Our homes have always been our safe havens and places of comfort. Somewhere we can relax with our loved ones and enjoy time away from the rest of the world. Many of us associate technological advances with our business lives but around the globe, owners of luxury homes are now beginning to realise the multiple advantages of including smart technology in their luxury home design. Imagine for a moment, a home that knows who you are, welcomes you in and sets your lighting, curtains, music and temperature exactly as you like it. From smart home security to smart entertainment, this is a home that has utilised luxury technology to ensure you feel safe, comfortable and relaxed, whatever your day has thrown at you, and from the minute you arrive at your doorstep.

Intelligent technology

The market for smart technology has grown over the last decade, as has the internet of things. This is great news for owners of luxury homes as there is now a multitude of choice when it comes to smart network devices. If you want to make sure you are making the most of the additional touches of smart indulgence now available, we have five popular uses of smart technology for luxury homes.

Smart home security

Feeling safe in your home is of utmost importance and the good news is that smart home security has made it possible to combine a variety of systems to ensure you, your family and your home are completely secure at all times. Using broadband connected smart cameras with motion or even face detection you can now observe and control visitors to your home from anywhere in the world. Include a microphone and speaker and suddenly you can have conversations with these visitors as well as the ability to control deliveries and maintenance visits.

Smart locks for the home utilise blue tooth or Wi-Fi connections for touch-free door unlocking but this particular smart technology goes even further, and can provide the facility for temporary keys. Great if you want a secure way to allow access to your home while you are away.

Smart lighting

Smarting lighting is a smart technology that offers double the advantage to luxury homeowners. Whether you are looking for an additional level to your home security or the opportunity to enhance the ambiance of your home-living experience, smart lighting has the ability to provide both.From a smart home technology perspective, smart lighting can turn your lighting system into an effective and efficient deterrent.

These smart phone connected devices can be controlled remotely in a number of ways. Instead of leaving a light on all night or using a predictable timer, smart lighting can be allocated a schedule to mimic your usual home behavior (for example bathroom lights at bedtime) or set to a random pattern confusing enough to deter any would-be burglar. It can also be set to work with your other smart home security devices to turn on lights as you arrive home.

The other wonderful thing about smart lighting is that it can seriously increase the design flexibility of your living spaces. Whether you are planning an intimate dinner for two or a large indoor/outdoor celebration, smart lighting can be turned on and off, dimmed or colour adjusted, all from your smartphone or digital assistant.

Smart windows

Smart windows are a really exciting innovation and one that can seriously add value and pleasure to any luxury home. Electrochromic or switchable glass can provide privacy on demand, lessen the impact of the sun on a hot day and allow you to view the world without the world being able to view you. If your idea of a luxury home involves sleek lines and minimalistic design, switchable glass may well be exactly what you are looking for.

If you enjoy the warmth of window fittings then smart window blinds or curtains can provide an additional touch of extravagance. Motorised electric blinds and curtains, controlled via your smart devices offer both convenience and security. In a larger home, opening and closing window coverings can take up time that you would probably rather spend relaxing. Whether you are looking to keep your luxury home warmer, cooler or more secure, smart window control is a great option.

Smart heating

If you have ever walked into your home and instantly felt too hot or cold, you will already understand the advantages of smart heating. Traditional heating timers just don’t offer the flexibility required by today’s busy lifestyle. Smart heating gives you the ability to heat or cool your home remotely allowing you to relax in the perfect temperature as soon as you get in. As well as this, smart heating systems offer the opportunity to set heating zones around your home. For example you might like a warm living room in which to relax but a cooler bedroom for nighttime comfort. You might also like to adjust the water temperature in your system to provide the perfect hot bath. By shopping around for your smart heating system, you may also choose to include smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

Domestic robots

Domestic tasks are a chore and it isn’t always convenient to welcome additional people into your home to help you complete them. The development of domestic robots is coming on apace and this is definitely an area worth keeping an eye on. From cosy chats to garden technology, here is a list of ten chores you will soon be able to ask your domestic robot to do.

• Serve drinks to your guests
• Clean your windows
• Help you create delicious meals with the available contents of your fridge
• Play games with your children
• Keep you to your daily schedule
• Build your brain power
• Hoover and mop your floor
• Mow your lawn
• Water your plants
• Clean your swimming pool

Smart technology for the future

It would appear that by adding the latest in smart technology to your luxury home you would barely have to lift a finger. This is good news. With working lives increasing in intensity and family life getting busier, leaving the more mundane aspects of life to the technology makes a lot of sense. The time is coming soon when all luxury homes will be organised, managed and kept secure by smart technology. This is an exciting market and one that you should definitely be keeping an eye on.

If you are considering purchasing or selling a luxury home in the North West and Central London areas, please feel free to contact our expert team. Our years of experience have given us a unique understanding of this niche luxury property market, and we offer a subtle and bespoke service.