixr report are below.
Smart Home Tech Trends in 2024
80% of experts agree that the biggest smart home tech trend in 2024 is automation. Having the power to control appliances at your fingertips makes life much more convenient. And it’s not only domestic appliances that are automated. From a design perspective, you can also control interior and exterior lighting. Automated homes also mean more control over entertainment such as music throughout the home. In terms of comfort, you can easily control temperature, resulting in better energy efficiency as you optimize your home so as not to waste heat or cool air. Dahlia Mahmood, Owner of Dahlia Design, says “Smart tech in homes has become incredibly useful in our homes, not only for tracking usage but for total home integration. This trend from large mobile display screens to controlling appliances from miles away, smart technology is becoming an essential design element for years to come.”
73% of pros agree that another top trend in home smart tech is security. Smart security can include an array of different features including smart locks, cameras, alarms, lighting, doorbells, and sensors. Security at home gives you peace of mind but it can also be convenient to work for you. As Shivani Vyas, Owner and Founder of Studio Vyas, points out “Homeowners are seeking to automate their everyday tasks to save time”. She continues to explain that homeowners are “using smart tech to design a bedtime routine that performs multiple tasks at once; shutting off lights, locking doors, and setting an alarm for the next day.”
56% of design experts say that smart appliances are the biggest home design trend in 2024. Appliances with smart features are more widely available than ever, and later in this report, we’ll delve into where and which are the most popular.
The Kitchen is the Most Popular Space for Smart Tech in 2024
The kitchen is the most popular space to install smart technology, according to 93% of home design professionals. The vast majority of experts agree that among the different spaces at home, the heart of the home is where homeowners can get the most out of appliances and features. It makes sense as there is an abundance of appliances we use in the kitchen of which there are now smart options. Below we will explore the most sought-after smart tech in the kitchen.
Another popular space to optimize for smart living is the living room, according to 39% of pros. A place to enjoy entertainment and relax, there are many smart tech options available to enhance your experience. With convenience being more of a priority than modernizing and having media gadgets, this probably explains the living room not being as popular as the kitchen for smart tech.
Elsewhere, 30% of experts believe home offices are where most homeowners would like smart technology, while only 25% say the bathroom.
Which Kitchen Smart Tech is the Most Popular?
In the kitchen, most homeowners want smart fridges above other appliances, according to 62% of experts. Smart fridges offer convenience by allowing users to remotely monitor and control their refrigerator’s settings, such as temperature and inventory, through mobile apps. They can also automate grocery lists and track expiration dates, enhancing food management and reducing waste.
44% of pros say smart coffee makers and ovens are set to be the most popular smart items in kitchens in 2024. Smart coffee makers let you set when to brew your coffee and how strong you want it, while smart ovens allow you to control cooking settings from your phone and get alerts, making cooking easier and more convenient.
Photo credits: Fixr
