AV accessories like speakers and mounts have also become decorative objects. Larsen is keen on Leonâs devices for the home. âTheir Mera Sound Sconces offer high-performance audio and dimmable lighting in a modern, understated design,â she says. They can also be paired with smart-home automation systems.
Upgrades to help with upkeep
In the coming years, designers expect artificial intelligence-driven technology to become more prominentâembracing it can make home upkeep easier. âThese technologies, like predictive maintenance systems for HVAC and smart inventory tracking in refrigerators, help clients avoid costly repairs and reduce food waste,â explains AD PRO Directory designer Dominique Michelle Vidal.
But with new tech constantly emerging, discerning which gadgets are worth investing in requires sticking by the mantra that technology should solve problems, not create new ones. âPeople prefer tech that seamlessly integrates into their lives rather than demanding constant updates,â says Los Angelesâbased designer and AD PRO Directory member Ryan Saghian.
âTodayâs luxury is defined by effortless elegance,â says AD PRO Directory builder and designer Tommy Zung, founder of New Yorkâbased Z Builders and Studio Zung. âThe future belongs to intelligent systems that fade into the background while delivering exceptional performance.â If the tech doesnât improve your clientâs life, itâs best to opt out. âNabi Williams
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âSleep Hygieneâ Is Defining the Next Iteration of Bedroom Design
Clients want their bedrooms to put them to sleepâand it requires much more than just a comfortable bed
A few years ago, the phrase âsleep hygieneââor daily habits that promote better slumberâmight have thrown clients for a loop, but with recent research underscoring the link between ample quality sleep and longevity, bedroom design has rightfully taken on a wellness bent. While the classic components of a well-made bedroomâmattresses, headboards, bed frames, and linensâare important, a good nightâs sleep goes beyond the bed.
For many designers, crafting a room that encourages sleep veers toward minimalism. âIn bedrooms, we often work with soothing tones that naturally invite relaxation,â says Neesha Reddivari, lead designer at AD PRO Directory member House of Hunt. âThink warm neutrals and earthy shades [that] calm the mind and prepare you for rest.â These spaces are not devoid of color and pattern, but rather use them with intention. âI lean into tonal color palettes with only sporadic moments of contrast,â says designer Jennifer Salvemini, whose eponymous studio is based in upstate New Yorkâs Catskills region. âI use pillows and art as a way to introduce visual interest.â