One of the most frequent questions we get asked is about what kind of smart home technology we recommend for a new home. While the architectural details and design elements are crucial, incorporating the latest technology can elevate your living experience to a whole new level. What was once a futuristic fantasy, smart home technology is a reality that offers convenience, security and increases energy efficiency. Below are some of the most innovative features to consider integrating into your custom home.

Smart Home Hub & Automation

A smart home hub is a central location that allows you to connect and control various smart devices – lighting, thermostats, security systems – from a single app. This is the brain of your home. It acts as the translator between devices and ties everything together.  It’s crucial to the smooth management of smart home technologies. It’s important you thoroughly research this component of your smart home to ensure it will work effectively with the other technologies you choose.

Seamless Security

Feeling safe and having peace of mind in your home is crucial. Security systems can include smart locks, cameras, motion detectors and even leak sensors that notify you of potential problems. All of these options are accessible remotely from your smartphone to give you peace of mind when you’re away.

Smart Lighting

Imagine setting the lights at the perfect level for when the sun sets so you don’t arrive home to a dark house. Or having the right lighting for movie night or during a cocktail party. Smart home systems allow you to control and adjust the brightness of your home’s lights as well as creating pre-programmed lighting scenes.

Climate Control

All Floridians know, making sure your air conditioning is running, especially when you’re away, is crucial to preventing mold growth in your home. Homeowners can monitor and control the temperature remotely, ensuring a perfectly cooled home while potentially saving on energy bills with smart thermostats.

Futuristic Kitchens

From smart appliances that can be preheated from an app, voice activated recipe guidance and dishwashers that alert you when the wash cycle is finished, next generation kitchens have arrived. Utilizing technology in your kitchen makes it more efficient and enjoyable. Smart refrigerators even have cameras that will show the contents inside so if you’re at the store you can quickly check on what you need.

The items above are just the beginning of the smart home revolution as technology continues to rapidly evolve. By incorporating technological advancements, you will be able to monitor almost every function of your home while making sure it is comfortable, secure, and efficient for the future. Gulfstream Homes is here to help you plan and integrate these technologies into your new home. Contact us today to get started on the path to your perfect home.

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Bright Modern Colors

White has stood the test of time because it’s bright, modern, and clean. If your kitchen is currently any other color than white and you’re looking for something fresh, white is the way to go. Make the kitchen pop by adding a portion of color to your countertops, cabinets, island or even the sink to give your kitchen a high contrast look.

Open Layouts

Don’t be afraid of tearing down walls to make your kitchen less isolated. Open layouts aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. By designing an open kitchen you create a casual yet undivided environment in your house. If you’re looking for easy interaction and effortless entertainment, this is the trend to consider.

Functionality Over Impracticality

Out with the old cabinets and drawers and in with the newer more functional kitchen storage units. You can find many kitchen inspiration ideas and products to choose from when it comes to cabinet doors and drawers. If space is tight, make your kitchen unique with hydraulic, easy-close doors that fold up easily and don’t get in the way.

Bold Fixtures: Permanent and Semi-Permanent

Newer and bolder fixtures are in high demand this year. If you’re afraid of making a permanent fixture swap, like getting a new faucet (it’s a big commitment) then start with semi-permanent fixture changes. You can experiment and start simple:

• Cabinet Handles and Door Knobs- There are so many choices when it comes to the style and design of this fixture. They are easy to replace and fun to play around with when it comes to mixing and matching.
• Accessories- Such as vases, wall art, cookbooks, or other decorative items that you can easily switch out.
• Paint & Backsplash- Re-painting is a painless process if you’re looking to try something new. Removable backsplash is a piece of cake to DIY. Vinyl decals, faux tiles, and wallpaper are removable, easy to put up and take down and give your kitchen an exclusive appearance.

Kitchen Appliances

Upgrading your kitchen appliances might not be in your budget but if you’re ready to make the commitment, the transition and price will probably be worth it. Take a look at some of these trendy new appliances:

• Induction Stoves
• Automatic or Touchless Sinks
• Commercial- Grade
• French Door Ovens

Custom Kitchen Trends

When it comes to revamping your kitchen with the most recent trends, it’s essential to find the right look for you that’s within your budget. The experts at Gulfstream Homes are ready to help you build your perfect home with your perfect kitchen. Call (239) 254- 1664 or visit gulfstreamhomes.com.

Get Started

The post Top Kitchen Trends of 2018 first appeared on Gulfstream Homes.

Classic White

A classic white kitchen not only gives off a stylish feel, it also makes the room look bigger. Over 60% of design experts agree that white is their go-to choice when designing a custom kitchen. Pair white cabinets with a white backsplash or choose to incorporate glossy white appliances, instead of stainless steel. You’ll quickly see why so many homeowners choose white for their custom kitchens.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz is gaining more popularity these days, due to the fact that it is tougher than any other material on the market today, including granite. Quartz countertops protect from scratches, scrapes and burns and look stunning in the process. Many quartz countertops look just like granite, except that you won’t have to worry about damaging them so easily.

Custom Pantry Systems

Many homeowners are choosing to add a custom pantry system into their kitchens, and for good reason. Custom pantries help to keep your food fresh and easily accessible. Gone are the days of not being able to find an item of food or finding that it has expired. Custom pantry systems come with many helpful organizational tools, such as:

• Pull out drawers
• Wine racks
• Rotating shelves
• Specialized lighting

Being organized in one of the busiest rooms in the home is crucial. Incorporating a custom pantry system into your kitchen can help avoid lost items and keep the hub of your home operating in tip-top shape.

LED Lighting

LED lighting has been utilized in kitchens for years. Mainly placed in cabinets to help illuminate these dim spaces and hidden away in the crown molding to add an ambiance to the room, instead of harsh lighting. LED lighting is a top choice, since it doesn’t get overly hot and saves quite a bit of energy in the process, lowering energy bills for homeowners. LED lighting also comes in a variety of color options.

Built-In Refrigerators

Refrigerators have been getting a makeover in the past few years as well. Many homeowners are choosing to place them in more inconspicuous places, like in the pantry or under the counter. A popular trend is to have a separate beverage fridge in an oversized island in the middle of the kitchen.

Touch-Activated Faucets

Another increasingly popular trend that we don’t see going out of style any time soon are touch-activated faucets. Instead of spreading germs around the kitchen, especially if you are cooking with poultry or any other risky ingredient, touch-activated faucets make it easy to activate the water, without having to twist or pull up on the handle. Touch-activated faucets also eliminate unnecessary water waste.

Custom Kitchen Trends

When it comes to your custom kitchen, it’s important to find the right look for you that’s within your budget. The experts at Gulfstream Homes are ready to help you build the perfect home with the perfect kitchen. Call (239) 254-1664 or visit www.gulfstreamhomes.com.

Get Started

The post Top Kitchen Trends that Never Go Out of Style first appeared on Gulfstream Homes.