Illuminate your home
The best home audio-visual control systems can take interiors to new heights. Whether it’s curating the perfect movie night or high level security, Lutron advisor Dan Hughes reveals how the right technology can elevate the functionality, sustainability and aesthetic of modern, period and historic homes.
Tell us a bit about Lutron?
Lutron was founded in 1961 by Joel Spira, the inventor of the world’s first solid-state dimmer switch. We’ve since grown into the global leader in lighting control. In addition to electric lighting, we also manage the world’s no. 1 light source – sunlight – through automated window treatments. Our close collaborations with interior designers help enhance the style, comfort and functionality of any space.
What trends are you seeing?
In the last 10 to 15 years there’s been a real move towards simplicity. When the idea of the integrated home was new, people wanted to control everything – every feature, every system. I can only comment on lighting and window treatments, but in that space, there was a push to do as much as possible. We’re now seeing a shift towards more intuitive, streamlined solutions that enhance everyday life without adding complexity.
For instance, 15 years ago, 10-button keypads were normal. Today, people prefer the simplicity of perhaps just three preset scenes that instantly set the mood or function of a space. This return to simplicity aligns with our original ethos as the inventor of the rotary dimmer, where a single button controlled the right light for the right task.
What fun features can people add to their homes?
I’d start with something less exciting but important: reducing energy consumption. Our lighting control solutions can include occupancy and vacancy sensors that automatically turn lights on and off, so you don’t have to worry about wasting energy.
You can then jump to cool features, such as our ‘Home and Away’ function, which lets you control your lighting remotely and make it look like someone’s home. You can also add a private bedside keypad that, with the press of a button, triggers the downstairs lights to flash and the window treatments to rise if you suspect an intruder.
There’s also our popular ‘Entertain Mode’, which helps you create the perfect atmosphere for any event. Whether it’s a dinner or full-blown party, creating the right ambiance for your guests to enjoy themselves is key to a great experience. This function complements and elevates the interior.
What about your ‘do-not-disturb’ button?
We created a ‘do not disturb’ (DND) feature for the hospitality industry, which can be adapted for private residences with live-in staff. This function typically turns off the doorbell and shows a red LED or other visual signal to show the room is occupied, requesting privacy.
What’s your favourite voice or app controlled feature?
One of my favourites for its simplicity is the ‘party mood’ function. When setting up your keypads, you can create party buttons that instantly transform the room’s ambience. This seldom-used function can be tucked behind an everyday scene, freeing up space for daily tasks, yet remains voice activated for those special occasions.
How do you work with interior designers?
Lighting, both artificial and natural, can magically transform the feel, functionality and character of a space. Our collaboration with designers like Studio Hooton enables us to enhance the vibe and design intent without using a single light switch.
In the bedroom, tailored scenes – custom lighting levels for different activities – might include presets for morning, afternoon and evening. In the kitchen, lighting can be zoned for cooking, dining and entertainment, ensuring the perfect mood for every task. Combining these settings into a single button, rather than manually adjusting each light, adds convenience and streamlines daily routines.
Moreover, the right lighting and window controls can have a profound impact on the design itself. An over-lit space may make things look washed out, while the right balance of natural and artificial light can enhance the design, make colours pop, and highlight key details. Architectural features, artwork, antiques and furnishings can all be accentuated with the right presets, while being protected from harmful UV rays.
What about historic home interiors?
Just because a home is old doesn’t mean its tech has to be. Historic homes – and any space where rewiring isn’t practical – can benefit from a sustainable wireless solution that seamlessly integrates via our Clear Connect protocol.
Dan’s final advice
Consider AV controls early in the design process, as they can significantly influence the overall design intent. This is especially true for window treatments – creating motorised blinds that deliver both decorative appeal and functional performance, while appearing to disappear into the ceiling and ‘pop out’ when needed, requires thoughtful planning from the outset.
AV systems are just one piece of a much larger project to make a home your own. If you’re embarking on a whole house renovation, we’d be delighted to talk through how Studio Hooton can help. Contact us here.
Main Image: Studio Hooton Dressing Room – Photography by alexjamesphotography.com. Article Image Credit: Lutron