Smart home technology is no longer a luxury. Here are three home improvement trends that are truly hot this year, while easily accessible online although not exactly budget friendly.
Indoor Gardening
Home design website Houzz released a survey that found that one third of homeowners who recently renovated their kitchens now lead a healthier lifestyle. It is not only about eating more fruits and vegetables, but also preparing more meals at home.
That’s creating a market for products that help homeowners grow fresh produce in their kitchens. Especially in extreme climates where it’s tough to garden outdoors, such concept can prove successful. It caters to health enthusiasts and consumers who are into tech stuff.
The Urban Cultivator includes all of the equipment needed for hydroponic growing; you just need water and electrical lines. It isn’t cheap, but given the cost of many artisanal greens, you could make it back … eventually.
- Read more: How 3D Printing at Home Saves Big
Self-Cleaning Toilets
We’ve been talking for a few years now about toilets that do a better job of cleaning you, namely through the advancement of built-in bidets. Now toilets are learning to clean themselves better, too. Consider Toto’s Neorest 750H toilet, which took home the KBIS Best of Bath Gold Award.
The toilet’s “Actilight Cleansing Technology” starts by premising the bowl before each use, minimizing waste adherence. After each flush, the bowl is spritzed with electrolyzed water, which has a slightly acidic pH value, supposedly keeping the bowl fresh and clean longer. There’s also an integrated UV light in the seat that Toto says will accelerate the decomposition of inorganic substances in the bowl.
- Have a look: 10 Best Luxury Bathrooms You Must See
Induction Cooking
Induction cooking offers precision heating and control. The downside till recently was the price. Induction cooktops and ranges often cost twice as much as standard gas or electric counterparts.
However, a professional induction plate is no longer out of reach for the average consumer, while portable plates are priced double the ordinary electric ones.
- Read more: Three cookbooks for healthy eating 8 to 8
