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The Modern Renovation - Harnessing Technology in the Home for Tech-Savvy Dads

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Design Diaries
THE MODERN RENOVATION - HARNESSING TECHNOLOGY IN THE HOME FOR TECH-SAVVY DADS

By: Michelle Squire  |  June 6, 2024


 

In the realm of modern residential interior design, technology has become an integral component, seamlessly blending functionality with aesthetic appeal. And there's no denying that one of the driving forces behind the surge in tech integration is none other than the tech-savvy dad. With a penchant for gadgets and a keen eye for innovation, dads are often the ones spearheading the adoption of cutting-edge technology in their homes. From charging drawers to smart home features, here's how incorporating technology is revolutionizing modern residential interiors, much to the delight of dads everywhere!

Smart Home Features: The Future at Your Fingertips

Welcome to the era of the smart home, where technology seamlessly integrates with everyday living to create a truly connected environment. Imagine being able to control your kitchen appliances, adjust the thermostat, schedule your irrigation schedule, and even lock the front door – all from the palm of your hand. Today, the possibilities are endless with smart home technology.  You can even program settings based on the time of day for your window treatments and control them with user-friendly smartphone applications. Due to their convenience and automation, smart home features are increasingly becoming regularly requested items in today’s home renovations. 


Harmonize Your Home with Smart Sound Control

Managing sound systems through your smartphone is a must have in contemporary home design, smoothly blending technology into the essence of daily life. With a simple tap on your phone, you can easily control the volume, select playlists, or refine audio settings to set the ideal mood for any event. Whether you're throwing a dinner gathering or unwinding on a peaceful night at home, the power to operate your sound system from your phone or tablet adds a touch of ease and convenience, enhancing the overall sensory journey in your home. You can even maintain your audio equipment by integrating temperature-activated fans into your media cabinetry, which automatically activates to cool the equipment when temperatures reach a certain level. 


Charging Drawers: Cut the Clutter with Concealed Charging Stations

Picture this: You walk into your home after a long day at work, and instead of scrambling to find a free outlet to charge your devices or messing with a tangle of cords, you simply slide open a discreet drawer in your kitchen island or entry storage console. Neatly tucked away are charging ports for all your gadgets – smartphones, tablets, and even – laptops a practical solution for keeping devices powered up and out of sight. Say goodbye to cluttered cords on your counter and opt for a product like the Docking Drawer that integrates charging outlets into the back of a drawer.  Planning charging drawers into an interior renovation is a key custom feature for entry storage and kitchen cabinets.  For dads who are always on the go and rely heavily on their devices, the convenience of having a designated charging spot is nothing short of a game-changer. Powered cabinets and drawers are also very popular items in kitchen and bathroom design.  Integrating power into a built-in kitchen appliance garage cabinet can be a well-thought-out, functional feature in your design.  Powered drawers and cabinets in bathrooms can house tools like hairdryers, toothbrushes, and electric shavers and can make a huge difference in keeping our counters clutter-free.

Planning for Convenience: Strategic Placement & Selection of Outlets

Planning your renovation with outlets located in convenient locations with the necessary functionality will provide convenience and reduce the unsightliness of additional adapters, extension cords, etc.  For example, designing a row of outlets conveniently located beneath a kitchen bar overhang offers convenience in today's tech-driven world. Planning thoughtful design features for your power needs enhances productivity and ensures that family members can stay connected and powered up without interrupting their daily routines. You can also select outlets that incorporate USB ports to eliminate the need for clunky adapters for a clutter-free charging experience. 

Illuminating Innovation: Lighting Controls in Modern Homes

Automated smart lighting systems have revolutionized how we illuminate our living spaces, offering unparalleled convenience, efficiency, and ambiance. Gone are the days of manually flipping switches – these intelligent systems seamlessly adjust lighting levels, colors, and timing based on various factors such as occupancy, time of day, and personal preferences. Beyond mere convenience, smart lighting also contributes to energy savings by optimizing usage and reducing unnecessary consumption. Lighting can be controlled on a tablet screen with a user-friendly interface, eliminating the days of figuring out which switch turns on what.  You can even opt for something as simple as a smart plug that can be purchased on Amazon to control and schedule your outdoor string lights from your phone so they will automatically turn on for your weekend evening enjoyment. 





Mirror, Mirror: The Smart Reflection

Smart mirrors are revolutionizing modern home design by seamlessly integrating technology into an everyday object. These innovative mirrors not only reflect your image but serve as interactive displays, providing a wealth of information and functionality, such as weather updates and news headlines to offering fitness metrics and skincare advice. Many people get turned on to smart mirrors while staying at a luxury hotel and decide that they would love to have an item like this in their own home.  With their sleek design and practical features, smart mirrors are becoming must-have additions to contemporary bathrooms, bedrooms, and dressing areas, transforming how we perceive and interact with our reflections while preparing for the day.

The integration of technology in interior design has revolutionized our daily lives within our living spaces. Modern amenities are now considered essential features in home renovations. The potential for improving convenience, comfort, and productivity seems limitless! For tech-savvy dads, these advancements are more than just nice-to-haves – they are components that enhance the experience of the entire household.




















Michelle Squire is a native of California and has lived in the Bay Area for close to 30 years and has been an SMMC member since 2015.  Michelle first earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from the University of San Francisco. She went on to receive her graduate certificate in Interior Architecture from the University of California, Berkeley.  She currently resides in San Rafael with her husband, 8-year-old son, and 2-year-old daughter.  Michelle is the owner of Studio SQUIRE, a residential interior design firm based in Marin.  Studio SQUIRE specializes in residential design projects for families and Marin County and the greater San Francisco Bay Area.  During her free time Michelle enjoys bike rides, live music, gardening, cooking, hanging out with friends, and fixing up her home.  
More from this issue:

Daddy, Let’s Play! HERE >> 

Fun Father’s Day Ideas HERE >> 

Memory Battles and Father’s Love HERE >> 

Osher Marin JCC Preschools and Early Childhood Education Center - San Rafael & Mill Valley HERE >> 

The Modern Renovation - Harnessing Technology in the Home for Tech-Savvy Dads HERE >>