It was a bright Saturday morning when a couple sat down with their coffees, looking around the home they’d loved for years. It was warm and familiar—but something was missing. As their family grew and their routines shifted, they realised their space needed more than just a new coat of paint. It needed to be smarter.
They’d always been curious about smart home tech—the convenience of adjusting lights, heating, or even checking in on the front door from their phones. But what started as a “nice-to-have” quickly became a non-negotiable. It was about making everyday life simpler, more secure, and ready for whatever the future might bring.
So, when it came time to plan their renovation, they decided to factor in smart technology from the start. Here’s what they included—and why you might want to consider doing the same in your next project.
1. Smart Thermostats: Small change, big comfort
They started with the thermostat. The old one was fiddly, unreliable, and rarely just right. So they made the switch to a smart option.
Within a few days, the new system had learned their daily routine—warming the house before they got back from work and easing off while they were out. Better still, they could control it remotely using their phone, which came in handy on holidays or those surprise late nights.
It wasn’t just more comfortable—it was more energy-efficient too. Bills dropped, and the heating worked smarter, not harder.
Why it matters: Smart thermostats help you stay cosy without wasting energy—and give you full control wherever you are.
2. Smart Lighting: For mood and peace of mind
Next on their list? Lighting. They wanted bright, energising spaces during the day and a warm, ambient glow in the evenings. But they also liked the idea of making the house look occupied when they were away.
With smart bulbs installed throughout, they could tweak brightness, colour, and timing—all from an app. Some even allowed them to create “scenes” for different moods, from movie night to morning routines.
When they went away, timers made it look like someone was always home. That added an extra sense of security—without any extra effort.
Why it matters: Smart lighting offers flexibility, convenience, and a subtle boost to home security—all from your phone or with a simple voice command.
3. Smart Security: Safety, wherever you are
Security was the next big focus. They wanted to be able to keep an eye on things without having to rely on traditional alarm systems.
So, they added a smart video doorbell and a few cameras. Now, they could check in from anywhere, speak to delivery drivers at the door, and get alerts if anything unusual happened around the property.
They also added smart locks—so there was no more worrying about lost keys or leaving doors unlocked. Guests could be let in remotely, and everything could be monitored in real time.
Why it matters: With smart security, you can stay connected to your home at all times—whether you’re just down the road or away on holiday.
4. Smart Appliances: Efficiency in the heart of the home
Once the essentials were in place, they turned their attention to the kitchen. A smart fridge was top of the wishlist—something that could keep track of groceries, suggest recipes, and let them know when something was running low.
They paired it with a smart oven they could preheat from the car—perfect for busy weeknights when time was short.
These appliances brought real convenience into their day-to-day life, while also reducing waste and helping them plan meals more easily.
Why it matters: Smart appliances streamline your routines and make everyday tasks easier—ideal for families, foodies, or anyone who wants to simplify their space.
5. Voice-Controlled Assistants: The centre of it all
To tie everything together, they added a voice assistant—like Alexa, Google Assistant or Apple HomePod. Suddenly, they could control everything with a few simple words.
Adjust the lighting, turn the heating up, check the doorbell camera, play music—done. No apps, no switches, no fuss.
It became the central control hub for their smart home. And while it might have felt like a luxury at first, it quickly became second nature.
Why it matters: A voice assistant pulls all your smart devices together—making your home feel seamless and intuitive.
Final thoughts: Smart tech is more than a trend
Looking back, adding smart features wasn’t just about keeping up with technology—it was about improving how their home worked for them. From lower energy bills to extra peace of mind and simpler everyday routines, the difference was clear.
If you’re planning a renovation in 2025, it’s worth thinking beyond the typical upgrades. Whether it’s your kitchen, living space or even your security setup, smart technology can help make your home more comfortable, more efficient, and better suited to how you live.
At MalonePike, we believe the best renovations look ahead—not just to how your home looks, but to how it works. Want to make your home renovation future-ready? Explore what’s possible with smart home features built right into your plans.
