Designer Q & A with Claudia Leah: High-Tech Interior Design

The Internet of Things has made home design an increasingly sophisticated process. The popularity and affordability of smart home products has led research firm Gartner, Inc. to predict that by 2022 a typical family home, in a mature affluent market, could contain several hundred smart objects. Keeping them all connected has become the domain of voice-activated systems like Amazon’s Echo or Google’s Home.

Hunter Douglas Motorized Shades are the epitome of high-tech window coverings.

luxury or lifesaver?

This technology is a boon for homeowners, particularly for mature adults who wish to “age in place”—remaining in the comfort of their own homes as long as physically possible. While we may be tempted to think of them as frivolous or luxurious, technology-enhanced furnishings and décor can mean the difference between a rest home and resting in one’s own home. For example, a homeowner with declining strength or arthritic hands who finds drawing heavy draperies difficult, can adjust motorized draperies easily with the push of a button or by speaking a voice command.
Modern smart beds offer raised heads, raised feet, anti-gravity settings, massage features, and temperature control, all of which aid certain infirmities as much as they enhance sleep.

Beyond the bed and bath

Infinitely adjustable recliners and sofas, and motorized lift chairs add a measure of comfort for everyone, and to some homeowners they are a matter of necessity. Advancements in power and capacity of battery systems means high-tech furnishings can be arranged as desired, they do not have to be tethered to a wall outlet.
Adapting a home to technology may involve cables, cords and controllers. The furniture industry has risen to the challenge of concealing unsightly tangles of wires with built-in charging stations. You can even find coffee tables that convert to digital screens and office chairs that automatically adjust themselves to your posture.

Hiding in plain sight

Televisions, too, are disappearing—many media cabinets incorporate a lift design, with the TV rising from the top of the piece. Crafted to match any décor, they can be found in most any room, including the bedroom as part of the footboard.

Truly remote control

Where remote controls once powered only televisions, they now operate myriad home technology and décor items, from candles to curtains. But even those handy devices are falling by the wayside, replaced with the ubiquitous smart phone app. Imagine controlling your window coverings from the palm of your hand—from anywhere. A home can appear fully occupied when it is actually vacant, via programmable apps.

How to go high-tech

An Interior Designer can be a valuable asset in planning a high-tech home. With access to the latest furnishings and fixtures, the designer can help directly with choices, or can recommend professionals in their network with specific expertise.

Claudia Leah, one of Naples foremost interior designers, is known for her extensive design expertise, international background and extraordinary customer service. Claudia provides complete design services to prominent clients in and around Naples, Florida.

239.431.5936 | www.claudia.decoratingden.com