The modern home is becoming increasingly connected, and cabinets are a big part of the trend. Homeowners are learning that by combining smart technology and cabinet design, they can greatly enhance the functionality, convenience and stylishness of their home. Here are some popular smart cabinetry designs to consider.
Smart Lighting Solutions
One of the most useful ways to integrate technology into your cabinets is with smart lighting. LED strips and puck lights controlled by smart technology offer a number of fun and practical features, including:
- Voice and app control: Adjust brightness and color temperature using voice commands or a phone app.
- Color-changing options: Set the mood for different occasions with full-color RGB lighting that can be synced to music or set to timed changes.
- Motion sensors: Set your lights to automatically illuminate your work areas when you approach and turn off when you leave, adding convenience and saving energy.
- Scheduled lighting: Set your lights to turn off and on at specific times, making it look like someone’s home or so that you can wake up to a lighted kitchen.
Built-in Charging Stations
As reliance on mobile devices grows, so does the need for handy charging solutions. Charging stations for smartphones, tablets and other devices can be integrated into cabinet design. Wireless charging pads, pop-up charging towers and USB ports can all be discreetly placed inside drawers, cabinets or custom enclosures to keep them out of sight and your counter free of clutter.
Smart Locks and Security
For cabinets and drawers where valuable or potentially harmful items, chemicals or medications are stored, smart locks provide an added layer of security. They can be controlled remotely with a smartphone app and even integrated with your home security system. Some models can be programmed with temporary access codes for use by guests or service providers.
Touchless Features
Touchless technology became popularized during the pandemic, and now you can use it to enhance convenience and hygiene in your home. Motion-activated and voice-controlled cabinet doors and drawers, and sensor-activated trash bins can be opened with a word or a wave of the hand, reducing the spread of germs and keeping cabinet surfaces cleaner.
Smart Appliance Integration
Custom cabinets can be designed to accommodate all the smart appliances in the connected home. Things like built-in smart ovens with remote preheat capabilities, refrigerators with transparent display doors showing their contents, and coffee makers that can be programmed via smartphone can all be enclosed in cabinetry and hidden from view when not in use.
Make sure your smart cabinet features are compatible with popular home automation systems like Apple HomeKit, Google Home or Amazon Alexa, allowing for centralized control and integration with other smart home devices.
Contact Walters Cabinets for more information about how to incorporate smart technology into your cabinetry.
