15 Smart Home Appliances to Integrate Into Classic Home Design

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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As technology advances, more and more appliances are becoming “smart,” meaning they can connect to the internet and be controlled remotely.

While this is convenient in many ways, it can also be overwhelming to keep up with the latest trends. If you love classic home design, you may wonder how to incorporate smart appliances into your space without compromising your aesthetic.

There are a few methods to do this. One option is to choose smart appliances that have a classic look. For example, refrigerators are now equipped with touchscreen displays and built-in WiFi but still have a vintage feel with their stainless steel exteriors and retro-inspired handles. 

Another alternative is to purchase smart appliances that can be easily hidden away.

No matter what route you decide, there are ways to integrate smart appliances into your classic home design successfully. It only takes a little bit of research and creativity.

What Are Smart Home Appliances?

Smart home devices are a new product line that enables you to manage your house’s lighting, temperature, and security from your smartphone.

They are intended to simplify your life and provide you with the assurance you deserve by ensuring that your house is secure and pleasant at all times.

smart home technology products

Image source: today.com

Additionally, the fact that they are energy efficient means you will spend less on your monthly power costs. Your life will become less complicated and more convenient thanks to these smart devices which represent the future of home automation.

What Is A Smart Home?

A smart home is a house that uses modern technology to give its inhabitants more control over their living space. By automating tasks and connecting different devices, homeowners can enjoy more convenience, comfort, and safety in their homes.

While the term “smart home” can technically refer to any residence equipped with some form of home automation, it is typically used to describe homes with a high level of automation and connectivity.

One of the defining features of a smart home is its ability to be controlled remotely using a computer or smartphone. This means homeowners can manage their home environment even when not physically present.

For example, they can use their smartphone to turn on the lights, adjust the smart thermostat, temperature, and multi-media, turn on smart lights, and open windows and doors. This increased level of control can be extremely helpful for busy families or homeowners who travel frequently.

smart appliances for home

Image Credits: shop21107.thuocxoang.net

It would help if you had a smartphone, dependable Wi-Fi connectivity, and a few smart devices to automate tasks and utilize voice control to manage your house even while you’re not there.

What Is A Classic Home?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as everyone’s definition of “classic home” will differ. However, some common features that may be considered classic in a home design would be symmetry, clean lines, and a focus on simplicity.

dining room in a classic home

Image Credits: classichome.com

If you want to repair your home appliances, select the most suitable service, such as appliance repair. It involves a talented team that guarantees professional and timely service.

Classic homes often have a timeless quality that makes them appear elegant and stylish. Additionally, they are usually quite functional, each room serving a specific purpose. For many, classic homes represent the perfect balance of form and function.

Integrating Smart Home Appliances Into Classic Home Design

A smart home alternative has been introduced for almost every part of life where technology has infiltrated the household setting.

Smart TVs must be connected to the internet to access content through applications, such as on-demand movies and music. Some smart TVs also have gesture or voice recognition features.

Smart lighting solutions can be personalized and remotely controlled, detect when people are in the room, and change the lighting accordingly. Depending on the amount of daylight, smart lamps can also regulate themselves.

woman ontrolling house gadgets using remote

Image Credits: pexels.com

Wi-Fi is built into smart thermostats, which enables users to set, track, and remotely regulate home temperatures. Additionally, these smart devices “learn” how users behave and automatically change settings to maximize efficiency and comfort for occupants. In addition to reporting energy usage, smart thermostats can also remind users to change their filters.

gray Nest thermostat displaying at 63

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Users can let or prohibit visitors from entering using smart locks and garage door openers. Additionally, smart locks may recognize when a resident is nearby and automatically unlock the doors for them.

Residents with smart security cameras may watch their properties abroad or on vacation. Smart motion sensors can distinguish between inhabitants, guests, animals, and intruders and alert authorities if they notice any questionable activity.

With connected feeders, pet care may be automated. Using connected timers, you can water your lawn and indoor plants.

Various kitchen machines are available, such as smart coffee makers that can brew a fresh cup automatically at a set time and smart refrigerators that monitor expiration dates and create shopping and grocery lists.

To prevent flooding in the basement, household system monitors, for instance, may detect an electric surge and turn off appliances, or they may detect frozen pipes or water failures and cut off the water.

Now that you’re well-versed on what smart home devices are and the integration process, let’s dive into our top picks.

Top Smart Home Appliances to Integrate Into Classic Home Design

Household chores can be mundane and boring because they are done repeatedly. However, they can be improved, and work made easier using smart devices.

We’ve picked these fifteen smart home gadgets that will definitely improve your work-life balance:

1) August Wi-Fi Smart Lock

August Wi-Fi, (4th Generation) Smart Lock – Fits Your...
  • UPGRADE YOUR EXISTING DEADBOLT: August smart locks fit on the...
  • GRANT ACCESS WITH THE AUGUST APP: Forget key copying. Quickly and...
  • EASY TO INSTALL ON ANY DOOR: Even if you’re not so handy,...
  • AUTO-LOCKS AND UNLOCKS: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is able to...
  • WORKS SEAMLESSLY WITH YOUR SMART HOME: Built-in Wi-Fi allows your...

Image Source: August.com

The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock makes your deadbolt more secure. Long gone are the days when you would direct visitors to collect the house key from under the doormat. With this smart device, you can grant them permanent or temporary access to your home using the August app.

My best perk about this smart home security system is its complete hands-free unlocking. It auto-locks and unlocks, so you don't need to actually touch the door. While this feature may not sit well with everyone, it remains optional.

I loved that you can rewind to video clips recorded during times you weren't home, which takes home security to another level.

2) Frigidaire 24" Stainless Steel Dishwasher

24" Built-In Dishwasher, Stainless Steel
  • Polymer Tall-Tub Interior W/ Nylon TufRacks
  • 8 Wash Cycles
  • 12 Place Settings Capacity
  • OrbitClean Technology Provides 4 Times More Water Coverage

The Frigidaire 24" stainless steel dishwasher uses the OrbitClean Technology that provides 4 times more water coverage. Further, using its quick wash ingenious feature, you can wash dishes quicker by a quarter of the time. Using the SaharaDry feature you can put the dishes away without towel-drying.

What I loved about this dishwasher is that it gets the dirty work done with minimal water usage.

Image Credits: walmart.com

Expert Tip: We recommend that you clean your dishwasher after every six months.

3) Sky Solutions Anti Fatigue Mat

Sale
Sky Solutions Anti Fatigue Mat - 3/4" Cushioned Kitchen...
  • All Day Support: For anyone who spends a lot of time on their...
  • Quality that feels like Clouds: Our 3/4" thick density kitchen...
  • Padded mat Improves Balance & Posture: Ergonomically designed,...
  • Commercial Grade: Complete with a non-slip bottom and an...
  • Stylish & Easy to Clean: The sleek anti fatigue floor mat comes...

This ergonomic anti-fatigue mat is non-slip, waterproof, and stain resistant to help relieve spine pressure. It is made of polyurethane foam that acts as a shock absorber so that you feel less pressure on your feet when standing.

Image Credits: southernliving.com

This is a kitchen essential for you if you spend extended periods standing in the kitchen. Imagine the sheer amount of fatigue this mat can save you during Thanksgiving or Christmas. I found it very useful when hosting guests for dinner; I could stand for hours cooking without getting exhausted.

Sky Solutions pledges that you will "feel like you're standing on clouds," and I couldn't agree more. You literally forget you're standing. You won't need socks or shoes when standing on this mat to feel comfortable.

4) Honeywell Airgenius 5 Air Purifier

Honeywell HFD320 AirGenius 5 Air Purifier Cleaner/Odor...
  • TOWER AIR PURIFIER – Help make the air in your home cleaner...
  • HELPS REMOVE MICROSCOPIC AIRBORNE PARTICLES - This quiet air...
  • EFFECTIVE AIR CLEANING AND CIRCULATION –Honeywell Air Purifiers...
  • PERMANENT FILTERS – Home air purifier includes a Permanent,...
  • A BRAND YOU CAN TRUST – Backed with a 5-year warranty,...

Your kitchen is a melting pot of all kinds of odors, good and bad. Tasty food flavors waft through when you have a cookoff, and nasty odors come from trash or food that's gone bad. This is why you need a quality odor-reducer machine.

The Honeywell Airgenius 5 is a tall dark tower-shaped smart air purifier that has five purification modes. You can use all levels to get rid of cooking odors, but level 5 will work best if the smells are extremely strong, like when I cooked sardines and the smell lasted for days.

Image Source: walmart.com

5) Pro Breeze Electric Mini Dehumidifier

Pro Breeze Electric Dehumidifier 1200 Cubic Feet (215...
  • Large Coverage 1200-2200 Cubic Feet: The Pro Breeze Dehumidifier...
  • Auto Shut-Off: When full the dehumidifier will automatically shut...
  • Lightweight, Compact and Portable: Capable of removing up to 9...
  • Ultra-Quiet & Energy Efficient: Whisper quiet operation in...
  • Lowers Humidity: Perfect for high humidity in your home, kitchen,...

The difference between an air purifier and a humidifier is that the former removes air pollutants such as dust, allergens, and other contaminants. On the other hand, a humidifier increases humidity levels. Both smart home gadgets aim to improve air quality.

Image Credits: probreeze.com

The Pro Breeze humidifier is a lightweight and portable smart home device that has a 17-ounce water tank capacity. It uses ultra-quiet Peltier technology that allows it to run all day and night without any disturbing noises. I literally didn't hear it the whole night.

High humidity is a breeding ground for mites. The kitchen is one of the rooms in your house which suffers the most humidity. So while most individuals place humidifiers in the living rooms, and this is absolutely fine, the kitchen also needs lower humidity levels.

6) PurSteam Steam Mop Cleaner

PurSteam Steam Mop Cleaner, Steam Mops for Floor...
  • Why Is This The Best Steam Mop On The Market? - You can clean...
  • Quick Steam Release - From now on you can clean even the most...
  • Lightweight And Compact - Safe to use on any surface you want to...
  • Safe To Use - Our PurSteam tile cleaner provides clean floors and...
  • Satisfaction With Pursteam - PurSteam is the leading brand for...

What we loved most about this upholstery steam cleaner is its versatility; it can be used to clean all surfaces in your home. It uses a quick and powerful steam action that cleans your couches and floors impeccably.

If, like me, you're a pet owner and want to get rid of dander quickly and seamlessly, this smart device is for you. It cleans out stubborn stains in the kitchen as well, so you don't have to worry about staining the floor.

Image Credits: pursteam.us

7) FIREGAS Wall Mount Range Hood

FIREGAS Range Hood 30 inch,Wall Mount Range Hood in...
  • WORK EFFICIENTLY DUCTLESS RANGE HOOD: FIREGAS Wall Mount Range...
  • POWERFUL AND REALLY QUIET RANGE HOOD: Kitchen vent hood 30 inches...
  • EASY TO INSTALL AND OPERATION: Easy to install with the...
  • 30 INCH HOOD STAINLESS EASY TO CLEAN: 20-gauge brushed stainless...
  • UPSCALE LUXURY FEELS DESIGN HOOD VENT: Modern styling to fit a...

Remember chimneys? Yes, those hollow structures built on top of a fireplace to aerate the room by getting rid of exhaust gases. Well, technology has created a new way of experiencing this cleaner air in the kitchen - range hoods for gas stoves.

Image Credits: firegaskitchen.com

The FIREGAS wall mount range hood comes with a carbon filter kit that filters out smells. It also has a touchscreen display console system and an under-hood light from LED bulbs. This is all to make your kitchen look more sleek and stylish.

If your kitchen needs renovation, this range hood will surely turn heads. What I loved most about it is that it automatically transforms your classic kitchen into a modern one. It's like the quintessential smart kitchen device, in my opinion, just because of visual interest.

8) Justuze Portable Espresso Machine

JUSTUZE® Portable Coffee Maker | Car Coffee Maker For...
  • ☕ SMART ESPRESSO MAKER - It is easy to make a cup of 40-45 ml...
  • ☕ PORTABLE EXPRESS ESPRESSO MAKER – You just need to wash the...
  • ☕ ESPRESSO MACHINE CAMPING - With its small size, shape, and...
  • ☕ MULTI-FUNCTIONS - This travel gadget can boil water over 90...
  • ☕ SATISFACTION GUARANTEED - While we are sure that you will...

This cordless, automatic, rechargeable mini coffee maker allows you to enjoy your favourite cup of coffee anywhere, at home, and on the go. What you do is just pop Nespresso capsules into the machine, add hot or cold water, and brew.

Your coffee is ready within minutes, another benefit of using smart home devices.

Image Credits: justuze.com

I love coffee, and truly, nothing's better than a quick cup in the morning made with the least hassle possible. This JUSTUZE espresso machine worked for me in the office, at home, and when travelling. Plus it's really lightweight, so it looks like a typical water bottle in terms of size.

9) Cuisinart Food Processor

Cuisinart DLC-2A Mini-Prep Plus Food Processor (White),...
  • 250-watt food processor with 3-cup plastic work bowl . Cord...
  • included components: Food Preparation;Food...

A food processor is a smart kitchen device that quickly chops and grinds food. The Cuisinart 3-cup food processor is a mini version of the Cuisinart 14-cup one and does tasks like grinding vegetables or pet food.

Image Credits: cuisinart.com

For me, food processors make cooking really easy. You won't spend minutes grating carrots or chopping onions, the processor will do that for you.

What I especially loved about this Cuisinart food processor is that it works. Just that. Most food processors are unable to grind some hard vegetables finely, such as carrots, but this one worked perfectly for me.

10) Samsung 130" The Premiere Ultra Short Throw 4K UHD Smart Triple Laser Projector

SAMSUNG 130” The Premiere Ultra Short Throw 4K Smart...
  • 4K UHD ULTRA BRIGHT TRIPLE LASER: Cutting edge triple laser...
  • SMART TV POWERED BY TIZEN: Go beyond Smart TV with next gen apps,...
  • ULTRA SHORT THROW & COMPACT MINIMAL DESIGN: This compact...
  • POWERFUL SOUND 4.2. CHANNEL SYSTEM: The powerful 40W speakers in...
  • MULTIPLE VOICE ASSISTANTS: Built in Alexa, the Google Assistant,...

Hosting a movie night? You need a projector. Projectors turn a normal viewing experience into a remarkable, unforgettable one.

This Samsung projector has a surround sound system and built-in Amazon Alexa for enhanced voice control. You can also mirror your phone into the projector's output.

Image Credits: news.samsung.com

It literally turns every room into a home theatre. So instead of spending money on going to the movies, you can make this one-off investment and turn your home into a smart home.

Further, it has a compact, simple design that complements the minimalist vibe you're using for your living room. It uses Acoustic Beam technology that improves sound quality by leaps and bounds.

The best part? You don't need a dedicated screen for this. With this projector, you can use any white wall. I love that you can transform your movie nights into epic adventures.

11) Jack & Rose White Noise Machine

Sale
Jack & Rose White Noise Machine Baby, Baby Sound...
  • WHITE NOISE MACHINE BABY: With its fetal heartbeat sound, our...
  • 16 HIFI SOOTHING SOUNDS: Imagine a trip through the forest on a...
  • SLEEP MACHINE: Our sleep sound machine provides you with colorful...
  • TIMER AND MEMORY FUNCTION: The sleep sound machine can play...
  • TURN YOUR BEDROOM INTO A SLEEP SANCTUARY: This thoughtful white...

White noise ensures all frequencies of sound are played together and in equal measure. Babies need this for their beauty sleep. But we adults need our beauty sleep too and relaxation especially in the bathroom after a long day at work.

The Jack & Rose white noise machine is best for babies; it mimics the sound of a mother's womb helping the baby sleep better. It has 6 white noises, 4 lullabies, 6 nature sounds, and 7-color night lights. This turns your baby's nursery into a warm sanctuary.

Image Credits: walmart.com

So if you live in a noisy neighborhood, sleep next to a snoring person, or are in an area with loud traffic, this white noise machine is a smart home tech item you need.

All I know is, I'm not a baby, but this product was made for me.

12) WYZE Video Doorbell

WYZE Video Doorbell with Chime (Horizontal Wedge...
  • Instant Notifications: Never miss another visitor. Unless you...
  • 3:4 Aspect Ratio: 3:4 head-to-toe view & 1080p Full HD Video:...
  • Motion Detection, Smart Alerts & Video Recording: Wyze Video...
  • Built to endure the elements: IP65 weather-resistant. Install...
  • Chime Included: Hear your doorbell ring, chirp, or bark from any...

If you're looking for a smart doorbell that does not need a subscription and provides you with real-time updates to your mobile device and any connected device, the WYZE video doorbell is for you. It works with voice commands from Amazon Alexa, which means it can be configured to smart devices such as Echo Dot and Amazon Echo.

Further, it has a motion detector system and a security camera so you'll know when there's someone at your front door.

Image Credits: wyze.com

It is weather-resistant, so despite rain or wind, or any adverse weather conditions, it will function effectively.

The doorbell chimes loudly so you'll hear it from anywhere in the house. You may need professional installation to ensure it's working optimally, but other than that, maintenance is relatively easy and quite user-friendly.

I love that you can prepare yourself adequately, even mentally, for receiving a visitor, as you can see them approach your front door.

13) Graywind Motorized Blackout Roller Smart Blinds

Graywind Motorized Shades 100% Blackout Compatible with...
  • FUNCTIONAL SHADES: 100% Blackout textured fabric with waterproof...
  • 2.4G/5GHz AC32 MOTOR: Skip remote and program on mobile APP...
  • 2.4GHz AC37 MOTOR: High quality and all time plug-in, can be...
  • MADE-TO-ORDER: Click "Customize Now", custom dimensions and...
  • AFTER-SERVICE: Mounting accessories, manuals included. Video...

With the Smart Life App, you can control the shades so that they open and close when you want using your mobile device and a simple voice command. You don't need a remote control. You can control the shades remotely on all connected devices from anywhere in the world.

Image Credits: graywindblinds.com

These Graywind smart blinds are blackout textured to provide privacy. They also help to reduce your energy bills as they help bring in more light during winter and keep it out during summer.

Their service is personalized, as they will provide you with blinds according to your size and specifications. This is particularly awesome for people who live in apartments, like me, as Graywind will work with whatever new measurements you find yourself having.

14) Genie 7155-TKV Smart Garage Door Opener

Sale
Genie 7155-TKV Smart Garage Door Opener StealthDrive...
  • STRONG AND QUIET: The Stealth Drive Connect smart garage door...
  • SMART GARAGE SYSTEM: This smart Stealth Drive Connect garage door...
  • BATTERY BACKUP INCLUDED: The Stealth Drive Connect garage door...
  • EASY TO INSTALL: This smart garage door opener features a strong...
  • WORKS ON: The Genie Stealth Drive Connect smart garage door...

This ultra-quiet smart garage door opener works with Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings, and Google Home to incorporate your garage into your smart home system. It uses Intellicode Security technology that prevents unauthorized access.

Image Credits: geniecompany.com

Installation is easy, as you can download the 3D interactive BILT app, search for Genie and choose your garage model option. This opener is really quiet; in fact, you could be standing next to it and not hear it, which is a plus for me. Imagine coming home in the middle of the night and you wouldn't have to wake everybody.

Plus, the garage door will automatically close. How cool is that?

15) Holikme 2 Pack Door Draft Stopper

Sale
Holikme 2 Pack Door Draft Stopper Under Door Draft...
  • STRONG ADHESIVE 2 Pack door draft stopper , extra strong adhesive...
  • NOISE REDUCTION: The door bottom seal designed by special...
  • SAVE ENERGY: The most efficient solution to prevent the heat and...
  • ONE SIZE FIT ALL DOOR AND EASY TO INSTALL: Size: 1.9" W x 37" L ,...
  • HIGH QUALITY MATERIAL:Practical gap sealer is made of Pure...

There's usually a tiny space between a door and its frame. Insects, cold air, and dust may seep through interrupting your typical routine. Door draft stoppers are smart home products that are filled with insulating materials to reduce energy costs by preventing heat loss in the winter and cool air loss in the summer.

Image Credits: holikme.store

The Holikme 2-pack door draft stopper is easy to install and is a one-size-fits-all. Further, the seal acts as a soundproofing option. It uses a strong adhesive that sticks firmly.

I just wish I knew about this when I had housemates, it would have saved me lots of sleepless nights caused by too much noise from their rooms.

Benefits Of Smart Home Appliances

There's no doubt that smart home appliances are becoming increasingly popular with more people looking to add them to their smart homes.

But what are the benefits of these smart devices? These are just a few of the ways they can make your life easier and more comfortable:

1) Controlled Remotely

One of the best things about smart home gadgets is that you can control them from your phone. Whether at home or away, you can turn on the lights, start the coffee pot, or even turn up the heat.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

This is extremely convenient if you forget to do something before you leave the house. For instance, you can turn off your air conditioner from anywhere in the world.

2) Efficiency

Many smart home devices are designed to be more energy efficient than their traditional counterparts.

This means they can save you money on your monthly energy bill. Additionally, some smart devices can help you conserve water, leading to lower utility bills.

3) Increased Home Security

There are so many advantages of smart home security systems, and it is worth getting an idea about the overview of a smart lock that suits your smart home. As well, some smart home appliances, such as security cameras and door locks, can help to make your home more secure. This can give you peace of mind when you're away from home.

4) Better health and wellbeing

Air purifiers, air filters, dehumidifiers, and water filters, all work to improve your air and water quality. Some of these smart home devices automatically adjust their settings according to your needs, so they will filter out allergens. This is remarkable for individuals suffering from asthma, and other allergies.

Moreover, smart beds will use algorithms and sensors to check your sleeping patterns and configure themselves accordingly. They will adjust themselves to help you snore less, or just have good sleeping patterns in general.

The World is Your Oyster With Smart Home Technology

The idea of decorating an empty space will enhance the elegance of your home better. Many smart home devices can be integrated into classic home design, such as:

  • Smart thermostat
  • Smart home security system
  • Smart lighting system
  • Smart fridges
  • Smart speaker system

Each appliance can help make your home more comfortable, safe, and energy efficient. With the development of Artificial Intelligence, and its incorporation into almost all aspects of our lives, smart home technology is something to look out for.

Smart home brands are making a killing out of this industry, with everyone putting their best foot forward to develop some of the best smart home devices on the planet.

Consider the innovative product, Google Nest by Google. Google Nest is a smart home automation system that consists of and connects your smart light bulbs, smart speakers, Wi-Fi router, smart video doorbells, smart thermostats, and other smart devices using voice control, via Google Nest audio. There's so much you can do with Google Nest.

Or its contemporary, the Apple Homekit, which connects all your smart devices such as Nanoleaf smart bulbs, Eve Cam (home security camera), and other smart tools to your Apple devices, such as iPhones and iPads.

Image Credits: developer.apple.com

You can even use Google Assistant to water your plants when you're away, or change the watering schedule remotely. Or have it write you a new grocery list every month depending on your dietary needs and preferences.

And that, right there, is the power of technology, when harnessed properly.

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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