It's quite impossible to escape the use of technology at home, and I don't mean the devices we are so used to, like the fridge, TV, and the dishwasher... other basic activities like watering the garden, opening the curtains, windows, and locking doors can now be easily done by the push of a button on the wall. The list continues with appliances self-starting, ovens cooking on a timer, and refrigerators sending us alerts on the phone to buy groceries... Whether this is already happening in your house or not, there is no denying that these solutions exist and can make our domestic life easier.
For the light switches and power points, I have selected the Clipsal Iconic Range, which I know suits our Modernist interiors very well, but I also decided to give technology a go and have added the Clipsal Wiser System to our home. This means that all of the house's light switches are now connected via Wi-Fi to the Wiser App on my iPhone.
Of course, the light switches still look and work like any other light switch, by pressing the button to turn the lights on or off, and they're also beautiful, but the first benefit of having these connected to the Wiser App is the ability to create timed schedules. The facade lights, for example, come on and off automatically every day at a time that I have selected on the app. Indoors too, I have certain lights come on and turn off automatically long after we've gone to bed. In fact, even power points can be connected to the Wiser System and voila', floor lamps and side lamps come on automatically, or by tapping on my phone.
Also connected to the Wiser App are the external cameras. These are good-looking and small enough not to spoil the beautiful facade of my Palm Springs inspired home (www.jamesboughtahouse.com) but are visible, to also work as a deterrent against intruders.
The memory card keeps records of all that they can see, for me to check what happened back in time, or I can turn on the Sensor Function and receive an alert on my phone every time movement is detected. Wherever I am, nearby or far away, I can look on the phone and see who is at the door, listen to and talk to them, just like I would with an intercom.
Cameras installed outside a home work for our safety of course, but the person at the door could also be a visitor you don't want to miss - the kids might have forgotten the keys, or it could be that important delivery that you've been waiting for...
Despite not being a technology-friendly person, I must admit that using the Wiser App proved very easy, and useful of course, helping me feel more in control of my own home, whether I'm right there or far away, and all from the palm of my hand.
Highly recommended 👍
Also, watch this short video on selecting the right switches to suit our newly renovated interiors.
James Treble has three decades of accumulated experience in the Building Industry, Real Estate and Interior Design and regularly shares his knowledge and experience in adding value to properties through effective design & styling. James is also an ambassador for Planet Ark and firmly believes in sensible purchasing, recycling and creative re-purposing. Watch his free videos on YouTube, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram for plenty of Design information. Watch his Online Series to see how an Interior Designer renovates his own home.
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