M
ixed materials, textures and technology are
just a few of the major home trends in 2018.
Homeowners are foregoing selling and updating
their current homes with fresh ideas and innovative
technologies. Thinking of upgrading a room or two? Check out
2018’s trends in home features and furnishings.
SMART HOME
The Internet of Things, or IoT, refers to a growing network
of devices that allows objects to connect and exchange data.
These devices are increasing at a rapid pace throughout many
industries. Wearables allow consumers to track their steps
and keep a closer eye on their fitness, and connected cars
are equipped with internet access to send information to
manufacturers or, as seen on the streets of Pittsburgh, to drive
themselves. The smart home is one of the most popular and
accessible markets for IoT application.
• Everything is connected: This can include heating
and cooling your home, turning on a light with a simple
command, locking your front door from work, even checking
to see if you have milk in the refrigerator from the grocery
store. These are all features that make up a smart home.
The list continues to grow, with ways to track and monitor
everything in your home. Devices are learning how you
live—when you get up and when you leave for work—and
can adjust room temperatures, turn off lights and safeguard
your home. All of which can be monitored from your smart
device.
• Energy tracking devices: These devices connect to
your electricity meter to monitor how much energy
you’re using, from tracking appliance usage to providing
recommendations on how to save on energy. If cutting down
on bills is on your list for 2018, a household monitor or
individual appliance monitor may be just what you need.
• Residential electric vehicle charging stations: Growing
in popularity, hybrid and electric vehicles need somewhere
to charge up before hitting the open road. These charging
stations are accessible at home, allowing you to charge from a
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