Nowhere is the age of a home more evident than in its fixtures, the built-in structural elements that remain when you sell it. If you've ever gone house hunting, you know these semi-permanent features can make a home feel timeless, on-trend, retro, or hopelessly outdated. That's part of the reason fixtures play such an important role in a home's perceived value.
The same goes for the fixtures that enable technology. Design-centric manufacturers in the home technology space are pushing the boundaries of what's possible, elevating home interiors with the highest-quality architectural lighting, beautiful motorized shades, elegant lighting and home control keypads, and other technology systems that blend seamlessly into the architecture and décor.
"Fixtures are one of the most, if not the most important part of any interior design. They are what make the design shine and are usually the first thing I think about when I enter a space for redesign," says Interior Designer @Samantha VanSteenburg, NCIDQ, ASID. "We're seeing warmer tones replace the greys that have dominated interior design over the last decade. With that, nickel, champagne, and gold finishes are having their moment, and mixing metals (done right) is perfectly acceptable."
In today’s high-tech home, fixtures move beyond knobs, handles, faucets, and towel holders to lighting keypads, lighting fixtures, control keypads, flush and invisible speakers, electrical sockets, and more. VanSteenburg recommends working with a technology designer as early as possible.
"Bringing in the tech designer early in the process is essential. As a designer, I know a fair amount about a broad range of disciplines. A tech designer (aka integrator) is an expert in a centrally focused field. They are apprised of the latest technology in this rapidly changing industry. Trusting them in the design process keeps me up to date and gives them the freedom to do what they do best. Collaborating and including them on the design elements and desired mood of the space is beneficial for both of us."
Here are a few examples of design-forward technology fixtures that demonstrate how today's smart home products can enhance—not compete with—great interior design.
Architectural Wall Controls That Blend Into the Design
Today's lighting keypads, dimmers, and control interfaces are a far cry from the yellowing plastic switches of decades past. Contemporary designs feature slim profiles that sit nearly flush with the wall, subtle backlighting for visibility, and engraved buttons that make operation intuitive for homeowners and guests alike. Available in a variety of finishes, these controls become part of the room's overall design rather than a distraction.
Luxury Finishes That Tie the Home Together
Technology controls have become just as customizable as plumbing fixtures, cabinet hardware, and decorative lighting. Premium wall controls are available in handcrafted metal finishes with custom engraving, allowing them to coordinate beautifully with surrounding materials and finishes throughout the home.
"I love Lutron. They've perfected automated human-centric technology, from lighting to security to shades. And it's no longer this complicated, exclusive luxury technology. There's so much that goes into creating an atmosphere that is, in large part, completely unnoticed. One that naturally (and automatically) enhances the daily rhythms of the people! Lutron's partnership with Ketra lighting and how it enhances mood and highlights art is impressive," says VanSteenburg.
Not every home calls for an ultra-modern aesthetic. Many premium smart home keypads offer timeless styling with customizable button layouts, engraved labels, and integrated dimming controls that complement both traditional and contemporary interiors.
Technology That Practically Disappears
Technology devices don't have to interrupt a carefully planned interior. Flush-mount installation techniques allow lighting controls, speakers, motion sensors, electrical outlets, and home control devices to blend almost seamlessly into surrounding surfaces. For designers striving for clean architectural lines, this approach makes technology look intentionally integrated rather than added later.
Wellness Fixtures
Wellness is now a big part of home design and extends to many facets of home technology. For example, lighting fixtures are not only a style statement or an exercise in minimalism; some also address health concerns, such as tunable white, HCL/Circadian rhythm, and fully color-adjustable lighting. All of which help tune lighting to the body’s natural rhythms. Some lighting manufacturers prioritize wellness by producing low-EMF fixtures.
Poor home acoustics are another health concern. When a home has bad acoustics, it can actually trigger a fight-or-flight response, making acoustic design and treatments a priority for the health-conscious homeowner. Acoustic design and treatment are areas where home technology integrators can help. Luckily, manufacturers are waking up to the fact that acoustic panels aren’t always pretty and are now designing them with the space’s interior design in mind.
Hiding the Television in Plain Sight
Televisions aren't often considered fixtures, but the systems that conceal them certainly are. Art lifts and concealment systems allow homeowners to display artwork when the television isn't in use, preserving the room's design while keeping entertainment readily available.
Mirrors That Double as Entertainment
Mirror televisions have become increasingly popular in home gyms, bathrooms, dressing rooms, and wellness spaces. When turned off, they function as elegant mirrors. When activated, they become high-performance displays, adding functionality without sacrificing aesthetics.
"Technology can be intimidating. I've heard other designers talk about the fears of the ease of use for specifying home automation for their clients. Education, a good partnership with a tech expert, and familiarity with making it an integral part of every design can help ease those fears and make designers more comfortable with specifying," says VanSteenburg.
If you're planning a new home or major renovation, involving the technology team early will ensure that every system supports both the beauty of the home and the lifestyle of the people who live there. If you haven’t found a great home technology designer yet, find one here or reach out to us here and we’ll connect you.
If you're planning a new home or major renovation, involving the technology team early will ensure that every system supports both the beauty of the home and the lifestyle of the people who live there. If you haven’t found a great home technology designer yet, find one here or reach out to us here and we’ll connect you.
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