Rethinking Entryways in the Age of Smart Living

Modern entryways have come a long way from the traditional front door and welcome mat.

Today‘s entryways act as a connected ecosystem – where design meets technology and safety, connecting look, convenience, and safety for an effortless approach as soon as you enter the front door.

A truly “smart” access point takes everything into consideration, from the front door to the garage access, and combines them into one space that welcomes you home, provides a layer of protection, and simplifies your life.

 

Understanding a Modern Entryway

Modern homeowners want more than curb appeal and want their homes to anticipate their needs.

Look for systems that open, turn on lights, and secure themselves before you even step inside.

Since most break-ins occur between the hours of 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., whether you are getting home from work or out for an evening, having a safe place to enter when you come home is a critical part of your safety.

The best smart access points can accomplish three things:

1. Increased security—protect every access point through connected technology with real-time monitoring, eg. cameras, alarms, panic buttons for armed response, etc.

2. Making each routine simpler—have lights, locks, and doors act on their own so you can enter and exit with ease. The less you need to exit your car to open a gate or enter a code manually, the better it is for you.

3. Creating a welcoming environment—with lights and design to create a warm, stylish welcome.

Considering these three principles, you can switch a traditional entryway from a static entry point into an intelligent, responsive entry that can move with how people live today.

Securing the Front Door With Intelligent Tech

The technology at the front door introduces the concept of a connected property, automating the tone of your connected home.

Whether it‘s granting access to visitors or checking for deliveries, the newest devices are making your home more accessible and safer.

Keyless Entry and Smart Locks

Conventional keys are quickly becoming obsolete. Because high-tech locks remove the stress of a key search every day, you can simply access your home quickly and smoothly.

Some high–tech locks are keypad locks that let the owner select a code, Wi-Fi authenticated locks, and rolling locks that continuously change the access code.

For your convenience, there are also fingerprint access locks that provide potential entry quickly and save you from waiting outside in a vulnerable position.

You are also able to control your locks from your smartphone using an app.

Additionally, these keyless locks allow you to provide temporary codes for visitors or services, thus eliminating the need for a spare key.

It is advantageous to use the keyless lock, as you are also improving security by monitoring when each entry occurs, and it will automatically lock when you leave.

Video Doorbells and Smart Cameras

In addition to keyless locks, video doorbells are revolutionizing safety and security by watching for suspicious activity outside.

These camera–sized devices often combine a high–definition camera, motion sensor, and two-way intercom that allows you to see and talk with guests to your home from your phone, wherever you are.

Many video doorbells and outside security cameras also recognize packages and will send you a notification when a package arrives.

Others also link to full home connection services, where you could be upstairs or all the way across the world, and they will send you a notification in real time.

The Power of Integrated Systems

Smart technology at an entry is most useful when they operate as an integrated system.

When system devices (locks, lights, and outside surveillance cameras) can communicate with each other through one platform of your choice: an app, a remote, or from a voice assistant, you can better operate and control your newly increased smart technology home without system overload from numerous apps to control everything!

Designers point out that the power of future forward technology is in a centralized hub that connects all of your devices.

One dashboard allows you to lock doors, watch cameras, and alter lighting scenes.

It offers convenience without complexity and is how a group of gadgets becomes an integrated intelligent living experience.

Treating the Garage as the New Front Door

Many families enter their homes from the garage instead of the front door. The garage serves as the place for children on a school morning, where grocery runs begin, and for your weekend projects.

A smart home strategy that does not incorporate the garage fails to protect a major access point or makes that access point inconvenient for daily use.

When selecting a garage door system, be sure to consider the “brain” of any door, which is the opener.

Selecting the appropriate type of opener will determine the amount of noise during daily operation, the features you would like, security, longevity, and stabilization during operation. 

There are generally two options for garage door openers.

● Chain drive openers are the traditional workhorses that tend to be less expensive, stronger, and reliable. However, they also tend to be noisy.

For attached garages, knowing your garage door is suitable for operation near living spaces and bedrooms can be an important consideration.

● Belt drive openers use a reinforced rubber belt that quietly and smoothly operates heavy-duty doors

The cost is generally higher, but it can provide a good upgrade for the attached garage and smart properties. Modern openers are no longer simply mechanical.

Many new openers have built-in Wi-Fi connections available, allowing you to open or close the door from your smartphone, monitor movement, and, more recently, receive a notification if the door is left open.

For families, the garage allows for peace of mind and convenience, all tied into one powerful upgrade.

 

Boosting Functionality With Automated Lighting

While lighting may not be as important as locks and cameras, it shapes and defines the character of an entrance.

Smart lighting involves a combination of function and aesthetics that can improve your comfortable feeling of security at your destination.

Having motion-activated lights in your front and back yard can serve as deterrents against unwanted pedestrian traffic and opportunistic crime such as package theft, which is on the rise in the United States.

A study says that one out of 180 deliveries is stolen from the doorstep.

Having lights come on with motion engagement, along with a camera system, proves beneficial for security in knowing your package is there when you arrive home.

Automated and Motion-Sensing Lights

Think about your pathway lights coming on as you pull up onto the driveway, or your front porch light turning on as you step outside.

Whether you choose automated or motion-activated, light technology allows you to illuminate based on a schedule, movement, or even proximity to your smartphone.

In addition to feeling safe when you arrive home, further advancements in lighting have enhanced energy efficiency because your lights are only on when you need them.

A small, simple change can help with the big feeling of safety of how your home greets you with security.

Setting the Mood With Color and Brightness

 The new bulbs also do more than turn on and off; now you can control brightness and color temperature through your app or voice assistant.

A warm amber hue can give a cozy appearance from the street to your property, while bright white lighting will improve visibility for guests arriving or for package deliveries.

By personalizing brightness according to the time of day, you can make your property look as if it has been intentionally arranged and welcoming prior to anyone entering, whether it’s simply a resident or guests. 

Designing a Cohesive and Welcoming Indoor Space

While technology provides the substance and backbone to an innovative entry, it is the design that ties it all together. A well-designed space dovetails functionality with warmth and personality.

Start with an indoor landing space, something as simple as a narrow console table, a catch-all tray for keys, and a mirror to enhance depth and light.

Then use cleverly hidden storage with built-ins or baskets to stow shoes and gear, reducing visual clutter and instead supporting your stylish space.

Materials also provide opportunities to support your preferred style.

Matte finishes, brushed metals, and warm wood elements complement the sleek appearance of the smart and integrated technology while avoiding cold feelings towards the finish.

If you have voice assistants or touch panel applications, consider the wall colors and material atoms the same for subtlety and style. Lighting serves a double purpose here.

Intelligent sconces or overheads illuminate and manage architectural highlights or display artwork near the front door.

Finding the balance when incorporating technology into a space is a key area of focus.

You want the technology to be engaging while still contributing to the appearance of the space of warmth.

Your Reimagined Entryway

To reimagine access to your home is to define it as more than just a doorway. Each lock, light, or garage opener adds to the overall experience of comfort, safety, and efficiency.

With smart technology and a good design approach, we can transform the everyday way we access our homes into intelligent or welcoming spaces that respond to and meet your lifestyle.

An example is whether unlocking for your front door via a fingerprint, checking delivery in video mode, or enjoying the automation of watching the garage door close behind you.

All of these details work collectively to create ease of coming home while also being beautiful. In this era of high-tech living, the idea of an entry is more than a way in to your residence – it is how your entry welcomes you.