85 Simple Home Automation Ideas For You

If you’re looking for some more home automation ideas, then you’re in the right place.  I’ve taken the time to list 85 of the best home automation ideas. To make your life (and mine) easier, I’ve split the list into seven categories. 

smart home automation ideas

Table of Contents

Kitchen Home Automation Ideas

For me the best home automation ideas start in the kitchen because we spend some much of our time preparing food and cleaing up after ourselves.

So let’s take a look at some top smart devices that will make your cooking experience easy:

1. Grocery Ordering

GeniCan-White

Grocery shopping can be a nightmare at the best of times. And remembering what you need to purchase can be even harder.

Luckily you can now find devices that can help make a list for you and, in some cases, will order it online for you.

Scan the item once it’s finished or close to running out to add it to the database. You can then decide what to do with the information using the app. 

Recommended Devices 

2. Smart Timers

Everyone has access to a timer on their phone, but it usually involves setting it. That’s were smart timers can help.

They allow you to set a timer with minimal effort, or without having to set any actions up beforehand.

To set these timers, turn the device to the amount of time you require. It makes your life easier and saves time.

Znewtech-Timer

Recommended Devices 

3. Smart Alarms

Nest Smart Fire And Carbon Detector

Sometimes when you’re cooking, things go wrong, and sometimes you don’t even have to be there for it to go bad. 

Smart alarms can detect natural gases and carbon monoxide. Now you don’t have to worry about sudden gas leaks or fires while you’re out.

As soon as something is picked up, the smart alarm will send you a notification to your smartphone. All you have to do is hook it up to your home hub.

Recommended Devices 

4. Smart Fridges

Smart fridges make our fridges look stupid, by performing tasks and keeping us up to date with what’s in the fridge.

Smart fridges can let you know if the door has been left open, or if you’re running out of milk. 

And even better than that, you can see what’s in the fridge without having to open it. Some Smart fridges will also order food for you when you’re running low.

Samsung-smart-fridge

Recommended Devices 

5. Water Sensors

SmartThings Water Sensor

Coming home to a burst water pipe can certainly ruin your day, which is where smart water sensors come in handy.

Water sensors will help you catch the leak before you get home. It sends you a notification to your smartphone as soon as anything is detected.

This gives you enough time to get the plumber out, and home before your house is underwater.

Recommended Devices 

6. Egg Counter

Trying to remember how many eggs you have left at home isn’t easy.

Which is how devices like Eggminder became popular.

In each slot of the egg tray is a sensor that helps you keep track by using your phone.

And as a bonus, each egg has it’s own LED to indicate which egg is the freshest.

Quirky Eggminder

Recommended Devices 

7. Dry Good Jar

Neo Jar

Knowing precisely what’s in your pantry is a difficult task, which is where a smart jar like Neo can help.

The smart jar allows you to track how much is in the tub by using the app on your smartphone.

At the bottom, it features a small scale that effectively weighs your dry goods. 

This lets you know when you’re running low, and in some cases, will reorder the products for you.

Now you never have to worry about running out of your most-used products. 

Recommended Devices 

8. Smart Taps

Smart taps can make your cooking experiences easier.

We’ve all been there before; your hands are caked with food leftovers, and when you go to clean them, you transfer it to the tap.

Smart taps can help you by turning on the faucet using your voice and nothing else. Other taps will offer temperature assistance or measured water release.

By automating your taps, you can save yourself time by not having to clean the handle every time.    

Delta Faucet Trinsic

Recommended Devices 

9. Food Analyzer

Recently people have become fascinated by what they’re eating, which can be hard to do if you like eating out most days.

Now you can find smart devices that will analyze the food you’re about to eat.

Devices like SICO and Tellspec will analyze ingredients, count your calories, and warn you about allergens and toxins found in your food. 

Recommended Devices 

10. Slow Cooker

Smart cookers have already been changing the way people cook at home, and now they’re at it again.

Smart cookers allow you to use the app to make changes to the cooking process.

This means you can have dinner ready when you walk through the door.

Crock Pot SCCPWM600

And it’s not just the ability to control the cooker using WiFi. With their smart buttons, you can now cook using multiple methods at the touch of the button.

Recommended Devices 

11. Coffee Maker

TopBrewer

So many people throughout the world start their day with coffee, but that does mean having to get out of bed earlier then you may like to.

Using a smart coffee machine allows you to make the perfect cup of coffee without having to leave your bed.

If that’s not good enough, then what about a tap that produces coffee? 

I know it sounds like a dream, but not anymore. TopBrewer allows you to choose your style before being poured out of the faucet. Getting your morning fix couldn’t be any easier.

Recommended Devices 

12. Thermometer

People that love cooking are always looking for new ways to make food perfect.

A smart wireless thermometer can help you do that. They allow you to track the temperature of the meat while providing you with estimated cooking time. 

You can connect via Bluetooth to track the meat on the smartphone app. Now you don’t even have to move off the sofa to get the perfectly cooked medium-rare steak. 

Meater

Recommended Devices 

13. Hydropoint

Hydropoint 360

Hydropoint 360° installs sensors on the water line under the sink. It’s used to monitors vibrations and water flow. 

By doing this, it can pick which plumbing system is using the most water and how much it’s costing. 

The data is captured in real-time and updated to the app. The company prides itself on accurately picking up leaks, clogs and sometimes pick upcoming issues.

Recommended Devices 

14. Sous-Vide

Sous-vide machines might be new to home kitchens, but they’ve been a massive hit so far. You can now cook beautiful food without having to go to a fancy restaurant.

Smart sous-vide machines offer quick set-up and an in-app assistant chef. Mellow even has built-in refrigeration; the food can be cooked and cooled by the time you get home.

If your looking for something a little smaller, the Anova sous-vide stick might be more to your liking.

The stick is used by filling a pan of water and slowly heating it to the correct temperature.

Mellow

The smart sous-vide device can also be controlled remotely using the smartphone app; giving you full control of the cooking process.

Recommended Devices 

15. Smart Stirrer

Uutensil Stirr

When you are cooking, there’s nothing worse than having to keep getting up to stir the pan.

No one wants their food stuck to the bottom of the pan, but equally, we don’t want to get up to do it.

Why not try an automatic pot-stirrer? All you need to do is place the device in the pot, and let it do the work for you.

They usually work using batteries to function, which can be dismantled for cleaning.

Recommended Devices 

16. Oven

Smart ovens are a must-have in most modern kitchens; like all smart devices, it takes the pressure off you and saves time.

By using the app, you can turn the oven on and adjust the temperature all by using your phone.

Now you don’t have to worry if you’ve turned off the oven when you’re out; you can check the app to make adjustments.

And the best bit, they can clean themselves!

Samsung Flex Duo

Recommended Devices 

17. Herb Garden

COCOBOO

Growing herbs is very time-consuming, and usually more complicated than it looks.

Automated herb gardens take the difficulty away. They feed themselves, so you don’t have too.

You can track their progress using the app and make adjustments when needed. Enjoy fresh herbs all year round.  

Recommended Devices 

18. Washing machine

No one likes doing the washing, so anything that makes it easier is a welcome addition to any kitchen.

They allow you to control the device, monitor the energy usage, or download unique wash cycles.

You can even hook them up to Alexa or Google home to add an extra level of automatization.

Once your kids have loaded their clothes into the washer, you can start the cycle using your voice or the app. Some machines will even measure the detergent for you. 

LG WM3499HVA

Recommended Devices 

Security Home Automation Ideas

It’s an important feature for houses nowadays, especially with crime on the rise. You can now set up your own complex security system, which could rival any bank system. 

Check out some of these ideas: 

1. Smart Locks

schalge century

Smart locks bring a new level of security to your home. By using the app, you can control and monitor who has access to your house by using the app.

Smart locks enable you to lock and unlock the door remotely.

If you’re interested in learning more about the smart locks, you should check the best smart locks for Airbnb; it will give you a more in-depth look.

You can also find out which brand wins Schlage Vs Kwikset, they’re two of the best brands, but which one’s better?

Recommended Devices 

2. Security Camera

Smart security cameras can come in all shapes and sizes. The beauty of smart cameras is you can view your home remotely from anywhere in the world. 

Some smart cameras feature motion detectors, which will start to record to the cloud when motion is detected.

It will also send you a push notification to alert you of any movements.

Smart cameras provide you with an easy to install a security system that can be controlled at the touch of a button from anywhere in the world.  

Check out my Arlo Vs Nest review or if you prefer Arlo Vs Ring. They’re all good devices but which one will you pick?

Recommended Devices 

3. Motion Sensors

Smart motion detectors have the ability to detect movement by using infrared lights.

They do this by picking up changes in ambient temperature or by using microwaves and ultrasound.

Motion sensors are an excellent addition to any security system. They can communicate with smart devices, including your phone, security cameras and lights. 

Recommended Devices 

4. Light Bulb Security Camera

Security cameras are popping up in various items to provide more discreet security. Light bulb security cameras give you a 360° view of your home.

By using the app, you can live stream footage from anywhere in the world. You’ll also receive notifications if any unexpected movements are detected.

My favorite part about these smart devices is the ability to use them as a doorbell device. A lot of them come with two speakers and motion sensor notifications.

NAIYO Amazon review

For a more in-depth look, take a look at the best light bulb security cameras

Recommended Devices 

5. Smart Doorbell

Ring

No one likes answering the door to find people trying to sell you things. Now you don’t even have to get up from the sofa.

A smart doorbell allows you to see who’s at the door no matter where you are in the world.

It connects to Wi-Fi and other smart devices to help you integrate functions with IFTTT.

We all know Ring is a part of Amazon, but does Ring work with Alexa?

This smart device is a great way to safeguard your house. Take full advantage of the two-way speaker to ward off any unwanted guests.

Recommended Devices 

6. GPS Car Tracker

For most people, a car is the second most expensive thing they’ll ever purchase. And for that reason alone, it’s something worth protecting from thieves.

A GPS tracker is a small device that can be hidden or stuck to the car using a magnetic strip. It then sends signals to satellites to transmit its location.

If the worst does happen, you know you’re covered. By using the protection plans, you’ll be able to locate your car as soon as you notice it’s gone.

 

AMERICALOC

Recommended Devices 

7. Sound Sensor

MINUT Sound Sensor

Sound sensors allow you to monitor the sound level within your chosen environment.

You can set a custom volume level to ensure it never goes over the threshold.

You’ll receive in-app notifications if things sound like they’re getting out of hand. You’ll know if any parties are going on without you.

Some devices like the MINUT even come with temperature sensors, which allows you to make changes to your home if it’s getting dangerous. 

Recommended Devices 

8. Floodlights

Floodlights are a great way to add to your home security device.

But smart floodlights push it a step further, with app features, camera add-ons, and two-way intercom integration.

Nothing deters thieves more than bright lights; they look like a deer caught in the headlights. And if you get the camera integration, you can capture that exact moment.  

Ring Floodlight

Recommended Devices 

9. Fire Detector

First Alert

Smoke alarms are there to warn you of a fire, but what if you’re out of the house?

Smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are an essential part of any smart home.

Their main advantage over dumb smoke alarms is, you can have peace of mind no matter where you are.

By using the app, you’ll receive notifications that enable you to make plans if things are going wrong. 

Recommended Devices 

10. Smart Blinds

In the search for making people’s life more comfortable, smart blinds have jumped on to the market.

Not only does it allow you not to leave your sofa to close to blinds, but it can also be used for security.

“How?” You might ask; by setting up schedules while you’re away, your blinds will open and close as if you were at home.

AXIS Gear

Nothing says you’re home like opening and closing blinds! 

Recommended Devices 

11. Energy Monitor

Sense Energy Monitor

Energy monitors allow you to track the electrical current and voltage. By doing this it allows you to track where the energy is going and how to improve it.

Over time, the devices learn how you use your energy, which enables it to warn you if anything happens out of the ordinary. 

Recommended Devices 

Garden Home Automation Ideas

A beautifully kept garden is the envy of any homeowner. And it used to mean countless hours spent outside trimming, weeding, and planting. 

Now it doesn’t have to be like that, with these smart devices that will turn your garden into a wonderland:

1. Smart BBQ

Timberline 850 Hero

BBQing can take a lot of time and energy, especially when you’re trying to wow your friends and family with your smokey meat and veggies.

They provide you with automated features such as temperature control, smoking, and alarms. 

Be the envy of the party with your smart BBQ, and enjoy talking to people without having to run back to the grill every five minutes.

Recommended Devices 

2. Smart Lawnmower

We’ve all looked out the window before to see a miniature jungle outside. And mowing the lawn every week isn’t a task that everyone is up for.

They use sensors and smart technology to track the dimensions of your garden and cut the lawn to your required length.

The smart lawnmowers can be set to schedules and will automatically return to the charging point when needed. 

Husqvarna 315X

Recommended Devices 

3. Water Sprinkler

Rachio 3

One of the key aspects of gardening is keeping your plants nourished with water. But unfortunately, due to people’s busy lifestyles, it’s very easy to forget to water them. 

By setting up a smart water sprinkler, you don’t have to worry about forgetting again.

You can set up schedules, or for arid days, you can give your plants a boost using the smartphone app.

Recommended Devices 

4. Weather Sensor

Watching the weather channels doesn’t always supply you with the most accurate data for your area.

Which for some people is a necessity for their job/hobby. By setting up your own weather station you can keep up to date on any changes.

That means no more missed sailing, kite or drone flying. Or maybe you want to use it to see how many more hours you can sunbathe for.

Ambient Weather WS-2000

Recommended Devices 

5. Soil Sensors

SensorPush

For your loved plants, you need to ensure you have the best soil available, which can be hard to determine with human eyes.

Luckily with soil sensors, you don’t need magic eyes; they can tell the quality of your soil and track its data using the app.

If you’re looking to make your gardening experience more manageable, then a soil sensor is a great place to start. 

Recommended Devices 

6. Automated Pool Cleaning

Having a swimming pool always seems like a good idea, until you have to clean it. An unmaintained pool can turn your garden into a swap.

On the other hand, a well-maintained pool can turn your garden into the place to be.

An automated pool cleaner can take the stress of cleaning away. Within two hours of setting the machine up, you can have a crystal clear pool with zero effort.

Dolphin-Nautilus

Why not sit back with a cold beer while it cleans the pool for you.

Recommended Devices 

7. Outdoor Smart Sound System

Bose 151

When the party moves outside, it doesn’t mean the music has to stop. 

Outdoor speakers allow you to connect your music to weather-proof speakers. 

The weather-proofing means you don’t have to worry about your speakers going tinny in areas of high humidity and heavy rain.

By using smart speakers, you can listen to music no matter what the weather is like. They’re great for hosting BBQs, birthdays, and parties.

Recommended Devices 

8. Automated Parasol

Opening and closing the parasol can be challenging in high winds or heavy rain. 

Getting an automated parasol can stop you from having to struggle in the rain. They can open and close at the touch of a button.

Parasols like TUUCI even have LED lights to help brighten the night and energy-efficient heaters for colder nights. 

Recommended Devices 

9. Outdoor Lights

When the dark nights drift in, thinking about the light your path receives is crucial.

Adding outside smart lights is the perfect solution to the problem.

The beauty with smart lights is the ability to control your light with your smartphone.

You can even add them to IFTTT functions, so when your gate is opened, your lights turn on.   

Recommended Devices 

10. Garage Door

Entering your garage doesn’t have to be back-breaking. By adding an automated garage door, you can remove the hard work.

They can be controlled via remote or smartphone via the app. You can even add IFTTT functions to the garage door, so your lights turn on as the door opens.

Not only does it assist in gaining access to your garage, but you can also monitor and control who has entered your garage.

Garadget

Recommended Devices 

Bathroom Home Automation Ideas​

People like spending time in the bath, and rightly so, there’s nothing more relaxing than a soak in a long bath. 

Here are a few things that will make your bathtime more enjoyable:

1. Speaker Shower Head

KOHLER K-9245-CP

I never thought singing in the shower could get any better, that was until I found shower heads with speakers built-in to it.

Now you can’t get me out, and I’m sure you’ll be the same as me.

And if the speaker’s not good enough, then the built-in Alexa capability might be more up your street. KOHLER has announced the release of there new Alexa shower head.

It’s looking to join us in early 2020. 

Recommended Devices 

2. Smart Scales

Bathroom scales can do more than tell you how much you weigh. They can now give you a complete overview of your health.

They can measure metrics like body fat and muscle mass, along with a few other details.

You can even sync them with Fitbit and other tracking devices to help you with your weight loss goals.  

Fitbit Aria 2

Recommended Devices 

3. Smart Mirror

BYECOLD

We’ve all seen the magic mirror in snow white that shows the fairest of them all.

Unfortunately, smart mirrors can’t do that, but they do have several features for you to get stuck into.

Connect your mirror to the wifi to find out the time and the weather. And that’s not their only features.

Some come with Alexa built-in, LED vanity lights, and defogging.

Recommended Devices 

4. TV Mirror

TV mirrors offer a stylish and convenient way to hide your bathroom TV.

Your kids will never understand why you spend so much time in the bathroom. Catch up on some peace with Netflix and a glass of wine. 

Recommended Devices 

5. Intelligent Faucets

Crosswater Digital Elite

Intelligent faucets give more control over the water coming from your taps.

Control the temperature using dials or the smartphone app. By using intelligent faucets, you can have your bath or shower ready by the time you get home.

Recommended Devices 

6. Smart Toilets

KOHLER K-5401-0

One smart item that many people don’t think about is the toilet.

And if you’re one of those people you’re missing out. Not only does the tankless design look the part, but the added features push it to the next level. 

Most come with a bidet wand that can position and spray water with pinpoint accuracy.

And if that’s not enough how about a self-cleaning action. It’s a job that everyone hates, and for a good reason, it’s a pretty grim task.

Other features can include self-drying seats, heated feet panels, and more.

Recommended Devices 

7. Smart Medicine Cabinet

Smart medicine cabinets work in a similar way to smart mirrors.

They can bring light to a dark bathroom, or integrate with Alexa to give you warnings/reminders to take your tablets.

And that’s not all, they can defog the mirror or play your favorite playlist with their built-in speaker.

To add an extra layer of smart technology consider adding a smart medicine cabinet.

KOHLER Verdera

Recommended Devices 

8. Smart Toothbrush

Cleaning your teeth as a child used to feel like more of a hindrance than anything else.

But as we grow older, we start to understand the importance. And it’s only solidified with the arrival of smart toothbrushes.

They include technology like Bluetooth, which helps to track your brushing habits and transmits the data to the app.

Dental hygiene hasn’t been any easier since the introduction of electric brushes, and with smart brushes, it just got easier again.

Recommended Devices 

9. Self-Sterilization Door Handle

Forgetting to wash your hands after the toilet isn’t a cardinal sin, but it is close.

Luckily self-sterilizing door handles are on the way, soon you won’t have to worry if the person before you has washed their hands.

It works by introducing a UV light to the handle which has been proven to effectively kill germs.

Living Room Home Automation Ideas​

For the majority of people, there’s nothing better than getting home from work and relaxing in front of the sofa.

But by adding some home automation to your living room you can make the experience even more relaxing. 

Take a look:

1. Smart Hoover

Coredy Robot

No one likes hoovering the floor, it seems like an endless task.

And worst of all twenty minutes after cleaning the floor it looks like a mess again. It’s a common problem that so many people face every day.

And this is why so many people are opting for smart hoovers. They can free up your time by hoovering your floor for you.

The best bit is, you don’t even have to be there to turn it on. You can set up daily or weekly schedules that suit your needs.

Recommended Devices 

2. Smart Sockets

Smart sockets make dumb devices a little bit smarter, kind of. By connecting the smart plug to the Wi-Fi you get to control the socket using your smartphone.

This enables you to remotely turn on and off whatever outlet you have attached to it.

It also gives you the ability to set schedules, you can turn your lights on and off while away on holiday to mimic your routine.

Another nice feature is to add voice controls by connecting it to Siri, Google Home or Alexa.

Recommended Devices 

3. Smart Soundbar

You might be wondering how to make a soundbar smart?

Well like most things adding Alexa to it definitely helps things.

You can use Alexa to play music, check the news and add alerts and timers.

Recommended Devices 

4. Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats can do more than automate/ adjust the heating and cooling of your house.

By connecting them to your Wi-Fi, you can control the temperature of your home from work, while out shopping, or the comfort of your sofa.

Many of the devices will also allow you to add voice commands to your heating system giving you more control than ever before. 

You can check out my full Nest Vs Honeywell here!

Nest learning thermostat

Recommended Devices 

5. Smart Light Switch

TP-Link Kasa

One of the first dumb devices people start playing with is the lighting. And smart light switches are the perfect way to dip your toe into the world of home automation.

You can control a group of lights from the wall like standard light switches.

Or you can simply pop out the control from the wall and control the lights from your couch.

Recommended Devices

6. Automated Window Washer

It’s a commonly neglected area of the house, yet clean windows can provide you with stunning views. 

Most people wait until window cleaners are in the area before the windows get cleaned. But this costs money, and you have to be at home when they arrive.

Automated window washers change this, now all you have to do is stick the device to the window and let it do the hard work.

Recommended Devices 

7. Smart TV

Regular TVs have been around for a long time, in fact, longer than I can remember.

Even smart TVs have been around for a while now.

But what makes a TV “smart”?’

Usually, it’s the addition of Wi-Fi and supported apps. Smart TVs allow you to stream Netflix and Amazon or check social media.

Recommended Devices 

8. Smart Air Purifiers

The quality of the air you breathe is a vital factor when it comes to your health. 

The air we breathe is full of pollution, which in the long run does us more harm than good, which is why people turned to air purifiers. 

The problem with “dumb” air purifiers is they don’t know which impurities are contaminating your home.

AIRMEGA AP 2015E(G)

This is were smart air purifiers come in, they actively track and control the quality of the air within your home. 

Recommended Devices 

9. Automatic Ventilation

Keen Home

Automatic smart ventilation helps you to take your home climate control to the next level. 

By adding smart ventilation, you have the chance to reduce your energy bill significantly.

They can be controlled using the app, or you can set predetermined temperatures and let the vent do the work for you.

Recommended Devices 

10. Smart Assistant

With home automation becoming ever more lucrative, the need for smart assistants is on the rise.

There are so many smart assistants creeping on to the market it’s hard to know which one to choose.

Here’s a couple of up and comers you can check out, instead of the standard Alexa Echo and Google Home.

You can find out does Arlo work with Alexa? Or does Arlo work with Google Home?

Apple HomePod

Recommended Devices 

11. Smart Table

OEM-ODM

Smart tables can change the way you and your family spend time together.

The touchscreen tabletop allows you and your family to interact with it by touch.

Smart tables allow you to play games, surf the internet, or use it as an interactive learning device. Other features include USB charging and mini-fridges.

Recommended Devices 

12. Smart Pool Table

It might not be the most important area of home automation/smart device, but it’s pretty cool which is why it deserves a place on the list.

Pool Live AR brings a feel of augmented reality to the pool table. Play interactive games, or practice by using the projected lines.

Smart Pool Table

Recommended Devices 

13. Smart A/C

Frigidaire

A/C units are a lifesaver in hot and muggy weather when the summer hits.

The problem is if you’ve been out of the house all day. By the time you get home, it already feels like an oven. 

That’s why the base requirement of a smart A/C unit is Wi-Fi connectivity. This enables you to control the device from anywhere.

Another nice added feature is the integration to your smart assistant. No more searching for the hidden A/C remote.

Recommended Devices 

14. Wif-Fi Mesh Network

It might be a dream for most people to own a large house, but when it comes to Wi-Fi, it can be a nightmare.

It’s a great way to ensure you have full Wi-Fi coverage, no matter where you are in the house.

Unlike standard routers, a mesh network uses the SSID and password protection, making them the easiest way to ensure you never lose connection.

Linksys Velop

Recommended Devices 

15. Window Sensors

Nest Window Detector

Window Sensors provide you with extra security again. The easy to install nature makes these security devices a must-have for all home automation enthusiasts.

Window sensors are attached to the side of your window and use a reed switch and magnet.

When the window is opened, the magnet pulls away from the switch. You can set this up to trigger alarms, turn the lights on and send warning notifications to your phone.

Recommended Devices 

16. Amazon Echo

Amazon Echo has been around for a while, and in that time, it set itself in a top position for AI technology.

Using the Eco, you gain the ability to have your Jarvis (Tony Starks AI) of some sort. I know it’s not quite that smart yet, but it’s the step in the right direction.

Alexa allows you to take control of compatible smart devices with your voice. You can set alarms, dim the lights, and find out the weather.

Amazon Eco

Recommended Devices 

17. Smart Remote

Logitech-Harmony

Remote controls can often get overlooked, which is strange considering the sheer number of remotes each household contains.

Smart remotes allow you to replace all the remotes you have with one universal remote.

By using a smart remote, not only do you unclutter your coffee table, but you can automate several tasks. Which helps you in your automation dreams.

Another nice added feature is the integration to your smart assistant. No more searching for the hidden A/C remote.

Recommended Devices 

18. Scene Control

Home automation is so much more than making your life easier, although that is an essential factor. 

The thing is, everyone has their own preferences on how things should sync up and work, which is where scene controllers come in.

It enables you to create personal settings and actions depending on the time of day, or the person that created them.

SmartThings button

Recommended Devices 

19. Multi-Room Music Amp

Sonnos Connect

Music helps us get through the toughest days at work and the worst deep cleans. 

But here’s the problem:

Everyone has different tastes when it comes to music. Which is why a multi-room music amp is so popular. 

Now people have the opportunity to listen to their music no matter what room they are in.

If you’re looking for the very best speakers you should check out my Sonos One Vs Play 1 Review.

Recommended Devices 

20. Sony Experia Touch

Out of all the smart projectors, this has to be my favorite.

Which is strange considering it isn’t particularly the best projector.

But the thing I love about it is the innovation. You can use the device as you would a mobile phone.

Everything is controlled by using your fingers on the touch screen projection or by using gestures in the camera.

Sony Xperia Touch

You can also use voice controls to open applications and find out the weather.

Recommended Devices 

Bedroom Home Automation Ideas

There’s nothing better than getting into bed after a long day. Actually, getting into bed is excellent, no matter what time of day it is or what you’ve been doing.

Here’s a few ideas that will make you want to stay in bed even longer:

1. Smart Mattress

360-smart-bed-m7

A perfect nights sleep is becoming harder to find with all the ongoing distractions. But it’s not unobtainable with all the smart devices out there.

Sleep Number 360 has to be one of the best beds for doing this. It can control the temperature of either side of the mattress for one.

Other features include Anti-snoring tech and a mattress that automatically adjusts the firmness depending on your movements.   

Recommended Devices 

2. Google Home

Google Home has been battling it out with Amazon for quite some time over AI dominance. 

It offers the same features as Alexa, but on the home automation side, it slightly edges ahead with more compatible devices.

Overall, it really comes down to the personal choice, which is why I thought I’d give it a mention.

Google Home

Recommended Devices 

3. Charging Bedside Table

BrighTech

The moment you wake up to realize you haven’t put your phone on charge makes your heart drop. And let’s face it we’ve all been there.

With the new wireless charging technology, it’s becoming easier than ever to charge your phone.

And now companies are putting wireless charging pads built into the table. They also come with USB charging points if your phone isn’t compatible. 

Recommended Devices 

4. Smart Curtains

When you’re drifting off to sleep it’s easy to forget (or be too lazy) to get out of bed. Smart curtains work in a similar way to their blind counterparts. 

They allow you to use your dumb curtains and give them a brain boost.

Some of the features include soft-touch opening, voice activation, app activation and scheduling.

Slide

Recommended Devices 

5. Sleep Tracking

It’s hard to know where you’re going wrong with sleeping habits. And that’s were sleep trackers come in, they help to enhance your sleeping environment.

The sleep pads are placed under the bed and track movement and temperature to give you feedback in the morning.

By using the app, you can keep track and make adjustments to make sure you get the best night’s sleep possible.

Recommended Devices 

6. Bed Climate Control

The key to a good night’s sleep is remaining at a comfortable temperature. They work by pumping air through the vents and into your bed.

The temperature can be adjusted to suit the user, to ensure both parties stay comfortable throughout the night.

Recommended Devices 

7. Range Extending Smart Plug

TP Link AV2000

Range extender has become a part of many households, due to the ease of installation. It’s a case of plugging it in and connecting it to the Wi-Fi.

The beauty with this device is you don’t lose the functionality of the plug like many other Wi-Fi extenders.

Another nice feature is the ability to run an ethernet cable if you desire.

Recommended Devices 7

Home Office Automation Ideas​

If you’re as lucky as me and get to work from home, or as a digital nomad there are a few things you’ll need to help with productivity.

Take a look:

1. Smart Headphones

For many people listening to music and drowning out the outside noise is the only way to work. 

When it comes to headphones, I love the wireless pods. They’re discreet, and you don’t have to worry about cables dangling about.

Some can even link up to your AI, giving you automated power when you need it.

Bragi

Recommended Devices 

2. Air Quality Control

Kaiterra Laser Egg

A hot and stuffy office isn’t the ideal place to work, and a constant stream of A/C isn’t much better. So what do you do?

It might seem like an unwinnable situation, but there is hope. Air quality sensors will let you know what pollutants are in the air and what to do about it.

You can keep track of using the app and remind yourself when it’s time to get some fresh air flowing through the office.

Recommended Devices 

3. Smart Note Pad

Even in this day and age, there’s nothing like a notepad for jotting down reminders and notes.

The issue is, what if you forget to bring your trusty notepad?

You don’t have to be left without your notes anymore. Smart pads let you take notes like any other notebook; with the bonus of being able to turn them into digital files. 

Rocketbook

Recommended Devices 

4. Timer Keeper

TimeFlip

Knowing what you spend your time on is the key to productivity.

Timekeeping devices like TimeFlip help you to track your time effortlessly.

Simply flip the device to your desired logo and let the timer start. The widget tracks the time in the app and allows users to make adjustments to their schedules.  

Recommended Devices 

5. Smart Desk

Spending hours upon hours sat in a computer chair isn’t good for anyone. 

Which is why autonomous desks are such a great buy. It enables you to work standing up at the touch of a button.

If you suffer from bad backs, this is a definite game-changer. 

Autonomus

Recommended Devices 

6. Portable Laptop Monitor

Lepow 15.6

Second screens are a necessity for most online work; it enables faster browsing. 

A portable laptop monitor enables you to get up and walk around while you read your emails. If you’re looking to improve your productivity, they will help. 

Recommended Devices 

7. Smart Pen

Smartpens allow you to write notes on your smart screen as if you’re using a notebook and pen.

Others include USB cables to upload it on to your PC directly. It works great for writing notes over digital copies or signing documents digitally.

If you’re looking for something that allows you to take notes while you’re at work, a smartpen will do the job. 

Livescribe

Recommended Devices 

8. Smart Internet Security Firewall

CUJO

With the ever-growing fears of cyberattacks, people are looking for ways to protect their homes and offices.

Security firewall devices like CUJO offer you 24/7 protection. But this can come with a monthly charge; it’s worth checking out what each provider offers.

In the end, it depends on how valuable your data is to you. If you don’t want people to gain access, a firewall is for you.

Recommended Devices 

9. Expensify

Expensify is an app that allows users to keep track of their expenses without having a pile of receipts.

It allows your staff to log in using the app and add their daily expenses.

Using the camera on their smartphone, they can take a picture of the receipt and upload it with further details of the purchase.

Expensify

Recommended Devices 

10. Self-Encrypting Drive

When you leave your hard drive with all your new ideas at work it can be worry that someone might steal them.

Self-encrypting drives can help you with that and puts a level of protection on your documents.

No one will be able to get in unless you want them to.

Recommended Devices 

Final Verdict

Hopefully, that’s more than enough home automation ideas to get you started as you can see, there’s a wealth of devices to test out and make your dream automated home.

I suggest you start by automating tasks in your kitchen such as cleaning the floor for example and then come back to this list of home automation ideas to try something else.

I’m sure there’s more out there, but for now, I’m going to take a break. 

What do you think? Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comment section below!

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