Exploring Smart Technology in Today’s Custom Luxury Homes

Custom home buyers have more smart technology options today than ever before. Every year, new devices and advancements join the market. These devices allow us to make life easier, more comfortable, and more awe-inspiring.

Cullum Homes knows that smart technology is the way of the future. Our team considers this when designing your custom home. We can discuss options and help you find the right combination of technology that will elevate your lifestyle. Learn more about the Cullum Homes design process to see how we carefully plan every detail – including the tech.

Smart technology can be installed in existing properties or incorporated into a new custom home build. Planning ahead will give you more room for creating the ideal living space.

Planning for Smart Technology in Your New Custom Home

Smart technology should be a topic of discussion before building your new custom home. Planning for it from the start will give you more options and easier ways to include it seamlessly in your finished build.

Many people assume that all smart technology is wireless, so they don’t need to worry about electrical outlets and hardwired connections. While most of it is wireless, this isn’t an entirely accurate assumption.

Even a wireless device will need a charger or WiFi connection. These things require an electrical outlet or some kind of port. They have to get energy from somewhere and should be able to connect to other devices or the internet.

That means you still have to plan to have outlets and a place for networking equipment like a router, modem, and ethernet cables.

If you are building a new custom home, then this gives you the perfect opportunity to plan the placement of these necessities with your builder. Let Cullum Homes know what you want to add, and our team will make sure you have the resources you need without distracting from the beauty of your new home.

Things to consider include:

  • Access to electrical outlets to plug in wired devices and chargers to recharge batteries
  • Ensuring that devices can easily connect to the internet if needed without interruption
  • Centralizing smart technology systems for convenient access, like devices to play music

Larger homes may require additional equipment to ensure that connections reach across the entire property. That means installing multiple access points. Planning for this now will eliminate the need to cut into walls or make other significant changes later.

Cullum Homes can answer all your questions about installing smart technology in your custom luxury home.

Why Ketra Lighting is a Must-Have for Your Luxury Home

Lighting is one of the most popular smart technologies in use today. We often take the illumination in our homes for granted. However, if you have ever had to deal with a poorly lit room, you will quickly see why this can be a big problem.

Lighting sets the mood. It makes it possible to work or to create a tranquil space to relax. A simple lighting system may suffice, but smart technology gives homeowners more control over the visual appeal, atmosphere, and utility of each room.

Lutron’s Ketra offers an Intelligent Lighting Portfolio that contains a suite of lighting options for your home. These are luminaires that match your home’s architectural style and layout. Their catalog includes:

  • Downlights

Recessed and retrofittable downlights are available to produce clean illumination. The D2 includes a two-inch aperture and can be tilted and rotated. It produces a variety of natural lighting from candlelight to natural daytime lighting. A D3 model is also available with a 3-inch size.

  • Lamps and Track Lighting

Ketra offers lamps in standard E26 or GU24 base sizes. Their A20 series includes a palette of 16.7 million colors including highly saturated tones and pastels. TruBeam technology produces uniform color at any angle. A20 lamps are now available with the new Lutron Clear Connect Type X wireless technology.

Ketra’s S20 and S38 lamps are a retrofit solution that features the same rich color palette and features.

S30 and S39 track lighting is also available. Both are modular systems that allow for 365 degrees of rotation.

  • Linear Lighting

Ketra provides a linear lighting series with its G2 and LS0 range. These are ideal for a variety of applications including under cabinetry and indirect coves. G2 linear lighting is suited for high-output applications while the LS0 lightbar slim provides a low-profile for any space.

Both are fully integrated with the Lutron HomeWorks system for residential use. Lutron HomeWorks is a unified system that automates lighting and gives the homeowner complete control over each device.

Ketra provides world-class solutions that address the human need for light combined with an eye for the beauty of your home. The company operates on a “Lighting to Live By” motto, which stems from over six decades in the business.

This commitment to the end user shows in Ketra’s product lines. That’s why Cullum Homes trusts Ketra products. They are high-end, feature-rich devices that will showcase your custom home in the best light.

More Home Smart Tech by Lutron

Lutron also offers Rania and Lumaris lighting solutions. Each includes a collection of high-quality lights with a range of colors.

  • Exploring Rania Lighting

Rania lighting is built to provide true-to-life illumination compared to other lighting options. It produces a dynamic range from an incandescent glow to bright midday sunlight. These products feature authentic color rendering that works with Lutron control systems.

Rania D2 downlight includes a 2-inch aperture that can be installed in fixed, wall wash, and adjustable configurations. Rania also features track lighting with A20, S30, and S38 lamps as well as flexible tape lighting.

  • Exploring Lumaris Lighting

Lumaris includes turnable white and dim illumination that also offers a broad range of white light. It’s designed to provide better control with less complexity and authentic color rendering.

Lumaris downlights are available for interior use in 3-inch and 4-inch aperture sizes. These fixtures can be added to new construction and remodels with fully integrated, canless housing. They can be retrofitted into existing cans for lighting upgrades. Tape lighting is also available.

Discover the Full Contrl4 Smart Tech Catalog

Control4 offers everything a homeowner could want in smart technology. Their extensive residential catalog includes home theater, audio, lighting, security, and climate control systems. Whole home smart systems are also available for a fully integrated, personalized experience.

All devices stay connected for easy monitoring anywhere – even when you are not at home.

Voice control capability is included. This feature works with the most popular home assistants including Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant. Adjust lighting or climate, turn on music and more with the sound of your voice.

Voice activation is completely customizable with personalized commands. Adding a custom command like “active security scene” will trigger related actions like arming security systems and locking doors.

Crestron Unifies Smart Home Automation and Control

Crestron produces a variety of smart home technology that unify your home’s automation and smart controls. Manage lighting, environmental conditions, audio, video, and more.

Crestron’s Home OS brings all devices together for convenience and peace of mind. The latest update expanded integration support to include devices by Airzone, 1Home, Tempest, CoolAutomation, Tesla, and more.

Josh.ai Lets You Combine Your Favorite Smart Tech Devices

Josh.ai is a control system for smart homes. It offers intuitive control that works through text, touch, or voice commands.

Josh.ai is a solution for homeowners who want to integrate devices from multiple manufacturers into their living space. It works with Lutron, Crestron, Philips Hue, Oelo, and other lighting products.

It integrates with an impressive list of other smart devices, like AppleTV, Xfinity, Roku, and many smart TVs and projectors. Josh.ai’s full list of integrations also covers some of the most popular smart tech brands in the following categories:

  • Smart switches
  • Thermostats
  • Shades
  • Door locks
  • Matrix switchers
  • Fans
  • Remote controls
  • Fireplaces
  • Garage doors
  • Door stations
  • Security alarms

Get Started with Cullum Homes Smart Technology Installation

Lighting is an important part of any new home project. However, it’s not the only way to incorporate smart technology into your living space. Most devices now feature smart elements, including:

  • Security systems
  • Household appliances
  • Entertainment devices
  • Video doorbells
  • Climate control systems
  • Smoke detectors and safety equipment

Life is easier with the right combination of smart technology. Visit Cullum Homes now to see how we use smart tech.