Just In! Smart Home Tech Trends for 2023

May 3, 2023 No Comments

by Olivera Pejin

Automated and remotely controlled systems are what make a home “smart.” In contrast to more basic home automation systems, such as remotely controlled window curtains, smart home systems require a web connection or smartphone app for user interaction. 

With them, you are able to automate your home’s security, lighting, entertainment, and even heating/cooling systems, all through your Wi-Fi network.

The concept of the smart home was created with both practicality and ecological considerations in mind. One of the end goals is to improve efficiency while cutting down on environmental impact by reducing water and energy consumption.

Only in the United States do 60.4 million homes already use smart home devices, and the rising trend is expected to continue. 

In 2022, smart thermostats and touchless doorbells were the hottest topics revolving around smart home systems. And what is 2023 going to bring? Stick around to find out.

Unconventional Smart Devices

If you watched the movie Glass Onion on Netflix, you can remember Serena Williams’ cameo in one of the scenes. In a room full of vast, chic windows, one of them plays a “smart role,” projecting her home workout session. Although this particular example is just the fruit of the scriptwriter’s imagination, such devices aren’t that hard to imagine anymore.  

In fact, there are a huge number of smart mirror concepts online designed to reflect your image as well as display other options such as weather, time, and other useful apps one can use while brushing their teeth in the morning. 

This is an example of implementing Internet of Things (IoT) technologies into our daily lives. Interconnected between themselves on the same Wi-Fi network, all devices hooked up to the IoT systems can communicate with each other, giving users a chance to respond quickly to their needs.

You can set your smart lights to automatically turn on when you enter a room, your smart thermostat to your ideal temperature, and your smart stove to turn off when it senses your roasted potatoes are ready to get out of the oven. The options are limitless, and we’re yet to see what kind of first-hand help we can get from smart appliances. 

As more and more devices adopt IoT technology, our daily routines will become easier and more productive. We can save time and effort by automating routine tasks when all of our devices are networked and able to talk to one another. 

Systems are Getting More Affordable

Not so long ago, these interconnected home systems were considered pricey gadgets, but their cost is slowly declining, allowing people to access them more easily. 

This is especially good for people concerned about their own safety. Homeowners can monitor their properties from afar thanks to the ability to manage a number of devices remotely.

Apart from that, as you monitor your electricity and water spending, it is becoming more convenient to track your spending and act accordingly. 

A Turn to Sustainability 

Although we’re discussing cutting-edge technological solutions, a smart home does not have to look like something out of Blade Runner 2049. In fact, most current trends in architecture and interior design are turning back to sustainable natural resources. 

One sustainable approach to technology is to consider utilizing refurbished all-in-one computers, which can help reduce electronic waste and extend the lifespan of electronic devices.

Greener Buildings

The growing number of “green buildings” is a result of many large cities turning into concrete jungles. More sustainable buildings aim to reduce the environmental impact that most of today’s advanced cities leave while also improving air quality and saving energy. 

This trend is also applicable to houses in more suburban areas. There is a surge in the use of natural materials, like a variety of plants, to install green roofs or rocks for step units in yards. This way, even smaller cities can adopt a more energy-efficient way of living. 

Keeping it Inexpensive

Besides putting the accent on efficiency and functionality, experts are emphasizing the fact that smarter construction and housewares don’t have to be expensive. 

Moreover, most of them remind us that smart solutions are already accessible, and we can start implementing simple yet inexpensive ones like LED lights and water filters or using recycled materials instead of buying brand-new ones. 

Nurturing Water Resources

Water scarcity isn’t something that is upon us; it’s already happening, and the industry is finding ways to respect all water resources. From rainwater collection to smart faucets, various solutions are becoming more popular, all with the goal of conserving our life source. 

Although trends like smart showers with aromatherapy functions and temperature controls, as well as smart toilets with warm water, are having their moment now, there is always the other side of the coin. 

Eco-Conscious Water Networks

It’s encouraging to see eco-friendly practices and smart home trends converging this year. One of the great ideas out there is a system of smart water networks. One of the examples is a sprinkler system with wireless soil sensors that waters your yard only when it’s required to.

Based on the data gathered by sensors, these systems are able to recognize the weather, precisely schedule watering periods, and identify particular zones that require more or less water. 

Rainwater is Having Its Comeback

A practice that we almost forgot about is coming back: collecting rainwater for different purposes. This is another great example of smart housing that isn’t particularly connected to high-tech solutions but focuses on repurposing materials. 

Homeowners can save money on their water bills and contribute to water conservation by installing these systems, which collect rainwater from the roof and store it in tanks for later use. Will it be for gardening purposes, quick summer showers, or just flushing your toilet? It’s up to you to choose. 

Touchless Faucets

Almost all of us are guilty of leaving the water running while brushing our teeth or washing our dishes for too long. The solution is not difficult to imagine; in fact, it is the touchless faucets we are familiar with in restaurants or public restrooms, and they are becoming a part of smart homes as well. 

This solution is also very practical for messy cooks who tend to spot their sinks while preparing meals, or for those who keep the water running while they do their whole skincare routine. 

How does it work? It’s very simple. The sensors recognize the distance between the faucet and the person, and when you’re far enough away, the tap is automatically closed. 

Conclusion 

Although we are still seeing the emergence of systems whose primary purpose is to eliminate tedious routine actions (as well as provide luxurious leisure at your own pace), it is wonderful that more people are considering sustainability in the context of smart homes.

Every new extravagant gadget seems to be accompanied by a new idea to complement it. 

Whether it’s using more natural materials in production or simply reusing others, every step toward environmental awareness represents an important step toward preserving the resources we have.