Kitchen & Bath Business May/June 2024 - 14

SMAR T HOME
DE SIGN
In Tech We Trust
How to increase homeowner confidence in today's offerings
SMART HOME TECHNOLOGY promises a fusion of convenience, entertainment,
security and safety. Yet, as interior designers, you understand
the hesitation some homeowners may have about adopting such innovations.
Whether it's a gap in knowledge or a previous unfavorable
experience, these concerns can be signifi cant barriers to implementing
smart technology in your projects.
BRIDGING THE TECHNOLOGY KNOWLEDGE GAP
Th e fi rst step in overcoming these challenges is recognizing that many
homeowners simply " don't know what they don't know. " A lack of what's
available and " what's in it for me " can deter investment in smart home
technology. Th is is why it's crucial for interior designers to collaborate
with a qualifi ed home technology integrator. Th at person is the specialist
trade that designs, installs and services all manner of home technologies
such as smart lighting, motorized shades, audio/video, home control,
security, Wi-Fi/networking and more.
Your home technology partner will provide valuable insight and
guidance, ensuring that the chosen technologies not only meet the
homeowner's needs but also complement the aesthetic design of the
space. For more on finding the right home technology integrator
partner, delve into the informative piece on page 18 of our September/
October 2023 issue.
LEARNING FROM REAL-WORLD DEMONSTRATIONS
To counteract prior bad experiences with home technology that may
not have lived up to the hype, nothing is quite as convincing as fi rsthand
exposure to quality products installed by a quality integrator.
Encouraging clients to experience live demonstrations of smart home
systems in action - be it at an integrator's showroom or one of their past
client's homes - will showcase the seamless operation and integration of
how these systems should work. Lighting control, motorized shading,
single-app home management and well-designed audio/video systems
will demonstrate the tangible benefi ts of smart home technology when
thoughtfully integrated.
THE ROLE OF INTERIOR DESIGNERS IN CLIENT CONFIDENCE
Interior designers have the opportunity to guide their clients through the
smart home journey from the outset. By proactively introducing clients
to elegantly integrated technology systems, designers can enhance the
home's convenience and entertainment quotient. Th is foresight not only
elevates the client's living experience but also solidifi es the designer's role
as a visionary advocate for modern living.
By working with design-friendly technology integrators, interior
designers ensure that the selected smart home technologies are not just
easy to use but also aesthetically harmonious. Th is harmonization is not
14
/ MAY-JUNE 2024
" Encouraging clients
to experience live
demonstrations of
smart home systems
in action - be it at an
integrator's showroom
or one of their past
client's homes -
will showcase the
seamless operation
and integration of
how these systems
should work. "
by chance but by choice - a choice made possible
through the designer's partnership with integrators
who prioritize both design and the role of
interior designers.
Embracing smart home technology can be a
transformative step for homeowners, and as interior
designers, it can be your privilege to guide
your clients. Th e integration of this technology
extends beyond mere functionality; it's about
crafting an experience that aligns with the lifestyle
and aspirations of your clients. By choosing
the right technology integrator partner and
demonstrating the thoughtful blend of design
and innovation, doubts are overcome and new
possibilities for living spaces are increased. Th e
result is a home that's not only connected but is
more relaxing and fun to live in.
By Josh Christian, CEO of the Home Technology
Association, which helps design pros find the most
qualified home technology integrators;
htacertified.org
http://www.htacertified.org
Kitchen & Bath Business May/June 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Kitchen & Bath Business May/June 2024
