In fact, according to a 2023 study, we're spending more than an hour extra at home every single day, compared to pre-pandemic levels. Home is where we combine family time with socialising and it’s also a regular workplace for many of us. That's why all Redrow new homes are designed to have open-plan living areas as well as spacious rooms ideal for home offices or playrooms.
To take the concept of modern living even further, smart home devices can help keep us even more connected and up-to-date than ever before. Whether it's a smart plug to turn the lights on before you arrive home from work, or a video doorbell so you can check who's visiting, smart home technology is streamlining our lives. The right devices can help us to achieve a fast-flowing work-life balance while keeping us fit, entertained and connected to family and friends.
So, to help you decide on the best smart home devices for your lifestyle, we've taken a look at some of the options available to add to your new home.
What is smart home technology?
A smart home uses a range of devices connected to the internet to allow remote management, monitoring and use of all your usual domestic appliances and systems. For example, with a smart home hub you can connect your lights, devices, heating and doorbell to one central system.
That might mean you use a smart thermostat to pop the heating on just before you get home during the winter, or use a video doorbell with a smart display to keep an eye on all things home security while you're out. Smart devices can help you control music, switch on lights and control your electronic devices with the touch of a button.
Redrow homes are all designed for modern lifestyles, so you'll find each and every one of our properties ideal for use with smart devices. Property ranges like our Heritage Collection may have a classic, traditional aesthetic on the outside, but inside our open-plan layouts and high-quality finishes mean contemporary living is a given. The key to a seamless home tech experience is faster broadband. That’s why we provide ultrafast fibre to the premises (FTTP) broadband in all our new homes.
Smart devices for new homes
It’s easier than ever to create a home network of connected home devices that works for you and your family.
Home automation is the ability to control smart home devices around your home via a smart home hub (like Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit or Amazon Alexa) or through an app on your phone or tablet.
You can also choose smart home products controlled either via voice-activated smart speakers or via an iOS or Android app, so you can control them from wherever you are or set up routines. Control of your thermostat, lighting, digital showers, security cameras and even pet feeders can all be automated and, as the technology becomes more popular, the range of products continues to widen.
Smart speakers
Smart speakers are some of the most common pieces of smart home tech, with things like Alexa devices and the Google Nest Hub featuring in plenty of homes and offices up and down the country. These speakers can be controlled with an app or your voice, so you can ask them to play music as you cook, or provide helpful (and timely!) recipe instructions if your hands are full.
They're also great for playing calming sounds if you're leaving your dog home while you head out to run errands, or set the tone with some background music during a dinner party. As the tech has advanced, these speakers have now become even more functional, with models like the Amazon Echo Show also including a screen you can watch videos or see photos on.
Smart home lighting
There are a number of ways to use smart home tech with your lighting. You can plug your lamps into smart switches or plugs, so you can turn them on even when you're not in the room. This is a great tip if you're out late or it's particularly dark in the evenings - you can switch the lights on before you arrive home so you're not entering a dark house.
To add even more character to your home, you might want to look at a colour-changing light like the Philips Hue bulb that you can customise from your phone.
Smart home security devices
From at-home security cameras to alarms and things like a smart smoke detector, there are lots of ways to protect your home using tech. Redrow homes come kitted out with smoke detectors wired to the mains, though you may like to add a smart device to monitor things when you're not home. You can also easily install a Ring doorbell or similar device at the front of your home to protect your sanctuary at the touch of a button.
Smart kitchen devices
Want to turn your oven on or watch your food cook using your tablet? Upgrade to a smart oven to take the stress out of mealtimes. Need to feed your pet at a certain time but won't be home? Did you know you know that there are automatic dog and cat feeders that allow you to do this from your smartphone?
If you simply can't live without the latest and best smart home gadgets, you might enjoy a smart mug which can change colour with LEDs and uses temperature control to keep your drinks warm for up to an hour. If you have a four-legged friend, you could benefit from a dog camera which lets you see and speak to your pet while you're out and about. Some even allow you to give your pets treats remotely via an app!
Smart home fitness devices
Keeping fit at home is a trend that looks set to continue and many of the investments we make to create a smart house can help keep us fit.
There are plenty of smart bikes - such as the Peloton range - that allow you to cycle in your living room or attend virtual spin classes. However, if cycling isn’t your bag, the Hydrow smart rowing machine will transport you to waterways around the world and build core muscle strength. As well as rowing workouts, it offers yoga, pilates, strength training and more.
If you do decide to leave the house to go cycling or for a run there is a plethora of wearable tech on the market to support your fitness journey. How about donning a pair of Nurvv running sole sensors to help you run smarter? Or make walking more fun by creating mini-movies on the go with SnapChat Spectacles.
Smart home entertainment devices
Home entertainment technology is developing at such a rate you’d be forgiven for losing track of the latest must-haves. We’ve become accustomed to voice-activated smart speakers to play our favourite music on request and TVs that offer cinematic experiences as we look to live smart at home.
The latest generation of smart TVs include those with OLED and QLED screens, which both offer a technology to increase clarity and colour vibrancy.
If you’re a fan of virtual reality, Sony offers VR bundles compatible with its PlayStation 5 so gamers can play a selection of immersive virtual reality games. As well as gaming, VR technology can also be used for virtual fitness workouts and watching live events with friends. Check out Oculus Quest 2 if you’re keen to experience more of the virtual world.
For those who like to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living, home cinemas can be set up inside or out. All you need is great internet that works outdoors (which you’ll have already if you live in a new Redrow home) and a portable projector to premier your first film. Create a ‘big screen’ using a white sheet hung from a washing line or on the side of your house.
Smart car and travel devices
All new Redrow homes now come with the option of adding electric car charging points, and electric vehicle production is accelerating apace. There are more electric cars to choose from than ever before as people look towards greener technology.
Other sustainable travel options include electric bikes, which are a great alternative to standard road bikes for longer trips. And while electric scooters, hoverboards and electric buggies may not be legal to ride on roads and pavements in the UK, they can still be great fun to use at home and in the garden.
So, whether you’re just dipping your toe in the home tech waters or already a fully-fledged gadgeteer, we hope we’ve given you some new smart home ideas to ponder.
Browse our current new build developments to find a new home near you, ready for modern living.
