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Including innovative technology in your home can seem overwhelming when all you can see are dangling wires and clunky boxes. However, while many believe incorporating smart tech into a residence will lead to overly cluttered spaces, thoughtful design strategies can allow for a more efficient and visually appealing space. Integrating advanced technology has become a crucial aspect of home design. Your residence should be equipped for routine tasks without decreasing its beauty. Here are a few simple tips on making smart tech and stylish designs work for you. 1. Conceal and Integrate Technology As home technology becomes more popular , it is vital to consider smart tech that will complement your interior design. Innovative technology allows you to complete daily activities hands-free with simple voice commands or through your phone. Technology does not have to be a constant eyesore that detracts from your home’s design. Betty Brandolino, the founder and creative director of Home Environments, says, "Homeowners want their spaces to feel warm and inviting , while still benefiting from technology behind the scenes." To reduce the chance that bulky wiring and cabling will detract from your home's design, consult a civil engineer for optimal blueprint planning. This way, before the smart tech is even incorporated, they can consider better routes for built-in cables , wiring in custom cabinetry or hidden panels. 2. Use Seamless Smart Controls for Daily Routines Making the most out of shared spaces with smart technology can help reduce clutter and offer room for new, seamless designs. Advanced technology enables adding easy and innovative system controls to electronic operators and appliances that will offer a polished new look. Here are a few areas to improve: Garage doors: A smart garage door is essential to maximize your home’s exterior. They are seen as necessary by 70% of buyers because of the easy-to-use monitoring and controlling systems. Many styles and color options are available to upgrade its appearance. Washing machines: Incorporate smart washing machines to make doing laundry easier. Their ability to connect to Wi-Fi sources reduces the possibility of nonstop clothes piling up and maintains a cleaner space. Refrigerators: The kitchen is the busiest area of a home. Investing in an advanced smart refrigerator can make cooking easier. Sleek new options can provide easy viewing of the contents inside. 3. Incorporate Smart Lighting for Ambience Make the most of smart tech by updating your lighting control systems. Going from room to room with your hands full will be much easier with smart technology that offers much-needed lighting. Unlike flipping a switch, motion sensors automatically switch on or off when movement is detected. However, smart lighting technology doesn't just stop at motion sensors. You can also invest in timers that control your lights. The best part is that timers help you manage energy usage , so there's minimal risk of your home ever being left in the dark. Innovative lighting technology now also includes dimmers and color-changing bulbs, which can help you add your own spark of creativity. As you work on organizing a functional layout, consider how art pieces and shared living spaces could use an instant refresh with color-changing lights or pot lights. 4. Smart Shades for Natural Lighting Improved smart technologies can be easily connected to your home and managed by voice or other features. Adding innovative window treatments is one of the most functional and visually appealing stylistic changes that can be made. Suzanne Donegan, an interior designer in Santa Monica, California, states: "Clients are starting to prioritize health in their homes and thinking about the areas in particular that impact overall wellness. As a health-informed design consultant, I encourage my clients to invest in smart window coverings in one area in particular — the bedroom. Science has shown the impact that daylight can have on our circadian rhythm. Adaptive smart window coverings help to regulate the body's internal clock, leading to more restorative sleep and more alertness and productivity during the day." Motorized window treatments offer functionality and style. The vast array of customizable designs and easier access to natural lighting help brighten your mood and enable your home to maintain a feeling of comfort thanks to the sun’s rays. Achieving a Beautiful, Functional Smart Home Thanks to many advancements in smart home technology, beauty and efficiency can coexist. Thoughtful design and planning mean your house can benefit from updated technology without the risk of clutter or bulky devices. Consider how you can make the most of your interior and exterior by thoughtfully incorporating the latest innovative smart technologies.

Have you ever stayed at a five-star hotel and wished you could bring the pampered feeling home? With thoughtful layering, rich textures and high-quality materials, your bedroom can become a personal sanctuary that rivals any luxury suite. Here’s how to transform your bed into the most indulgent, comfortable spot in your home. 1) Start With a Supportive Base If your mattress feels too firm or lacks cloud-like comfort, add a cushiony mattress topper for the perfect amount of plushness without sacrificing stability. Toppers are usually 2 to 4 inches thick , which is enough to change the feel of your mattress without overwhelming it. It gives you that just-right hotel firmness night after night while extending your mattress’s lifespan. If a mattress topper doesn’t seem to do the trick, keep in mind that mattresses need replacing after 7 to 10 years of use. If yours falls within that range, it may be time to get a new mattress before you add a mattress topper. 2) Use High-Quality Sheets Luxury starts with the sheets. Soft, breathable, temperature-regulating sheets instantly make your bed feel more inviting. A great option is high-quality jersey cotton because it feels smooth against your skin and holds up beautifully, wash after wash. Good sheets also regulate your body temperature overnight, helping you drift off to dreams sooner and stay asleep longer. 3) Layer Thoughtfully Layers add depth and comfort. Start with a fitted sheet and flat sheet, then add a lightweight quilt or blanket. Finish with a fluffy duvet folded neatly at the foot of the bed. This adds a polished look and gives you flexibility throughout the night, no matter the temperature. A well-layered bed always feels more substantial and inviting, with each layer serving function and style. 4) Stack Pillows for Luxe Comfort You’ll need several pillows to achieve that full, cozy hotel effect. Start by stacking two firm pillows against your headboard for structure. Place two softer pillows in front of those to cushion your head and neck while you sleep. Round it out with a couple of decorative pillows for a polished touch. Varying sizes, shapes and textures make the arrangement look intentional and refined. 5) Stick to White or Soft Neutrals Luxury hotels use white bedding to create a fresh, clean and inviting look. White also complements nearly any bedroom color palette. Mix in soft grays, creams or beige tones for a warm, relaxing vibe. Dress up your bed with decorative pillows or a colorful blanket to prevent it from looking too plain. 6) Steam or Iron Your Sheets Crisp, wrinkle-free bedding instantly makes your bed feel more elegant. After making the bed, run a handheld steamer across the top layer or iron your sheets before putting them on. This small step smooths creases and helps everything lay flat. Plus, it can banish lingering germs , leaving your bed cleaner. 7) Upgrade Your Bedspread A structured bedspread or coverlet ties the whole look together. Choose one with some weight to it so it drapes nicely and stays in place. Textured fabrics, subtle patterns or quilting can all add dimension without overwhelming the simplicity of your bed. A finished top layer makes the bed feel complete, not just thrown together. 8) Add Calming Scents Luxury hotels use subtle scents to create a calming atmosphere, and you can do the same. A lavender-infused pillow mist, scented linen spray or natural candle can completely change your mood. Soft, relaxing scents ease anxiety , making them ideal for bedtime. 9) Tuck Like a Pro Tight corners and smooth edges matter more than you’d think. Tucking in the sheets at the foot and along the sides of your bed keeps everything secure and adds to that hotel-level neatness. Use hospital corners or fold the extra fabric tightly under the mattress. 10) Add a Bench or Ottoman at the Foot of the Bed The little extras count. A bench, ottoman or upholstered stool at the foot of the bed mimics hotel suite styling and gives you a spot to sit or put down your robe or bag. Choose one with clean lines and soft upholstery to keep the look cohesive. 11) Play With Texture and Layers of Color To make your bed look more luxurious, think beyond your sheets. Mix textures with soft linen blankets, knitted throws and velvet accent pillows. You can stay within the same neutral color palette while varying the tones for depth. This creates a layered, dimensional look that feels more expensive without being busy. 12) Keep Everything Symmetrical Hotels often rely on symmetry to make their rooms look elegant and balanced. Match pillows on both sides of the bed, center your duvet nicely and place decorative cushions evenly. Symmetry creates a sense of order that immediately makes your bed look like it belongs in a five-star suite. Sleep in Luxury Every Night You don’t need to travel to experience hotel-level comfort. With thoughtful design and a few premium pieces, your bedroom can become your private five-star retreat.