Technology In Remodeling

All of us are surrounded with more devices than ever. The capacity of phones, GPS, tablets, TVs, seems limitless. I doubt that most adults have explored every possible application available on their devices.

I have to be tutored by my kids on so many devices. Teenagers realize the potential of all that is available much quicker than I can.  Frankly, it makes me tired just thinking about learning to access all the technology available to me now. Suddenly technology is expanding into unexpected areas! Get ready for futuristic “Smart Kitchens and Baths” entering the scene.

There are great features available now for components in remodeling projects. New products  have developed to meet the demand for  high tech applications. For those who  know how to use all the features available in appliances, faucets , showers, bathtubs, spa accessories and lighting, the combinations are endless. Are you wondering how and why?

Let's begin in the kitchen. Entertaining and holidays present challenges for all of us.  We do not experience stress typically in our kitchens during our normal routines. However, a higher level of stress tends to come with our venture into parties, holidays, and entertaining. Everything from organizing ingredients, jumping into the  prep stage, to  timing all the cooked items to be done simultaneously is fun,  yet overwhelming at times. Many households are based on two adult incomes. Careers come first these days and with them, sometimes long hours. Technology to the rescue. As the cellular phone industry has expanded, devices can help us perform tasks on our phones that used to require a human present in the house previously.

We see ads for home security systems with video accessible on your phone. That certainly gives us peace of mind while away. How about turning on your oven to start dinner while heading into your afternoon meeting?  Technology has dramatically expanded now with cell phone and tablet apps being invented to facilitate consumer demand for connectivity. Remote control is the new norm when smart devices can be accessed via Wi-Fi. It is being used to operate everything from cooking appliances to lighting.

Let’s explore some of the cutting edge technology designed to take your kitchen experience into the stratosphere. Once you try some new conveniences, you may never go back to the old way of accessing appliances, cabinets, water, ovens, and stove tops.  There are too many components to address each of them in one blog  post. I will continue informing you of the fun new toys you can play with in your kitchen over the next few weeks.

The most descriptive  phrase to capture  this new trend in kitchen remodeling is “ Smart Rooms.” Lets’ consider some of the choices available to create your  own.  The promise is your Smart Kitchen or Bath will save you time. It will also stir your creativity.

This week we will begin with Lighting and new trends in electrical applications:

LED lighting is the hot new trend in kitchen and bath design. Originally, the savings on your electric bill caused interest. Lighting remained cool to the touch , thus safer. It used less energy as well. That was only the beginning of LED's possibilities.

Designers have been selling under cabinet lighting for three to four decades. Having your counter top illuminated makes food prep so pleasant. Isn't it wonderful to set the mood as you leave your kitchen lit only with soft lighting featuring your beautiful granite or Quartz Counter Tops? LED Under cabinet lights make the perfect "night light". They economically bring just the level of light needed to navigate into and through your kitchen late at night. 

Originally under cabinet lighting required wiring and switches to operate. Options included puck lights, small fluorescent light bars, or tubular string type LED lights. Any functionality was hidden with bottom cabinet molding trim. A new level of sophistication has arrived. There are new wireless puck lights. A company named Hafele manufactures a round LED IP65 rated fixture available in a chrome plated "shiny" finish or nickel-plated matte finish. It can be recessed mounted for kitchen or bath application. It is dual purpose. It can be utilized from ceilings as well as under cabinets. In both uses the warmth generated and uniform lighting has been wonderfully received by homeowners. All of this without the cost of wiring or need to turn on a wall switch. These can be controlled remotely.

Are your wheels turning? So many possibilities!  We are just beginning to explore this topic!
Like the industry itself,  the advancements seem to never end. There is even more lighting possibilities to inform you about next week. Have a great week and jot down your "lightbulb " ideas!