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From automated lighting to home theater systems, smart home technology is changing how people experience their spaces. But, as smart home implementation grows, so do opportunities for tech and design to work together to create living spaces that are both beautiful and beneficial.  

“Today’s homeowners don’t just want smart features – they expect them to enhance their lifestyle without compromising the character of their space,” says Daryl Friedman, global president and CEO of CEDIA, The Home for Smart Home Professionals™. “When done right, smart home technology blends into a home’s design so seamlessly that it feels like a natural extension of the space.”  

This vision can only be realized through collaboration. Designers bring expertise in creating visually compelling spaces, while integrators provide the technical know-how to make sure the technology is intuitive and future-proof. Too often, smart home technology is treated as an afterthought in the design phase, leading to unsightly installations or complicated retrofitting.  

To bridge the gap between design and technology, enlist both parties early in the project lifecycle. Here are some key practices recommended by CEDIA to ensure success: 

• Involve Integrators Early: Smart home systems often require wiring, space planning and structural considerations. Bringing integrators into the conversation during the initial design phase can help prevent expensive updates and ensures technology complements the design. 

• Prioritize Aesthetic Integration: Encourage designers and integrators to work together to make the space as aesthetic as you’d like. If you want to conceal or minimize the appearance of technology, it can often be disguised as artwork or blend with the interior design palette. Or, allowing beautiful speakers and other equipment to be out in the open can make a statement in a room. 

• Envision Your Space: Take a holistic approach and envision how the technology will work into your future space – or how you want it to. Allow the designers and integrators to help you understand how the pieces will come together to enhance your lifestyle and create your dream home. 

• Plan for Scalability: Technology is constantly evolving, and today’s systems must accommodate future updates. Designers and integrators can co-create flexible designs that adapt to emerging innovations, potentially minimizing remodeling needs down the road. 

“The magic happens when design and technology complement each other seamlessly,” Friedman added. “By partnering with a knowledgeable smart home professional, homeowners and designers can create spaces that are tastefully integrated while benefiting from a smoother process overall.” 

For more information on smart home design and technologies or to find a certified smart home professional, visit .