The phrase “smart home” often brings images of media rooms decked out with all the latest tech or doorways equipped with fancy new locks. In fact, smart home technology has begun to infiltrate one of the most-used rooms in your house, the bathroom, and it can make a bathroom remodel significantly more convenient. From increased comfort to simplifying your daily routine, smart features can transform your bathroom into a functional, comfortable space.
Ready to upgrade your bathroom with some smart home technology? Read on for smart bathroom remodeling tips, including lighting, high-tech mirrors, smart showers, voice control, and energy efficiency.
How Smart Lighting Makes Your Bathroom Feel Fresh
Believe it or not, lighting can make or break the style and functionality of your bathroom. Here are a few ways smart lighting can improve your space.
Let Motion Sensors Light Your Way
Ever walk into the bathroom in the middle of the night and have to feel around for the light switch? Install motion sensors so that your lights turn on and off automatically when you enter (and leave) the room. Not only is this convenient, but it can also save you money on your electric bill by ensuring lights aren’t accidentally left on.
Set the Mood with Tunable White Lighting
Humans experience daylight as a warm color, but as the sun rises and sets, we see a change in the light’s color temperature. Bright white light encourages you to wake up and get moving, but warmer lighting can help you relax in the evening. Many smart lights can toggle from cooler to warmer tones with the touch of a button or by using an app. Automate the process by scheduling your lights to change at certain times of day to give your bathroom a few welcome upgrades.
Get Complete Control with Apps or Your Voice
You can use an app or voice assistant to control smart lighting from anywhere in your bathroom (or outside the bathroom entirely). Create “scenes” that adjust multiple aspects of your smart lighting based on your activity. Need to relax in the tub? Turn on your “spa” scene. Feeling groggy in the morning? Flip on your “wake-up” scene. Need to rush out of the bathroom? No problem, ask your smart assistant to turn your lights off for you.
Say Hello to Smart Mirrors
Mirrors play such a key role in bathrooms that they’ve become boring and expected. However, that could be about to change.
Bright, Fog-Free Reflections
Some smart mirrors come equipped with LED lighting around the edges that users can customize. The ability to control brightness and color temperature means you can light your bathroom mirror exactly how you like it at all times. Some smart mirrors even feature anti-fog technology so you won’t have to wipe your mirror again.
Get Information Without Leaving the Sink
Wi-Fi-connected smart mirrors can display the time, weather, news, social media feeds, and more on your mirror while you brush your teeth. Set your smart mirror to remind you about your schedule so you won’t be late for work. Want to know if you should grab your umbrella? Your mirror can tell you that, too.
Take Control with Touchscreen Features
Some smart mirrors feature touchscreen options that allow you to control smart devices throughout your home without ever leaving the bathroom. From your thermostat to your front door locks, you can pretty much control your entire house from your smart mirror.
Enjoy Smart Showers Tailored to You
Let’s face it: Showers are the best part of waking up. They can also be personalized with smart technology.
Digital Controls for Perfect Temperature
Traditional shower knobs and handles make it difficult to maintain your desired temperature. Once you set the temperature on a digital shower control, the water will not get any hotter or colder until you adjust the settings. No more losing your spot in the shower when someone flushes a toilet or turns on the dishwasher.
Save User Profiles for the Whole Family
Most smart showers allow users to save profiles for multiple household members. Everyone can have their preferred shower settings, from water temperature to water flow to spray strength. Simply select your profile (or tell your voice assistant who’s showering) and step into the shower.
Track Your Water Use and Save
In addition to user profiles, some smart showers allow you to track your water usage. Certain systems can even pause water flow once it heats up until you step in the shower. This technology can save you money on your water bill and encourage water conservation.
Hands-Free Convenience with Voice Assistants
Voice assistants are already becoming extremely common in homes across the country. In the bathroom, they can be even more useful.
Do More Without Lifting a Finger
Voice assistants like Amazon Echo, Google Assistant, and Apple’s Siri allow you to control lights, music, and even your smart shower without touching anything. Hands-free controls are extremely convenient when your hands are busy (or wet). Voice assistants can also support better cleanliness by limiting your contact with switches.
Music, News, and More While You Get Ready
Do you like listening to music or a podcast while you shower? With smart devices in your bathroom, you can stream music and audio through waterproof speakers or your smart mirror. Take voice commands one step further by telling your smart assistant to play your favorite podcast or news station.
Keep Your Privacy in Mind
As you design your smart bathroom, pay special attention to your privacy. Invest in devices that allow you to disable microphones and cover your cameras when not in use. Read through each device’s privacy settings so you feel comfortable with their tracking abilities. You don’t want anyone listening in on your bathroom routines.
Make Your Bathroom Greener and More Efficient
Smart tech can also help you make your bathroom more energy-efficient.
Catch Leaks Before They Cost You
Hidden water leaks can be one of the most frustrating problems as a homeowner. Place smart water sensors underneath sinks and behind toilets to receive instant notifications if a leak is detected. Certain systems will even turn your water supply off to prevent further damage.
Control Humidity and Heat Automatically
High levels of humidity can cause mold to grow in your bathroom. Install smart exhaust fans with built-in humidity sensors that will automatically turn on when they detect extra humidity and turn off once the bathroom is dry. You can also install heated floors with smart thermostats that turn on only when you need them.
Instant Hot Water and Less Wasted Energy
Install a smart water heater or take your water heater one step further with a recirculating system that will give you instant hot water at the turn of a faucet. Traditional water heaters waste energy (and water) while you wait for your water to heat up. Smart systems can help you reduce that waste.
Thinking About a Smart Bathroom Remodel?
Smart home technology is a great way to add convenience and comfort to your bathroom. Don’t stress about figuring out how to install smart technology in your bathroom. If you’re not confident in your DIY skills, hire a professional to lend a helping hand. Smart technology should work together seamlessly, so it’s important that you hire someone who understands wiring and tech if you’re unsure.
No matter what smart features you’d like to add to your space, our bathroom experts at Elite Home Creations are here to help. From start to finish, we will work with you to discuss your options, plan your ideal bathroom layout, and create a stunning bathroom you’ll love. Contact Elite Home Creations today to start planning your smart upgrade with confidence.