Smart homes are not just a futuristic fantasy anymore. They are becoming more and more accessible and affordable for anyone who wants to make their lives easier, safer, and more efficient. With the right devices and some creativity, you can turn your ordinary home into a smart home that suits your needs and preferences.
In this article, we’ll show you 14 DIY smart home ideas that you can implement yourself, without breaking the bank or hiring a professional. These ideas range from simple to complex, but they all have one thing in common: they will make your home smarter and more fun to live in.
1. Control Your Lights with Your Voice
One of the easiest and most popular ways to start your smart home journey is to replace your regular light bulbs with smart ones. Smart lights can be controlled with your voice, using a smart assistant like Alexa or Google Assistant. You can also use your smartphone or a smart switch to adjust the brightness, color, and schedule of your lights.
Smart lights can help you create different moods and scenes for different occasions, such as a cozy movie night, a romantic dinner, or a party. They can also save you energy and money by turning off automatically when you leave the room or go to sleep.
To install smart lights, you’ll need to buy compatible bulbs and a hub or a bridge that connects them to your Wi-Fi network. Some smart lights, such as Philips Hue, require a dedicated hub, while others, such as LIFX, can connect directly to your router. You’ll also need to download the app for your smart lights and link it to your smart assistant.
2. Automate Your Thermostat and Save Energy
Another smart home idea that can improve your comfort and efficiency is to install a smart thermostat. A smart thermostat can learn your habits and preferences and adjust the temperature accordingly. It can also sense when you’re away or at home and switch to eco mode or resume mode, respectively.
A smart thermostat can help you save energy and money by reducing your heating and cooling costs. You can also control it remotely with your smartphone or your voice, and monitor your energy usage and savings.
To install a smart thermostat, you’ll need to check if your existing wiring is compatible with the model you choose. Some smart thermostats, such as Nest, can work with most systems, while others, such as Ecobee, may require a C-wire or a power extender kit. You’ll also need to download the app for your smart thermostat and link it to your smart assistant.
3. Secure Your Home with Smart Cameras and Doorbells
If you want to make your home safer and more secure, you can invest in some smart cameras and doorbells. Smart cameras can let you see what’s happening inside and outside your home, anytime and anywhere. You can also get alerts and recordings when motion or sound is detected, and communicate with visitors or intruders through two-way audio.
Smart doorbells can also let you see who’s at your door, even if you’re not home. You can also talk to them and unlock your door remotely, if you have a smart lock. Some smart doorbells, such as Ring, can also integrate with other smart security devices, such as alarms and sensors, to create a complete smart home security system.
To install smart cameras and doorbells, you’ll need to choose a location and a power source for them. Some devices, such as Arlo, are battery-powered and wireless, while others, such as Nest, need to be plugged in or hardwired. You’ll also need to download the app for your smart cameras and doorbells and link it to your smart assistant.
4. Stream Your Favorite Music and Podcasts with Smart Speakers
If you love listening to music and podcasts, you can enhance your experience with smart speakers. Smart speakers can play your favorite tunes and shows from various streaming services, such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. You can also use your voice to control the playback, volume, and playlist.
Smart speakers can also act as hubs for your other smart home devices, allowing you to control them with your voice. You can also ask your smart speaker to answer questions, set reminders, check the weather, and more.
To install smart speakers, you’ll need to choose a model that works with your preferred smart assistant, such as Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri. You’ll also need to download the app for your smart speaker and link it to your streaming services and other smart home devices.
5. Make Your Home Smell Good with Smart Diffusers
If you want to make your home smell good and fresh, you can try using smart diffusers. Smart diffusers can release pleasant aromas and essential oils into the air, creating a relaxing and soothing atmosphere. You can also choose from different scents and intensities, depending on your mood and preference.
Smart diffusers can be controlled with your smartphone or your voice, and you can also set schedules and timers for them. Some smart diffusers, such as Moodo, can also integrate with other smart home devices, such as lights and thermostats, to create personalized scenes and routines.
To install smart diffusers, you’ll need to buy compatible pods or cartridges that contain the scents and oils you want. You’ll also need to download the app for your smart diffusers and link it to your smart assistant.
6. Keep Your Plants Healthy with Smart Garden Systems
If you have a green thumb or want to grow your own herbs and vegetables, you can use smart garden systems to help you. Smart garden systems can monitor and water your plants automatically, ensuring that they get the right amount of light, moisture, and nutrients. You can also check the status and progress of your plants on your smartphone or your voice.
Smart garden systems can help you save time and water, and also enjoy fresh and organic produce at home. You can choose from different types and sizes of smart garden systems, depending on your space and needs. Some smart garden systems, such as Click and Grow, are indoor and compact, while others, such as Edyn, are outdoor and expansive.
To install smart garden systems, you’ll need to buy compatible seeds or seedlings that you want to grow. You’ll also need to download the app for your smart garden systems and link it to your smart assistant.
7. Cook Delicious Meals with Smart Kitchen Appliances
If you love cooking or want to learn new recipes, you can use smart kitchen appliances to help you. Smart kitchen appliances can make your cooking process easier, faster, and more enjoyable. You can also control them with your smartphone or your voice, and get guidance and feedback from them.
Smart kitchen appliances can help you prepare various dishes and cuisines, from soups and stews to pizzas and cakes. You can choose from different types and functions of smart kitchen appliances, such as smart ovens, smart air fryers, smart slow cookers, and smart coffee makers.
To install smart kitchen appliances, you’ll need to check if your existing power outlets and wiring are compatible with the models you choose. You’ll also need to download the app for your smart kitchen appliances and link it to your smart assistant.
8. Clean Your Home with Smart Vacuums and Mops
If you hate cleaning or want to save time and energy, you can use smart vacuums and mops to help you. Smart vacuums and mops can clean your floors automatically, without you having to lift a finger. You can also control them with your smartphone or your voice, and set schedules and preferences for them.
Smart vacuums and mops can help you keep your home tidy and hygienic, and also avoid allergens and dust. You can choose from different types and features of smart vacuums and mops, such as smart robot vacuums, smart cordless vacuums, smart wet-dry mops, and smart steam mops.
To install smart vacuums and mops, you’ll need to charge them and place them in a convenient location. You’ll also need to download the app for your smart vacuums and mops and link it to your smart assistant.
9. Entertain Your Pets with Smart Toys and Feeders
If you have pets or want to adopt one, you can use smart toys and feeders to help you. Smart toys and feeders can entertain and feed your pets automatically, even when you’re not home. You can also control them with your smartphone or your voice, and monitor and interact with your pets.
Smart toys and feeders can help you keep your pets happy and healthy, and also reduce their boredom and anxiety. You can choose from different types and functions of smart toys and feeders, such as smart balls, smart lasers, smart cameras, smart bowls, and smart fountains.
To install smart toys and feeders, you’ll need to buy compatible treats and food that your pets like. You’ll also need to download the app for your smart toys and feeders and link it to your smart assistant.
