Smart Design, Smarter Living: How We DIY’d Our Own Smart Home

When my husband and I moved into our home, we knew we wanted a space that was not only beautiful but also made everyday life easier. That’s when we decided to explore smart home technology and to our surprise, we found out you don’t always need a big budget or a professional installer to get started.

Our DIY Smart Home Setup

We decided to keep things simple and cost-friendly by using the Home App on our phones as the foundation. From there, we added a few smart switches, plugs, and locks — all set up ourselves in a weekend. Now, we can:

• Lock the front door right from our phone, no matter where we are.

• Turn on or off the kitchen lights while upstairs, using either a quick tap on our phone or a simple voice command.

• Dim the living room lights automatically for movie nights.

• Control our bedroom lamps without needing to get up.

• Tell our home what we need like “Lights off” and have it respond instantly.

It’s incredibly convenient and feels like the house works with us, not the other way around.It’s simple, affordable, and best of all, customizable. We set everything up ourselves in just a weekend.

Why This Matters in Design

As an interior designer, I believe technology should blend effortlessly into the style of your home. It should support your routines without compromising the aesthetic. That’s why I encourage clients to consider features like automated dimmers, voice-controlled shades, or discreet smart outlets.

Even the smallest upgrades can transform how you interact with your space. Think about it: the same way a beautifully layered room creates comfort visually, a well-integrated smart system creates comfort in how you live.

A Vision for the Next Generation

For me, design is more than finishes and furniture. It’s about shaping spaces that keep up with our evolving lifestyle. This is exactly why my slogan is:

Designed by Vision, Evolved Through Innovation

It’s a reminder that design isn’t static, it’s constantly growing, adapting, and preparing us for what’s to come. By continuing to embrace the smart home movement, we’re building not just for today, but for the next generation.

Final Thoughts

Our DIY smart home proves you don’t need a large budget to enjoy the convenience of technology. With just a few upgrades, you can create a home that is stylish, practical, and future-focused.

Whether you’re remodeling, building, or simply upgrading one room, integrating smart features is no longer a luxury, it’s becoming a necessity.