Kitchen & Bath Business November/December 2022 - 18

TE CHNOL OG Y
& DE SIGN
A Perfect Fit
How smart technology supports wellness and daily living
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 components that, today, fi t so easily into
our daily lives. Our environment feels appropriate when our senses experience
a calm and seamless fi t, supporting our health, safety and well-being.
AN INTUITIVE ENVIRONMENT
When designing a home, the idea of technology is to help positive living
habits become routine and easy, not burdensome and diffi cult. If components
are placed in the wrong location or are hard to operate, it is frustrating
rather than useful. Smart home specialists develop intuitive solutions that
do not require a high level of user understanding.
To ensure our systems have the functionality that performs 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 a well-designed
space to feel comfortable, it cannot be messy with clutter, so most systems
are installed to not be seen. 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 defi nitions
and contrast for depth of fi eld 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 in the home.
TOUCHING & HEARING WITH TECH
Smart tech is right at our fi ngertips, allowing us to access all the smart
home features 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 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 quality audio solution is important because music adds to the enjoyment
of the space, contributing to our well-being. Selections are accessible via controls,
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 diff erent detectors - natural gas, CO2
water, fi re and motion - that alert the homeowner of a health/safety hazard.
, smoke,
18
/ NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2022
ABOVE 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 defi nes the kitchen
perimeter and illuminates the
fl oor. Photographer: Mark
Heff ron
WORK IT OUT
As part of a healthy lifestyle, there is an increase
in the need for exercise rooms, and technology is
no stranger to these spaces. Creating a smoothie
bar or snack area includes refrigerator drawers and
other equipment for eff ortless healthy food preparation.
Dietary apps, fi tness trackers and smart
appliances provide easy access for positive routines
to promote and enforce good health behaviors.
Th e best residential architecture and interior
design consistently activates the senses and
engages the heart, mind and soul. Th e wellness
movement has taken on expanded meaning beyond
what we can do daily to move our bodies
and keep them healthy. When we simplify our
approach through designed spaces that incorporate
smart tech components, life becomes
easier, more enjoyable and results in a happy,
productive life.
Authors: Natalie Erickson, interior designer
& Richard Sherer, design principal, Deep River
Partners (deepriver.com); Jason Koziol, CTS, technology
integrator, Global Sight and Sound Inc.
(globalsightandsound.com); Steve Klein, lighting
designer, Klein Lighting (kleinlighting.com) 
http://www.deepriver.com http://www.globalsightandsound.com http://www.kleinlighting.com
Kitchen & Bath Business November/December 2022

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