Photos by Patrick Brickman. All kitchen lighting is tied to a Control4 system with multiple settings, including dining (customized dim setting), cleaning (all lights at full brightness), and morning (customized dim setting).

This sunroom opens to the covered patio where you'll find outdoor speakers that are connected to the whole-home audio system. Photos by: Patrick Brickman

This article is posted here with the consent of the author. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, view, or opinion of Crestron Electronics, Inc., or of any of its employees. Crestron Electronics is not responsible for, and does not verify the accuracy of, any of the information contained in this article. By Jeff Singer The “smart” revolution began several years ago with smartphones (a.k.a phones) and has extended in recent years to thermostats, doorbells, alarm systems, and kitchen appliances. Smart devices are so ubiquitous that the term “smart” is overused to the point that it is almost meaningless. Companies are eager to jump on the bandwagon and claim their products are “smart,” and consumers proudly claim they have a smart home because they have lighting control. Misconceptions about smart homes are prevalent and create confusion in the marketplace. This can have deleterious effects on businesses and underserve consumers. Here are seven of the most popular misconceptions about smart homes: 1. Apps are smart Apps are convenient and easy to use. Yes, it seems there’s an app for everything. People expect to be able to download an app and do just about anything. App developers and many companies do not disavow consumers of this myth. On the contrary, they promote this idea with carefully worded descriptions. The promise of having the world at your fingertips for $1.99 is very enticing. Although it sounds too good to be true, it is also too good to pass up for many people. This leads to undervaluing home control and disappointment when the apps don’t work, which undermines confidence in our industry. The fact is that apps are not smart. They do not control anything. They must connect to and communicate with a control system or cloud service that processes, prioritizes, and executes commands. That’s the real magic and what most people do not understand. 2. Smart devices work together With so many smart appliances and devices on the market today, it’s understandable that the average consumer might think that they actually communicate and work together. This is simply not the case. Smart devices are not that smart. They are designed and manufactured by different, often competing, companies. There are no national or industry standards governing these products. Even if they all operate using Wi-Fi® communications, that doesn’t mean they work together. Some companies promote a home control platform, which unites different devices from different companies – in theory. The platform is yet another third-party software totally dependent on other companies developing APIs and writing control modules for their hardware to run on that piece of software. The devices are not independently compatible. Also, when updates are made to either the hardware or the software, functionality may be affected for some period. That’s a nice way of saying the device or system won’t work and there’s no way of knowing for how long. 3. It’s a DIY project Which brings us to the next myth, which is that the average person can do it themselves. Unless you are a skilled professional, I would not advise taking on a smart home project. You want to make a light turn on and off with your Alexa® or Google Assistant™ virtual assistant software, go for it. A smart home takes much more planning and expertise. I have no problem changing a light bulb or hanging a light fixture in my dining room; however, I am not going to rewire my house. I may change the flush valve in my toilet, but I’m not going to replace the pipes in my house. You get it. Integrating devices and systems, establishing different zones, creating scenes, designing the UI with a balance between control, feedback, and simplicity – all takes experience and skill. 4. Need a programmer to make changes Early adopters may have experienced the pain of trying to make a simple change or update to their home control system. Years ago, if the cable provider changed the channel line-up, the homeowner would have to call the dealer or programmer to make an appointment for them to come out to the house to reprogram the system. The system wouldn’t work as expected until it was updated, which often took several days and beaucoup bucks. Not anymore. Technology has evolved so now it’s easy for system owners to change favorite channels, create scenes, rename buttons, update images, and more. While a professional is needed for the initial installation and setup, the system is easy to manage once it’s up and running. This makes life so much easier for both dealer and customer. 5. Tech becomes obsolete quickly Similar to updating the UI, updating firmware or hardware used to be a stressful process. A smart home should be intelligent enough to update itself. Apps don’t become obsolete. Updates are constantly pushed out from the cloud, making them better all the time. The same is true for a good smart home system. New features, functions, and device support gets added in the background consistently, so the system you installed (or purchased) yesterday gets better over time. Swapping out decorative elements, such as keypads, dimmers, and touch screens is also seamless. When a new device is added, all the settings are pulled down from the cloud and it just works. No system interruptions. No sunk costs. No imposing house calls. No surprise bills. 6. Lighting control saves energy and money Lighting control is one of the most popular smart systems, but it takes more than just one system to make a home smart. On the surface, it makes sense that if you dim the lights ten percent, then you save ten percent of energy costs. If the shades are raised during the day to take advantage of sunlight so the lights don’t need to be on (or at least not 100%), but that causes the room temperature to rise a few degrees, which triggers the air conditioner to run longer and more often, was energy usage (or cost) reduced? A smart home integrates all the various systems and technology to optimize comfort, convenience, safety, and sometimes energy. 7. Home technology is easy to hack Security is at the forefront of people’s minds these days. Personal identities are stolen; email accounts hacked; private photos publicized; and more. A smart home must outsmart those who don’t respect privacy. Crestron control systems adhere to the strictest security standards. The same Crestron control system that goes into a home is also installed in secure government and military facilities, global banking institutions, hospitals, and other mission critical applications. When installed correctly by a trained professional, a Crestron smart home is the gold standard for security, comfort, and convenience.

Photo by Patrick Brickman
Elegant laundry room photo in Charleston

An Iron Security Door from First Impression Ironworks will create a beautiful entry way for your Arizona home while providing the highest security of any screen, storm or security door. Our steel security doors are an investment that will add value to your home, since it will be custom built to your home’s specifications and made from the highest quality materials. Our wrought iron is sourced here in the U.S.A., using only 100% American steel. Every iron security door from First Impression is crafted from the strongest, most robust 14 gauge steel for the door, full steel frame, iron pull handles, and even a 10" steel latch and lock guard. Each wrought iron door, whether made of solid steel, iron and glass, or wrought iron and wood, is handcrafted in Arizona by our talented iron artisans. Name brand Kwikset or Schlage hardware is always included, and your new front door can be upgraded with to include an integrated alarm and monitoring systems using the latest technology. We can even create your new iron security door with kick plates, removable sunscreens with powder coated steel frames, sidelights, transoms, and elegant iron pull handles. We’re here to bring your dreams to life with customization available for whatever needs fit your home and your budget. Create the first impression you’ve always wanted for your home today with your vision and our expertise!

Photo by Patrick Brickman. This kitchen featured automated lighting and distributed audio so the homeowner can listen to different music in every room, if desired.

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Photos by Patrick Brickman. We mounted this 80" curved TV in the home office. It is connected to the control system with access from smart phones and tablets as well as the remote and in-wall iPad.

Enhance your Texas home’s entrance with a custom Iron Entry Door from First Impression Ironworks. Your door will be uniquely crafted to match your vision. Designed for lasting value, your steel entry door will be custom-built to your home’s specifications using the highest quality materials. Whether you choose solid steel, iron and glass, or wrought iron and wood, every door is expertly handcrafted in America by skilled artisans. Our doors are all 100% American-made steel products. Every entry door is constructed with the most durable steel, from the frame to the iron pull handles and the standard 10-inch steel latch and lock guard for superior protection. Premium Kwikset or Schlage hardware is always included, with options to upgrade to the latest security technology, including alarm and monitoring integration. Personalize your door with features such as removable sunscreens, sidelights, transoms, or elegant iron detailing. With expert craftsmanship and tailored designs, we bring your vision to life, ensuring a grand first impression for your home. Let’s create something exceptional together!

Photo by Patrick Brickman.
Eat-in kitchen - traditional dark wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in Charleston with gray cabinets, stainless steel appliances and an island

An Iron Security Door from First Impression Ironworks will create a beautiful entry way for your Arizona home while providing the highest security of any screen, storm or security door. Our steel security doors are an investment that will add value to your home, since it will be custom built to your home’s specifications and made from the highest quality materials. Our wrought iron is sourced here in the U.S.A., using only 100% American steel. Every iron security door from First Impression is crafted from the strongest, most robust 14 gauge steel for the door, full steel frame, iron pull handles, and even a 10" steel latch and lock guard. Each wrought iron door, whether made of solid steel, iron and glass, or wrought iron and wood, is handcrafted in Arizona by our talented iron artisans. Name brand Kwikset or Schlage hardware is always included, and your new front door can be upgraded with to include an integrated alarm and monitoring systems using the latest technology. We can even create your new iron security door with kick plates, removable sunscreens with powder coated steel frames, sidelights, transoms, and elegant iron pull handles. We’re here to bring your dreams to life with customization available for whatever needs fit your home and your budget. Create the first impression you’ve always wanted for your home today with your vision and our expertise!

This huge, open kitchen features lighting control as well as a full audio system. Photo by: Patrick Brickman
Kitchen - traditional kitchen idea in Charleston

Photo by Patrick Brickman. In-wall mounted iPad Mini provides access to all connected devices in the home including lights, locks, thermostats, audio, TVs and more.

The Solar Panel is hardly visible and provides power to the Ring Stick-Up Cam – no need to run wires.
Patio - small traditional backyard patio idea in Denver with a pergola

Getting internet access (and streaming music) to this ground-floor home gym required additional networking components. Photos by Patrick Brickman
Example of a trendy home gym design in Charleston

Inspiration for a large modern white one-story concrete exterior home remodel in San Francisco

This entry way features a smart thermostat that is accessible via smartphone, tablet or computer. Photos by Patrick Brickman
Inspiration for a contemporary entryway remodel in Charleston

LA Westside's Expert Home Media and Design Studio Home Media Design & Installation Location: 7261 Woodley Ave Van Nuys, CA 91406
Inspiration for a large contemporary master gray tile, white tile and marble tile marble floor and white floor bathroom remodel in Los Angeles with white cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink, marble countertops and a hinged shower door

Inspiration for a large modern white one-story concrete exterior home remodel in San Francisco