NEW YORK — Online juggernaut Amazon Inc. unveiled its next generation of Kindle, Ring and Echo devices, among other gadgets, that are all powered by artificial intelligence and connected to Alexa+, its AI-infused personal assistant, which made its debut in February.
The lineup, announced at a presentation and showcase in New York, includes new cameras for its Ring video monitoring device with a new AI facial recognition feature that allows users to register friends and family and notify them who is at the front door.
Amazon unveiled four new Echo devices revamped with Alexa+ that serve up personalized insights like whether the user left the front door unlocked after midnight. The Seattle-based company also announced a series of Alexa+-infused Fire TVs that offer more personalized searches like finding a specific scene in a movie or getting commentary about last night’s football game.
The presentation Tuesday was the first big product event for Panos Panay, who joined Amazon in 2023 to head up the company’s devices and services teams after a 19-year career at Microsoft where he served as chief product officer.
Panay told the audience of several hundred journalists and bloggers that Alexa+ and artificial intelligence are allowing technology to work “in the background when you don’t.”
“Products creating subtle shifts in all our behavior, driven by AI, integrated into the hardware,” Panay said. “And flowing natural through the products themselves. Whether it’s a camera catching what you missed. Or your Fire TV updating you on a game. Or your Kindle remembering exactly where you left off.”
The new lineup comes as Amazon has faced pressure from investors to cater to the new AI era.
PP Foresight analyst Paolo Pescatore wrote in a note Tuesday that the offerings were “a much needed refresh to the lineup, as it was starting to look a bit dated.”
“Attention to detail may not grab headlines, but it should not be overlooked, especially how the products look and feel, ” he wrote.”The latest generation of devices is designed to blend into users’ lives without them realizing they exist … Alexa+ is clearly the glue that holds the stack together…”
Here are some highlights:
Amazon has been expanding its home security features since the company bought Wi-Fi-connected cameras and doorbell maker Ring in 2018. Amazon said Tuesday that it’s infusing the device with more technology and upgraded cameras that will transform the device into a doorbell attendant and community tool for pet owners among other new uses.
Amazon said the ring cameras with retinal vision now come with 2K resolution for sharper detail and 4K resolution video. Amazon’s new AI facial recognition feature called “Familiar Faces,” allows the user to register friends and family. The smart doorbell, infused with Alexa+, will also be able to manage deliveries and provide instructions for delivery workers among other tasks.
For pet owners, Amazon has a new feature that helps owners reunite lost dogs with their families. It works like this: a neighbor reports a lost dog in the Ring app, which would notify people nearby with a Ring camera The cameras would then use AI to look for a possible match with the lost dog
Ring Wired Doorbell Pro, priced at $249.99 and wired doorbell plus, priced at $179.99, among other Ring cameras, will be available for pre-order on Tuesday, Amazon said. Ring’s “Search Party” for dogs will begin rolling out in November, followed by cats and other pets. And Alexa+ Greetings and Familiar Faces will be offered in December.
Amazon unveiled new versions of the Kindle Scribe that the company touts as lighter and faster and features an AI-powered notebook search. One of them includes a color screen.
The new Scribes feature larger 11-inch, glare-free E Ink screens — up from 10.2 inches previously. They now weigh 400 grams compared to 433 grams for last year’s version, the company said. Executives noted that at 5.4 millimeters thick, these new versions are thinner than the iPhone Air, which measure 5.6 millimeters.
The new versions of Scribes will allow users to access documents stored on Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive, the company said.
Amazon said that later this year in the U.S., Kindle Scribe will be available starting at $499.99 and Kindle Scribe Colorsoft will be offered starting at $629.99.
Amazon unveiled four new Echo loud speaker devices — the Echo Dot Max, Echo Studio, Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 11— that are specifically for Alexa+ and allow for more personalized experiences.
The new offering, which starts at $99.99, comes as Amazon reports that those customers with early Alexa+ are engaging with the personal assistant twice as much and relying on it to do tasks like booking reservations and controlling smart home devices.
The new features recognize users and churns out personalized insights such as an analysis of how they slept last night.
The company said that all four new Echo devices are available for pre-order starting Tuesday.
G.J. Gardner Homes and the Gary Sinise Foundation team up to give a U.S. Marine a better quality of life and more independence.
LAKELAND, Fla., August 1, 2024 (Newswire.com)
– G.J. Gardner Homes Lakeland has partnered with the Gary Sinise Foundation to design a specially adapted, mortgage-free smart home for U.S. Marine Corps Lance Corporal John “JT” Doody, a severely wounded Tampa veteran.
The foundation’s R.I.S.E. (Restoring Independence, Supporting Empowerment) provides post-9/11 defenders with 100% mortgage-free homes designed better to support the needs of wounded, disabled veterans and first responders.
Doody joined the Marines in 2005 and was deployed to Iraq in 2007. While bravely serving our country, he sustained severe injuries that later led to a debilitating bacterial infection that caused a severe brain injury, quadriplegia, and cognitive blindness.
Doody has shown incredible resilience and strength in overcoming his medical challenges and adapting to his new reality. His mother, Christina, is his full-time caregiver, helping JT with everyday tasks he can’t manage independently.
“A smart home would make our lives so much easier,” said Christina. Although I am in good shape, I will only continue to age while John will still need to be cared for.”
Through custom designs and smart home technology, these veterans and their families can attain a better quality of life, independence, and autonomy. So far, over 90 homes have been completed or broken ground across the country.
“We are incredibly proud to be part of this initiative and to contribute to giving back to those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom,” said G.J. Gardner Homes Lakeland Franchise Owner Mitch Reiter. “Building homes is about building community, and this program is a great way to spread that mission.”
ABOUT G.J. GARDNER HOMES
Since its founding in 1983, G.J. Gardner Homes has built over 40,000 quality, customized homes worldwide. The company has over 120 franchises across Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Each franchise is locally owned and operated, with strong ties to the community and a dedication to service and quality. The Lakeland location specializes in custom homes, knockdown rebuilds, and accessory dwelling units in various styles.
ABOUT THE GARY SINISE FOUNDATION
Gary Sinise is an award-winning actor and humanitarian, best known for his roles in CSI:NY, Apollo 13, and Forrest Gump as Lt. Dan Taylor. An advocate for our nation’s defenders since the 1980s, after 9/11, Sinise began supporting America’s military and first responders with handshake tours and concerts with his Lt. Dan Band. In 2011, he established the Gary Sinise Foundation. Today, the Foundation builds custom homes for severely wounded heroes, supports the families of the fallen, provides essential equipment for first responders, and improves the mental wellness of our defenders. For more information and to support, visit www.garysinisefoundation.org.
If you’re planning on remodeling a bathroom in your home, particularly the one in your primary suite, you’re probably going to be incorporating some technology in the project. While that might seem counterintuitive, many of the top trends rely on smart home features to make your space more spa-like. These were highlighted in the recent 2024 Bathroom Trends Research Report released by the National Kitchen & Bath Association.
This trade organization comprising 50,000 members, including designers, dealers, remodelers, installers and manufacturers, tracks what residential clients are interested in and what professionals are specifying. (In the interest of disclosure, I’ve been an NKBA member for close to two decades, but it’s merely one of several leading associations I source for research.)
Homeowners’ desire to create spa-inspired primary bath retreats is certainly not a new trend. Neither is incorporating technology to enhance comfort and safety, but they are trending together in intriguing ways, as the 2024 report highlighted. Here are five of the tech trends enhancing wellness in homeowner bath updates.
I returned to the same four design professionals who weighed in on wellness trends overall in last week’s trend piece, plus one additional pro, for their insights in emailed responses:
1. Personalization Enhancement
“Bathroom tech is becoming more centric in our designs and more readily accepted by clients when we can call out the benefits,” notes Brunet. In addition to increasing sales of digital shower controls and smart toilets, she also sees “TVs in mirrors or placed at the end of the tub for a good relaxing soak supported by entertainment or music.”
Velasco’s clients are also personalizing their bathrooms with technology capabilities, she shares. “Heated floors, lighting, and sound systems in the bathroom integrating into the home automation system supplies an added sense of luxury and comfort.”
Ireland’s clients are requesting features too, she comments. “These include motion-activated faucets, smart mirrors with fog-free technology, built-in lighting and electrical, as well as voice-activated sound and light technology.”
Grubb reports that his clients are opting for technology-enabled windows, specifically, “Smart glass for privacy that can also switch.” When you want a fabulous vista, you select a view setting. When you need to block visibility from outside, (perhaps on gardening day), you opt for the privacy option. Floor heating is also a smart feature his clients are requesting; even Southern Californians want to avoid chilly feet!
2. Smart Lighting
NKBA reports that LED technology is now 100% of the lighting products specified for bathroom remodels. Some of that is driven by its energy efficiency, which helps projects meet updated codes, but LEDs also allow for features that enhance wellness, safety and comfort.
Velasco says her homeowners are interested in its circadian and pathway illumination benefits for health and safety, respectively, but also its mood enhancement potential through chromotherapy. “Most of our designs can have different scenes or moods combining several types of lighting in the same space, depending on use and time.” These capabilities are tied into smart home systems that let you set and choose themes with a single click or voice command, like ‘Nighttime Relaxation’ or ‘Morning Start.’
Brunet is specifying circadian lighting in her higher end projects, she shares, and programmable moods. “Systems allow for individual scenes or day/night events, as well as individual lighting options for tasks.” Smarter task lighting can support shaving, makeup application and more easily reading instructions on prescription medicine bottles. She also likes to include safety lighting in her bathroom projects for nighttime visits.
Ireland calls LEDs “a designer’s dream!” What her primary bath clients are requesting is illumination for floors and cabinets, sensor and dimmer controls and multiple layers of lighting.
Grubb is also maximizing the lighting capabilities in his projects. Beyond the layered ambient and task illumination he and his colleagues are using LEDs to help achieve, there are additional applications he’s designing into his lighting plans: “Other details can include lights in the shower niches and under a floating bench, strip light in the toe kick or underneath a wall mounted vanity on a motion switch for a night light and lighting inside of cabinets and drawers.”
3. Smart Showers
Enhanced lighting can extend into the shower for a wellness experience there too, Velasco says. “The integrated technology allows the user to program and automate different waterfall moods to receive a rainfall, cascade, mist effect, etc. The spa experience is enhanced when different lighting options are integrated into its functions.”
Brunet’s clientele is bullish on remote shower starts, the Canadian designer reports. Ireland’s clients put smart showers in their needs versus wants category, she points out, noting, “They are unequivocally opting for smart controls as a necessity.”
Grubb says he’s adding an extra exhaust fan for the shower area to improve ventilation.
4. Smart Tubs
The NKBA report says 47% of tubs will have touch pad controls, 25% will have voice activated controls and 24% will have mobile app controls. Velasco sees the latter being of particular benefit to second home projects. “Home automation allows them to monitor their property from afar, prepare for arrival, schedule maintenance, etc.,” she observes.
It’s likely that leak and overflow protection are also built into the smart home systems enabling this capability, with shut-off features to reduce water damage when there is an issue. That is particularly helpful for ski cabins and other properties with frozen water potential.
“By far, the desire for remote control features that allow the bath to be started from another location” is high on Bethke’s client want lists, the Phoenix designer shares. “People did not use their tubs because of the time it took to get them to temperature and fill [them], but technology is now giving the consumer access to do this from their car or the golf course or from the comfort of their living rooms.”
5. Smart Toilets
The NKBA report cites a strong 60% penetration of smart toilets in residential bathroom projects. Bethke definitely sees this in her practice, she says. “The highest items in demand in a ‘Washlet’ experience are the heated seat and the dryer,” (using the Toto bidet seat brand name generically). “It is no longer an item you hide away, they are here to stay,” she declares.
Velasco’s clients are also interested in smart toilets. “We find that self-cleaning and bidet options add comfort and dual flush is a great help for water saving.”
Brunet’s Canadian clients are enthusiastic about smart toilets too, she says. The features they’re most interested in are “ personalized spray wand, stainless steel cleaning wand, heated seat, lighted base (for nighttime visits), hands-free seat cover, digital flush wall control, hands-free flush control and individual preference recall.” Grubb cited the same features for his clients located thousands of miles away in Southern California.
‘The features most in demand with my clients are heated seats, motion detection self-flush and auto-wash, as well as a built-in bidet feature,” Ireland observes. “Although smart toilets have a higher price tag, they provide luxury benefits that my clients appreciate, especially those who are elderly. It just makes the overall experience so much easier for them,” she notes.
Many of the 50 million Americans who suffer from allergies don’t realize that changes to their home environment can ease their discomfort. Most of the messaging they see – especially the countless advertisements – focuses on medication. There are other options, and they generally don’t come with potential health-related side effects. I interviewed three experts by email to get the latest wellness design solutions for people who suffer from allergies and sensitivities.
Recent Trends
“The prevalence of allergies and asthma has increased during the past decades,” observes Paula Henao, M.D., assistant professor of allergy, asthma and immunology at Penn State’s Hershey Medical Center. “Industrialization and pollution worldwide have increased dramatically in the past decades, and there is a possible link between air pollution and respiratory diseases,” she notes. Chemicals in our air may also be interacting with traditional airborne allergens, she adds, and other air pollution issues like the smoke and ash from wildfires can also contribute.
Tracey Stephens, a Northern New Jersey area kitchen and bath designer focused on sustainability and wellness, agrees, citing research she’s seen, “A Harvard School of Public Health study from this past April found that extreme weather conditions like heat, drought and flooding are causing allergy season to start earlier and last longer.” There are a number of effects from heat and pollution, she comments, contributing to her emphasis on indoor air quality for homeowner health and comfort.
“For every project and every client, as much as is possible I reduce the amount the amount of off-gassing toxins, basically anything that would irritate someone’s respiratory system.” That includes specifying materials with low and no-VOC (volatile organic compounds) and recommending induction cooking appliances over gas models. The latter have been shown to exacerbate health problems for people with respiratory issues like asthma, as well as contributing to other serious health conditions.
Wellness Technology
One of the trends we’ve seen in recent years is technology supporting wellness design, especially indoor air quality, a focus of New York-based technology educator and design engineer Joey Feldman. “Advanced air purification solutions are recommended within the home,” he advises, noting that there are different types, some requiring professional design and installation.
These are the ones that are going to be most continuous and work most smartly with your home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. The best versions will address the smallest virus particles, as well as allergens and pollutants, he adds. Pointing to a University of Buffalo study on one popular smart system, he says, “Air velocity, production quality, leakage and bypass all play a critical role in device efficiency versus filter testing alone.” Having HEPA filtration is great. Tying it into a smart home system is potentially greater, especially one designed to integrate into an automated platform that will monitor all facets of your home’s health, safety and comfort performance.
Respiratory Allergies and Issues
Respiratory reactions to allergens can be caused by dust mites, animal dander, mold and, even more unpleasant to contemplate, observes Henao, cockroaches. While hay fever is typically associated with outdoor activities during the warmer months, “because people spend more time indoors in the winter, they tend to be most affected by indoor allergens during the winter season,” she points out. Those are present throughout the year, she cautions.
For those with central heating and air systems, Stephens instructs, “Clean your HVAC system every few years and install a UV light in it, which helps control mold in the air handler coil.” Those without such a system can benefit from a room air purifier. “I got one for our bedroom recently and I’m amazed at what a difference it has made,” the designer shares. “I no longer wake up congested and my husband isn’t snoring!”
Managing mold and pests like roaches is also essential, Henao advises. Good ventilation is the key to the former, Stephens comments. “Use a powerful exhaust fan either on a humidity sensor or timer and make sure to run the fan for at least 30 minutes after turning off the shower.”
Parental Notes
Henao also comments that it’s impossible to completely eliminate indoor allergens, much to many people’s frustration. “This helps convey to parents that, even if they are perfect in all avoidance measures, allergens will still be present in our daily environment.” Dust mites are ubiquitous in our bedding, upholstery, carpeting, draperies and other textiles and they prefer humid environments, she shares. That may be good news for Arizonans, and bad for Alabamians. But even households with dehumidifiers should know that they are impossible to get rid of altogether, Henao reminds us.
“That said, I discuss with parents strategies to decrease the concentration of mites, including washing bedding regularly and keeping home clean (but with the child not present when sweeping is done, as that can aggravate symptoms).” For pet dander allergens, she advises keeping the dog or cat outside of the child’s bedroom. She also recommends having a HEPA filter, (particularly in the bedroom or areas where the allergy sufferer will be more frequently present). “These can be expensive, but can be helpful for more airborne indoor allergens, like animal dander.”
Skin-related Allergies and Sensitivities
Skin-related allergies typically show up in rashes a few days after exposure, Henao says. The most common causes of this contact dermatitis are lotions, perfumes, nickel jewelry and some topical antibiotic ointments, including neomycin. These are distinct from the types of skin issues that arise from other irritants. These can be uncomfortable and possibly unsightly, but outside of the allergy specialization.
Stephens suggest for anyone suffering from these issues: “With skin irritation, I find it’s not the kitchen and bath building materials per se, but the cleaning products used after. I rely on the Environmental Working Group’s research, which rates thousands of products for their safety for people and the environment.” She advises looking for the simplest cleaning products possible and avoiding those with unnecessary fragrances. That might require reading quite a few labels before putting items in your cart.
Water-borne Issues
The good news from a medical perspective is that there are no water-borne allergens in public drinking water, Henao observes. (There are definitely other issues, as noted here.) “However, water damage in the home can lead to development of mold, [and] this can cause issues in mold allergic patients,” she advises. Fortunately, there are leak detectors available to sound the alarm when something is releasing water where and when it shouldn’t. (In addition to the health benefits, there may be incentives from your insurance company for adding connected leak detectors.)
Stephens says she’s been recommending whole house water filtration systems lately. “It’s great to have fresh, safe, good tasting water from every tap,” she notes. It’s also great to have fewer irritations on your skin and hair.
Final Thoughts
Stephens also proposes one additional warning when it comes to the health of older homes’ occupants: “In more than a few projects, we’ve discovered asbestos – in floor tiles, in insulation around the furnace or steam heating pipes, and even as an additive in plaster walls from work done in the 1940s. It’s probably a good idea to hire a company to test a patch of the proposed renovation area before any demolition in any home built before 1989 when the EPA banned asbestos.”
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Author’s Note:
Contributors Feldman, Henao and Stephens will be sharing more allergy and sensitivity insights in an hour-long Clubhouse conversation tomorrow afternoon (August 16, 2023) at 4 pm Eastern/1 pm Pacific. You can save the date and join this WELLNESS WEDNESDAYS discussion here. If you’re unable to attend, you can catch the recording via Clubhouse Replays here or the Gold Notes design blog here next Wednesday.
Ideal study spaces provide a view through a window or doorway.
Liv-Connected
Millions of American children and teens are heading back to school this season. While much of their academic success can be credited to their parents, teachers, guidance counselors and educational materials, the importance of their home environment should not be understated. Whether a brand new kindergartener or a graduating class of 2024 senior, having the right setup to study and do homework can have a powerful impact on their academic success. Three experts weighed in by email with solutions for creating home spaces, including technology, space planning and design ideas you can easily implement.
Smart Home Technology
Kansas City-based smart home technology integrator Joseph Acree is getting more requests for kids’ study spaces, he reported, likening them to “home offices for children.” And, as with their adult counterparts, these areas need to include the basics (data connections and potentially displays, cameras and sound bars for remote learning), but can also include wellness enhancements.
“For example,” he suggested, “having tunable lighting can make a big difference in productivity.” (It can also help with sleep, an absolute wellness essential for kids of all ages.) “Being able to tie all this technology together in one smart home system makes it easy to hit a single button and have the scene set for ‘homework time’ or ‘remote learning,’ which can turn on the display, the camera and sound bar. Automating these features makes them all the easier to use,” he shared.
Parental controls is another area where technology can assist, especially with the youngest children, and where Acree said he is getting more requests. These can be customized based on the child and types of restrictions they need. “We have a 12-year-old who is extremely responsible and uses his devices primarily for learning. On the flip side, our 17-year-old needs to be restricted at times because he will be on his devices all day, every day if we allowed it.” Flexibility is key for parents, he observed.
Acree also pointed out that “there is a grey area between reliance on technology and what is [left] up to the individual to make responsible decisions. Parents have to be aware of what can influence or disrupt the educational process, so we can guide our children on responsible technology usage. Network security, awareness, and continuous education are critical to these processes.” Working with a professional can shed light on what’s available and how to implement it, he added.
Elementary School Students
Even your youngest children should be part of the design planning process, advised Karen Aronian, Ed.D.. “Ideally, elementary-aged kids should be their study spaces’ lead designers and general contractors,” suggested the New York area professional (and former public school teacher), who designs educational spaces for academic, hospitality, and private clientele.
Starting out can be challenging, Toronto-based psychologist Dr. Bev Walpole, C. Psych., shared, citing motivation, focus, self-discipline, time management and technology usage as issues to navigate. “Elementary school children may find it difficult to stay motivated and focused on their studies at home,” she pointed out. “Learning to manage time and prioritize tasks is a skill that young children are still developing.” Getting this right requires understanding each child’s unique needs and keeping communication open, the psychologist noted, but the rewards include helping them develop essential skills and supporting academic progress.
“Once you have your design framework considerations detailed (budget, theme, furnishings, essential materials, personalized decor add-ons), you can create their learning space together,” Aronian continued. “Recreate the elements at home that will benefit your child and partner with their teacher to boost your child’s education.”
You’ll want to think about the study area’s layout with regard to the child’s seated direction and view, ideally out of a door or window. You also need to factor in lighting, storage and shelving, climate control, air quality and details that personalize the space for your child. “Showcase their work and education posters,” the former teacher noted. As they advance through grades, you’ll be reinventing the space together, she added.
The ideal homework/study space may live outside of a child’s room, especially if it’s space challenged. “I was reimagining hallway closets into study spaces decades ago, which are now mainstream,” Aronian recalled. Any space can be a learning space. She sees kitchens as ideal workspaces for elementary students who need parental cues to stay on task. She also likes outdoor spaces as seasonal spots: “I recently helped a client design a pirate’s crow’s nest treehouse that serves as their twins’ go-to study space,” she shared.
Middle School Students
These adolescents have different needs than their younger siblings, and parents still have a key role to play, Walpole advised. “Set up a quiet and well-lit area in the home specifically for studying and homework. This space should be free from distractions and equipped with the necessary learning materials.”
Technology will play a role. “Set guidelines for screen time and encourage your child to use technology for productive learning activities. Limit access to social media and video games during study hours,” the psychologist recommended. At the same time, peer interaction is also crucial at this age, she added. “Facilitate opportunities for your child to interact with friends and classmates through virtual hangouts or study sessions. Social connections are vital for emotional well-being and can also support collaborative learning.”
When it comes to the room’s look and feel, “Tweens generally know what they want and don’t want,” Aronian observed about those students between ages 10 and 12. “In this regard, a parent/guardian is more of a facilitator than a collaborator,” she added. They’re going to be more familiar with the technology, furnishings and color schemes they prefer by that age and grade. “I love home improvement stores for endless ideas to jumpstart tween’s design input,” she added.
“If they’re all about tech, the setup may be a metaverse smart space; with a clap, they’ll command Alexa to commence ChatGPT practice. Or maybe your child works best in nature-driven environs, where an inside/outside approach offers the ultimate snuggery.”
Middle schoolers’ spaces often have to multi-task, Aronian commented. “When setting up a tween’s study, consider their passions that drive how the space functions. Students who stream content or Zoom for study sessions will want a quality webcam and gaming chair. They’ll require a green screen wall if they’re in performing arts. These are considerations for designers to best manifest their client’s goals,” the educational designer suggested. Switching up locations while studying is also proven to imprint information better, she added.
Acree observed that kids are more tech savvy than their parents might think, so if there’s a concern around technology access, bringing in a professional is a way to ensure that the systems they set up can’t be bypassed.
High School Students
“High schoolers know they’re on a fast track to a college dorm room and libraries. They’re looking for organized study spaces that offer efficiency and utility,” Aronian commented. When planning their spaces, it’s important to consider whether they’ll be an all-in-one room for sleep, study, lounging, gaming and mindfulness. Some parents are opting for study spaces ‘in a box’ that just require measuring and installation.
It can be a challenging time for this older age group too, Walpole observed. “Adolescents are at a stage where they are striving for more autonomy. They may resist the idea of a structured study space at home, viewing it as a restriction on their freedom.” They may also struggle with feelings of isolation, lack of motivation and digital distractions, the psychologist added. “The process of establishing a suitable study space and routine at home may lead to conflicts between adolescents and their parents.”
Parents can overcome challenges like this by including their adolescents in the process of creating both space and schedule, setting realistic expectations, and setting boundaries around tech use, Walpole recommended. “This involvement can help them feel more ownership for their study environment.”
Final Words
“Movement and seating options are critical for all ages, even within a small study space,” Aronian recommended. “A standing desk, a cozy spot with plush pillows on the floor, and a conventional desk are best for students K to 12,” she advised. Be prepared to reconfigure and revise as your child ages too. “The challenge is not to let your child’s learning environment get stale.”
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Author’s Notes
Contributors Acree, Aronian and Walpole will be sharing more back-to-school space insights in an hour-long Clubhouse conversation tomorrow afternoon (August 2, 2023) at 4 pm Eastern/1 pm Pacific. You can save the date and join this WELLNESS WEDNESDAYS discussion here. If you’re unable to attend, you can catch the recording via Clubhouse Replays here or the Gold Notes design blog here next Wednesday.
Almost half of U.S. tap water contains forever chemicals that are hazardous to our health.
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“Nearly half of U.S. tap water has PFAs: Here’s Why ‘Forever Chemicals’ Are Dangerous,” read the July 6, 2023 Forbes.com headline from breaking news staff writer Molly Bohannon’s article. If headlines could shout, this one would surely assault eardrums around the country.
Bohannon covers the many known serious health risks in her article and the fact that concerns about these chemicals, found in a wide range of everyday products as well as in soil and water, are decades old. The fact that they’ve so extensively penetrated our water supply is seriously worrisome.
“The scope of the contamination is shocking,” declared Eric Yeggy, technical affairs director for the Water Quality Association, a trade organization representing the water treatment industry. “Having been broadly used and unregulated for decades, PFAS have found their way into every corner of the world, including very remote places like the North Pole, the Tibetan Plateau, Antarctica, and base camp at Mount Everest. Virtually every human that has been tested has been found to have a cocktail of various PFAS in their blood,” he added.
How do you know if the water coming into your home is safe, and what can you do about it if it’s not? I sent questions to experts in this area, including Yeggy, and am passing along their written responses, edited only for length and clarity, where needed.
Background
Tina Donda, vice president of water systems with the International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials R&T product testing service, noted that these compounds are known as “forever chemicals” because they can last for thousands of years and are impossible to breakdown with currently available technology. “When products containing PFAS are disposed of or spilled into lakes and rivers, they have the potential to contaminate the water. Since these chemicals cannot be decomposed, they live there forever,” hence the moniker. (Note, some experts use PFAS, others PFAs.)
Originally invented in the 1930s, these compounds show up in hundreds of consumer products today, and in firefighting foams and industrial processes. “In March 2023, the US EPA proposed legally enforceable levels for six PFAS in drinking water that would require monitoring of public water supplies,” Donda commented. She further noted, “The USGS report [citing 45% presence] found more risk of PFAS in the drinking water in urban regions, but it comes with a big caveat that data is lacking for private wells. It is likely that far more people are impacted by PFAS in their drinking water.”
Health concerns with these compounds were recognized in the late 1990s to early 2000s, added David Purkiss, vice president of the water division of NSF (founded in 1944 as the National Sanitation Foundation). “These compounds are bio accumulative (concentrations build up in the body with continued exposure), mobile (spread easily) and persistent (do not degrade or are “forever”) in the environment.” Their widespread use was increasing the environmental burden and exceeding threshold levels for health concern, he added. This drove recent research and focus.
Testing
“Home water treatment systems designed to remove PFAS are widely available,” Yeggy commented. These include pitcher filters, refrigerator filters, under-counter filters, point-of-use reverse osmosis systems, all the way up to whole house systems. “Consumers should be aware that not all drinking water treatment systems are designed to remove PFAS, and many do not. The best practice is to ensure that a system has been independently certified to remove PFAS before making a purchasing decision,” he advised.
“Check with your water utility company to see if they conduct regular testing for PFAS or other contaminants,” suggested San Francisco-based plumbing contractor Phil Hotarek. “Some utilities test their water supplies for PFAS and may share the results with customers upon request.” Not all forever chemicals are the same, he cautioned. “Therefore, it’s advisable to consult local authorities, health departments, or [your state water board] for specific information about contamination in your area. They can provide guidance on water testing, mitigation efforts, and any associated health risks.”
If you don’t want to check yourself, you can hire an expert. Consumers can find a certified water treatment professional through a search tool on the WQA site, Yeggy said.
Private Wells
Since wells were not part of the testing sample used by USGS in reaching its 45% figure, (and are not routinely monitored by government agencies, as public water suppliers are), it’s unknown how many more households are affected. “For people on private wells – 15 million U.S. households, according to the CDC – they are responsible for their own testing,” Donda pointed out.
“Several states have requirements for well water quality,” she noted, and added that some might start requiring forever chemicals become part of their testing program. “People may have to contact their water supplier to see if they have any information on completed PFAS testing. If not, they will need to send their water to a laboratory.” Your county or state health department can direct you to local labs for kits and testing, Purkiss offered.
Filtration Solutions
One piece of good news, Donda shared, is that the technologies that can reduce or remove forever chemicals can also remove other contaminants, like lead. “To know for sure,” she cautioned, “verify that the product is certified to reduce the specific chemical of concern.” IAPMO provides a listing on its site of products that it has tested and certified, searchable by chemical acronym, (e.g., PFOA, PFAS).
“Water treatment devices that use activated carbon, reverse osmosis or ion exchange technology can be used to reduce the levels of PFAS compounds in treated water,” Purkiss noted, and they’re going to be equally effective for homes on private wells and municipal systems. “However,” he cautioned, “it is important to verify that the treatment units have been tested and certified by an accredited organization like NSF for the removal of PFAS compounds to ensure they meet the standard requirements.” Product packaging will show those certification marks, and organizations like IAPMO and NSF have online listings to verify those branding claims. (NSF’s can be found here). Look for perfluoroalkyl substances reduction on its page, he said.
Purkiss estimated that certified point of use filtration devices to treat the water coming out of your faucets will cost from $100 to several hundred dollars. “If you want to treat all the water in your house, you will need a point-of-entry device. However currently there are not many point-of-entry devices certified.” The important thing with all of these treatment devices is to replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions, he advised.
Hotarek recommends whole house filtration systems as the best option to his Northern California clients, but cost sometimes limits them to point-of-use products, he noted. “Most whole house filters last between eight and 10 years (pending usage) and require no maintenance until the filter expires.”
When choosing a resource, the plumber suggested that you understand the installation process and requirements. “Consider factors such as available space, location of the filter, size of the pipe, and plumbing configuration. Ensure that the system can be properly installed in the home without significant modifications.”
Household Impacts
What if yours is one of the 45% of homes that has been impacted by forever chemicals? While your family’s health is the primary concern, there are other potential effects on your household, Hotarek cautioned.
“Significant damage can be caused to appliances. Internal parts will fail sooner, systems will have a shorter lifespan and performance is decreased.” The same is true for water heaters, the plumber warned. If you’re not concerned about those possibilities, point of use filters at your kitchen and bathroom sinks and refrigerator can work. (Don’t forget the faucets in your bathrooms where you take medicines, vitamins, brush and floss your teeth!) WQA’s Yeggy observed that only a tiny percent of a home’s water use is for cooking and drinking. More than 98% is for irrigation, toilets, laundry, dishwashing and other applications, he commented.
Wellness Disruptor
Many Americans are adding wellness features to their homes in the form of steam showers and bidet-style toilets. These too are impacted by the presence of forever chemicals, Hotarek observed. Steam showers’ heating elements fail faster and the steam quality is poor, the plumber pointed out. “Not to mention, it is simply not healthy to inhale those chemicals while sitting in a steam room. Better water quality not only enhances the quality of the steam experience, but prolongs the life of the system and reduces the frequency of service calls.”
When it comes to bidet functionality, their components are also affected by poor water quality and impacted valves can start leaking. On a hygienic level, introducing those chemicals to your intimate cleansing ritual isn’t ideal either.
Smart Home Technology
When it comes to whole house filtration, tying into a wellness-focused smart home technology system is a viable option, and forever chemical filtration is an increasing client priority, one of the category’s leaders observed. “As early as 2018, we started tracking PFAS,” recalled Kelly Eager, an architect and wellness design team leader for Delos. “We became more focused on evaluating and curating our offering of water filtration technologies that can address forever chemicals in mid-2022.”
The wellness technology firm’s products are NSF-certified, Eager reported. “Depending on the requirements of the home, the residents, and the plumbing design, these water solutions can treat 100% of the water in the home (e.g., hot and cold water for all fixtures),” she added. The company also offers point of use filtration products.
Last Words
“Water is life,” Hotarek summarized. “Think about all the essentials in life that require water: cooking, cleaning, appliances, drinking, bathing, etc.” Keeping your water supply safer and healthier can reap health and household dividends.
WASHINGTON — The Biden administration and major consumer technology players on Tuesday launched an effort to put a nationwide cybersecurity certification and labeling program in place to help consumers choose smart devices that are less vulnerable to hacking.
Officials likened the new U.S. Cyber Trust Mark initiative — to be overseen by the Federal Communications Commission, with industry participation voluntary — to the Energy Star program, which rates appliances’ energy efficiency.
“It will allow Americans to confidently identify which internet- and Bluetooth-connected devices are cybersecure,” deputy national security adviser Anne Neuberger told reporters in a pre-announcement briefing.
Amazon, Best Buy, Google, LG Electronics USA, Logitech and Samsung as among industry participants.
Devices including baby monitors, home security cameras, fitness trackers, TVs, refrigerators and smart climate control systems that meet the U.S. government’s cybersecurity requirements will bear the “Cyber Trust” label, a shield logo, as early as next year, officials said.
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said the mark will give consumers “peace of mind” and benefit manufacturers, whose products would need to adhere to criteria set by the National Institute of Standards and Technology to qualify.
The FCC was launching a rule-making process to set the standards and seek public comment. Besides carrying logos, participating devices would have QR codes that could be scanned for updated security information.
In a statement, the Consumer Technology Association said consumers could expect to see certification-ready products at the industry’s annual January show, CES 2024, once the FCC adopts final rules. A senior Biden administration official said it was expected that products that qualify for the logo would undergo an annual re-certification.
The Cyber Trust initiative was first announced in October following a meeting between White House and tech industry representatives.
The proliferation of so-called smart — or Internet of Things — devices has coincided with growing cybercrime in which one insecure IoT device can often give a cyberintruder a dangerous foothold on a home network.
An April report from the cybersecurity firm Bitdefender and networking equipment company NetGear, based on their monitoring of smart homes, found that the most vulnerable IoT devices in 2022 were, far and away, smart TVs, followed by smart plugs, routers and digital video recorders.
Providers of numerous smart home devices often don’t update and patch software fast enough to thwart newly emerging malware threats. The Cyber Mark standards are expected to make clear which devices patch vulnerable software in a timely fashion and secure their communications to preserve privacy, officials said. Also important will be informing consumers which devices are equipped to detect intrusions.
“A room or part of a home in which a woman may indulge in hobbies and interests without being distracted by other family members,” explains Collins Dictionary in defining the she shed, which could easily have added ‘and a response to the better known man cave male equivalent.’
Of course, women have always had their – or should I say ‘our’ – own spaces at home, but these have traditionally been the home’s utilitarian zones for cooking, sewing, cleaning and the like. She sheds are mostly not about work, but about pleasure, hobbies, socializing or quiet reflection. While the term is clever, alliterative and perhaps a bit frivolous, its purpose of providing a self care space for women is anything but. I reached out to three experts by email for their insights on this topic. Their responses are below.
Wellness Benefits of She Sheds
Having a separate space of her own can be a self care resource for women with partners and children. … [+]
Holly Sweet, Ph.D., a Boston area psychologist focused on gender relations and women’s issues, mused that this important room deserves a better moniker. “Perhaps we should call it a ‘she-space’ since the term ‘she shed’ implies a place where tools and such are stored.” Given that women, including those with full-time jobs, still handle the lion’s share of housework and childcare, she observed, they definitely deserve a dedicated area to relax, pamper themselves and prioritize their own well-being.
This is something men have enjoyed for centuries, as Sweet recalled from her own childhood. “My mom had her desk in the kitchen and was always on call, whereas my dad had an office where he worked and a study at home. This was the norm back then.” Many women are glad that is no longer the case, and requests for she sheds – or she spaces, if you prefer – are booming.
There are definitely wellness benefits to these rooms — and the time women spend in them looking after their own mental health needs. “Without this space, she can feel confined, intruded upon, perhaps resentful if her mate has his (assuming heterosexuality) own space, and fatigued because she doesn’t have a much-needed time out from household tasks and care giving,” the psychologist shared.
This is important for women who live alone too, she noted. “She will need space to separate herself from her work and her household chores.” This is especially true for those who work from home. For these women, it’s even more important that there be a separation between the two, Sweet cautioned, citing her personal example: “I have my own study where I do my professional teletherapy work. I need to take a break from it, so I move to a different part of my house as a form of physical (and psychological) separation. Otherwise my work takes over the whole house, so I can feel overwhelmed and have to leave.” Having a separate zone for self care, however a woman defines this need, can be a better solution.
The psychologist is not overly concerned about isolation issues for the majority of women, pointing out that setting up a room for oneself in a home isn’t really isolating. “I would imagine that she might feel refreshed and ready to take on what is needed from her in terms of her family.” Sweet sees this as setting up healthy expectations of herself, her partner and her family, recommending that she think of it as a positive reframe for everyone.
The She Shed Conversation
Choose a quiet, private uninterrupted moment to have a she shed conversation.
Getty Images
The space, dollars and time required to create a she shed will often necessitate a pre-planning conversation for women with partners, and that’s not always easy. Sweet suggested taking time before the conversation to write down what she needs and how her space will not only help her but help the household. This talk should happen at a non-busy time in the couple’s schedule when they can communicate without interruption, and in a private area. If her partner already has his own study (or man cave), she can stress the importance of having something comparable for herself.
As an example, Sweet proposed a talk like this, “Bill, I have some ideas about how space is used in this house. Do you have time now to discuss this or is there a better time for you?” If he has time, she could say something like this: “I’ve been thinking about the importance of me having a separate space in this house where I can pursue my work/interests/phone calls/reading etc. without getting interrupted. Can we think about how this might be accomplished given our space?”
The single woman won’t need to have that conversation with a partner, but might need to negotiate an inner conversation with conflicting priorities like saving for retirement, taking a bucket list trip or joining a gym.
Who’s Adding She Sheds?
Work from home pros like designer Moriarty, seen here, are increasingly she shed users.
The she shed prospect runs the gamut. “I’ve had married women, single women and single moms request a she shed retreat where they can relax, read, nap, create art and/or spend time alone,” shared San Diego-based interior designer Rachel Viloria Moriarty. She has her own multi-purpose she shed, she revealed. “Sometimes it functions as a workspace, additional storage and/or a personal retreat.”
Since she sheds are a relatively new phenomenon, there isn’t a tremendous amount of data around them. Furniture retailer Joybird surveyed the topic in 2018 and determined that 59% of women had one versus 65% of men who had man caves. The survey also amusingly noted that 61% of women wouldn’t allow their partner in their she sheds, versus 52% of men saying this about their spaces – perhaps because man caves tend to be social, as well as retreat, spaces with considerable investment.
Grand Rapids, Michigan-based smart home technology integrator Amanda Wildman is also getting more she shed inquiries, she emailed. “We are seeing more requests from women as they are becoming the person that leads the home as a single woman or that is taking lead on the home with the family when it comes to technology.”
This is particularly true for remote professionals, she added. “As more people are working from home, they are looking for a space that feels different from their main home. These spaces are great for that! They can be a space to work, create or unwind, but just because they are out buildings, doesn’t mean that they need to be devoid of the technologies or amenities that we have come to expect and enjoy within our homes.”
She Shed Variations
Vintage travel trailers are trending as she shed spaces.
“I’ve had requests for potting sheds, art/craft rooms, office/studio spaces and lounge/guest spaces,” Moriarty commented. “I primarily design she shed spaces for one person and their pets,” she added, though they may also multi-function as guest bedrooms. (These can definitely be fun, inspiring accommodations for girlfriend getaways, friend staycations or sorority reunions.)
One interesting trend the designer has observed is vintage travel trailers and Airstreams becoming popular for she shed use. She had one client who purchased an Airstream during the pandemic to road trip with her dogs; now that she can travel freely, it stays at home with new purpose, she revealed. Moriarty has another client who had an Airstream lifted by crane into her back yard to serve as a she shed, and is seeing this as an emerging trend, she noted.
She Shed Essentials
Plants and natural light are essentials for she shed spaces.
Whether in a vintage travel trailer, out building or spare room in a house, there are some standard must-haves. “These are most of the common elements of she shed spaces and they have stayed pretty consistent through the years,” Moriarty observed. This is her list:
Unless it’s a potting shed, she sheds typically have cozy seating like chairs, sofas or daybeds to relax and unwind.
All of these spaces incorporate art and accessories to add personalization and charm. I like to add in photos, family heirlooms, travel souvenirs and textiles to make the space feel unique to my client.
Good natural light when available is great, unless of course it’s meant to be a moody dark space.
We add built-in desks, shelving and multipurpose furniture to keep things organized.
I like to incorporate plants and candles for a touch of nature and to create a serene vibe.
A dedicated desk or art easel for work or crafting and art.
Wi-Fi access for iPads, laptops or Bluetooth speakers for playing music to create a vibe and entertainment purposes.
Some clients like to have a tray with their favorite spirits and glasses nearby to have a little drink at the end of a long day.
The Wired She Shed
Lighting technology makes the walk from she shed to main house safer in the dark.
As Moriarty pointed out, today’s she shed needs connectivity for devices and music. Some clients have additional needs, as Wildman wrote, including climate and lighting control and network enhancements to handle hobby gear. “For example, if you are using the space for crafting, you might want a network connection to update your Cricut machine or to download the latest software.”
Fitness is another reason for enhanced network capability. “Perhaps you are using it for a more Zen purpose and you’d like to attend a virtual yoga class in your space,” the technologist added. “All these things require solid network performance.”
There are many reasons why a woman wants her she shed to have connectivity. “For example, how can I remotely control the HVAC so that when I go into that space it’s already at a comfortable temperature, but I don’t have to worry about regulating that space all the time when not in use,” Wildman suggested.
“Lighting is one of the hottest offerings right now for these spaces,” she declared. “With a variety of options that offer a full spectrum of color, you can choose something that really starts the party feel of your space with color changing and sound-responsive fixtures that will change with the beat of your music, or you can create a more reserved mood with dimmable fixtures that can calm you and resemble candlelight. Whatever your preference, painting with color has never been more fun or more available to homeowners than now.”
Additionally, there are safety-related lighting considerations. “If the space is across the yard, can I control the lighting so that I am entering or exiting the space with proper illumination to be safe and feel comfortable; you don’t want to trip if you come back to the house in the evening, and it can also be a safety concern to ward off animals or strangers,” she added.
Security matters in other regards too, Wildman commented. “In a space like this, people are also looking for a way to be connected to their homes so if something like a delivery arrives, how should they be notified out in the she shed, so something as simple as access to view the doorbell or cameras can be an important feature.”
For all of these reasons, plus entertainment, “The number one piece of technology that we see requested is how to make sure there is reliable network access in these spaces…especially if you are hoping to do any work out there or use streaming services for either music or even television,” Wildman declared. “The difference between having or not having a reliable network connection can really affect your experience within the space.”
Final Words
A she shed can be your hideaway from the stresses of work, family and other demands on your time and … [+] energy.
getty
Wildman’s insights about technology for a smart home can be broadly applied to other aspects of setting up your she shed. “Allow this space to be fun and creative. Want to party? Get some music going with fun lights. Want a place to gather for game day? Make sure you have a great TV and sound that ensures everyone has the perfect seat. Looking to boost your creativity? Make sure that all your systems have internet access and that your space is cool and comfortable for you to get into the creating zone. Looking to get your Zen on? Set up some background sounds like a babbling brook and dim the lights.”
Systems, furnishings, personalized elements and a self care approach to life can make your she shed a space that enhances your home and health.
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Author’s Note
Contributors Moriarty, Sweet and Wildmanwill be sharing more she shed insights in an hour-long Clubhouse conversation on Wednesday afternoon (July 5, 2023) at 4 pm Eastern/1 pm Pacific. You can save the date and join this WELLNESS WEDNESDAYS discussion here. If you’re unable to attend, you can catch the recording via Clubhouse Replays here or the Gold Notes design blog here next Wednesday.
New controls can operate lighting and other systems via porcelain wall slabs and countertop … [+] Hypertouch points.
Iris Ceramica Group
If you’re planning to remodel or expand your home next year, there will likely be an incredibly sleek new option available for operating your lighting and technology controls. Hypertouch has been showcased by its patent holder, surfacing manufacturer Iris Ceramica Group, at several design industry trade shows in the U.S. and Europe, and is currently working its way through the UL certification process with expected availability here by fourth quarter. It’s already being specified in Europe, the global company’s U.S. marketing director Giulia Bucci shared in an email. Why might you be interested?
Concept
Have you ever heard the term ‘wall acne’? It’s what designers disdainfully call the cluster of switches needed to operate the many lighting layers, fans and other controls cluttering up their designs. Voice control, touchpads and remotes have been three recent ways of addressing these eyesores. Hypertouch will be the latest.
“The idea was to find ways to enhance the versatility, performance, and design continuity of our ceramic surfaces, eliminating unaesthetic light switch plates and covers,” Bucci wrote. The technology can integrate controls for doors and windows, climate and audio-video, she noted, if a home is tied into an automation package, or just room lighting if a client prefers. It can be used indoors or out in a covered setting, on walls, as noted, or on Iris’ porcelain countertop surfaces. When approved in the U.S., it will be available across the company’s seven domestic brands.
Tatiana Machado-Rosas, senior interior designer for San Diego area design/build firm QualCraft Construction, sees Hypertouch’s potential for her firm’s high end clients with contemporary styling preferences, she emailed in response to a request for her reaction to the product’s introductory materials. She can see it on both wall and countertop surfaces, she said.
“Sometimes we need to add switches to a kitchen island and it would be nice not to have to interrupt the slab’s design,” she suggested. “I can also see it in a custom-designed home office built into a desk. The user could touch the surface to turn on a specific set of lights, pull up blinds, turn on music,” she contemplated, appreciating the aesthetic and operational benefits it offers.
Eric Goranson, host of the nationally syndicated Around the House radio show, podcast and regional Northwest TV program, also weighed in on the Hypertouch concept. “The ability to hide controls and keep a clean design within a space will be tempting for many homeowners,” he commented in an email after also reviewing the introduction; it has been needed for a while, he added. Goranson pointed out that this installation offers a discreet way to control home automation systems without the high tech visuals that clash with more traditional home designs, another versatility benefit to designers.
Installation
This is not a DIY-friendly product. “To install Hypertouch, a ceramic installer and certified electrician are needed,” Bucci explained. She described the process as installing a sensor and wiring connection below or behind the ceramic surface. “Depending on the type of kit, a system integrator might also be needed,” she added. “The wiring connection is very similar to those present in traditional stand-alone systems or integrated home systems.”
Ken Erdmann, director of technical education programs for smart home technology association CEDIA, agreed in an email. “Once the location of the switch/control is established, it would be much like any other installation: Place the box/enclosure, run the wire, install the device, and program the system to respond to the device input.”
This work could be performed by an electrician, he noted, but when Hypertouch is tied to a larger smart home system, a technology integrator would make sense. “By connecting to an input that does lighting, sound, security or a status update and program the processor accordingly, the integrator could do a number of things with this type of product.” He thought it could be a sleek substitute for clients who don’t like voice controls.
Concerns
Goranson, Machado-Rosas and Erdmann all had questions about Hypertouch from their professional perspectives. “Baby boomers like comfort, but also simplicity in maintenance, so some will be concerned about what to do if it breaks,” Machado-Rosas predicted.
“Younger clients want everything to be controlled from their phones, including heated floors, motorized exterior shades, appliances, etc.,” the designer observed. This is probably an ideal Hypertouch prospect, but not the vacationing set. “This technology would be challenging in short term rentals like luxury AirBnB properties because the tenants would have to be taught where the switches are!” she added.
Goranson pointed out, “It has to work flawlessly to be successful. I don’t think any of us wants an experience like standing in a public restroom trying to find the sensor to turn the water on at the sink. I also think there could be a strong learning curve for the people that are not as tech savvy, and guests will have no idea how to find or use these features without being told.” (So maybe not for guest suites!) A subtle Hypertouch label can be incorporated into the design, but that reduces its aesthetic appeal as a hidden control.
Pointing out the difficulty in repairing a comparable system released by another manufacturer, and hidden speakers from a different firm, Erdmann recalled, “Since the only way to service it was to cut into the wall, it fell from favor.”
Iris’ Bucci says the company has considered this, and recommends wall installations being placed where the components can be easily accessed – such as near an open doorway – so the premium surfacing material wouldn’t need to be torn out for the wiring or kit to be accessed. For a countertop or desk installation, it can be accessed from a hole cut into the cabinetry below.
The CEDIA executive also noted the downside of hiding controls: Forgetful or future owners might block an invisible sensor with a piece of art and then it won’t work. That will need to be addressed in a home’s sales process.
Client can opt for a subtle surface marking letting users know where the control is located.
Iris Ceramica Group
Last Words
Goranson, who loves trying out the latest home systems and technologies for his audiences, summed up his thoughts on Hypertouch this way: “It’s an interesting concept. I would love to play around with it at an install and see how well it works.” Watching trade show attendees marvel at it last week, I suspect he’s not alone.
Home fitness rooms are growing in popularity and sophistication.
Barbara Chancey Design
Exercise shows up on most New Year’s resolutions lists. Is it one of yours? If so, it may be a source of frustration as well as motivation. Getting to a gym doesn’t fit with your work or family schedule. Waiting on a piece of equipment feels like a colossal waste of time. You prefer your own shower and privacy. Any one of these factors – most likely a combination – could account for the home fitness equipment market predicted to grow at a 5.2% clip in the next five years and, according to a “recent TD Ameritrade survey,” quoted by NASDAQ, “59% of Americans do not plan on going back to the gym after the pandemic.” For those that do return, “87% plan on continuing to work out at home.”
Movement and mobility specialist Michael Jones knows this well. As he told Forbes.com last September, he sees his Atlanta, Los Angeles and Bangkok clients in their homes, both on site as he rotates his home bases, and remotely via the Internet. Close to half of his clients started working out at home during the pandemic, he recalls, and many plan to continue.
“Remodeling requests over the last three years increased when owners realized their existing home fitness spaces were not designed to meet the needs of a family working and learning from home,” points out Barbara Chancey, a Dallas-based expert in fitness architecture and design. Her clients include boutique fitness studios, health clubs and residential spaces worldwide.
Exercise Space Essentials
Jones shares these essentials for clients’ home fitness spaces:
Ample natural light: A bright and airy fitness space is more motivating than a dark, dreary one, he points out.
Proper ventilation is essential for any fitness room, as it helps to keep the air quality fresh and prevents odors from building up.
Mirrors are helpful for checking your form while working out, the trainer suggests, and can make a room feel less cramped.
Small Space Planning
“Both the optimal and minimum size for a home fitness space is related to the client’s training goals, required equipment, and the floor space needed to perform certain exercises,” Chancey explains. “With keen awareness, even the smallest home gym can become a single destination for total well-being.” Planning needs to factor in room around the equipment, she points out.
“For strength training, FitBench has been called the ‘Swiss Army Knife’ of fitness equipment and takes up only a few feet of space,” Chancey comments. “It’s a great solution for even the tiniest of rooms,” she adds.
The designer suggests maximizing vertical walls for expanding a room’s usable space. This can be achieved with a barre, resistance bands, suspension training and a shelf for recovery tools, “making this corner your sweet reward after a long day of sitting at a desk or commuting!” she muses.
Room Essentials
Chancey’s must-haves include:
Flooring that addresses joint pain, slippage, sweat absorption, and cleaning is a top priority. Thick athletic matting found in wrestling venues is beneficial to serious athletes, but also to anyone with stiff joint issues, she says. “Bamboo or a hardwood sprung floor is ideal for yoga, dance, and barre spaces.” For strength training spaces, she likes environmentally certified rubber flooring.
Antimicrobial wall coverings are crucial for inhibiting microbes, bacteria, and viruses, and keeping the space looking new.
Storage is essential. “From water bottles and towels to cycling shoes and yoga mats, every square inch matters. Oversized shelves that sag after a year of supporting heavy dumbbells are an expensive mistake,” the designer cautions.
Privacy is key. When you decide you need privacy from curious neighbors watching your every move, it’s too late. Chancey is a fan of smart shades that can be programmed to protect the space and occupants.
“Having motorized shades in a space is a nice touch,” observes Kristin Reinitz, a smart home technology integrator in the Minneapolis area. They can also control glare, which can be detrimental to a workout or training session, and reduce the room’s heat.
Connected Fitness Room Imperatives
Jones says a high-speed internet connection is a must for remote training sessions. “This helps limit screen ‘freeze,’ and I can see form and movement in real-time,” he explains. He also likes clients to have a smart TV. Many newer models allow for Zoom-type sessions. “This platform is where I see most of my clients,” he comments.
Reinitz is seeing requests for multiple televisions in fitness rooms, (along with always-popular speakers for those who work out to music). These TVs often tie into a home’s entire smart home system and to fitness equipment, especially cardio gear like exercise bikes, she says. “Having distributed video in a room can make it more costly, but the fitness room has become a staple in home building at the level we generally work on,” she notes.
Fitness Room Enhancements
“Being that the fitness room is now a highly-designed space, a very important element is lighting,” Reinitz observes. “Imagine being able to tune your light to match the type of workout you are doing. The way I want a space to look and feel for a high intensity bike ride or strength training session in the morning is very different from an end of day yoga session where I’m working to transition to evening.” Smart lighting enables that flexibility and control.
Smart climate control is another definite plus in a home fitness space. “Being able to walk into the room and, with the hit of just one button, the lights turn to the right temperature for your workout, TVs turn on to the show you watch, the shades shut for privacy and tunes start pumping into the speakers. There are systems that also can work with your HVAC system that monitor and control air quality,” the integrator says.
“While not required for residential spaces, adding an automated external defibrillator (AED) and first aid kit are important nice-to-haves, along with an emergency button to call 911,” Chancey suggests. “Whether feeling lightheaded or full-blown chest pain, seconds matter in saving lives.” The designer also likes a “small refrigerator stocked with chilled eucalyptus towels, scented air, and recycle bins for towels and empty water bottles.”
Noise Issue
Those heart-pumping tunes, coach instructions or just the vibrations from a treadmill can be a problem for the home’s other residents. “We do a lot of acoustical wall treatments,” Reinitz shares. “These can be entire walls or just portions.” Fitness room floors are often covered with acoustically-friendly rubberized material, she notes. “That can help absorb a lot of sound.” Insulating all the walls before sheetrock also helps, she says.
Adaptability
“Home gyms that accommodate ‘adaptive athletes’ of all ages is a growing need,” Chancey states. “We’re designing spaces for clients with spinal cord injuries, Parkinson’s, ALS, or other limitations that require specialized equipment,” she says. “Equipping a space with thoughtful features for all stages of life is the essence of inclusion and gives new meaning to the cliché, ‘fitness for all.’”
Last Words
“We are excited that the fitness space is becoming a more important and highly designed part of the home,” Reinitz declares. “I think the automation industry is just starting to scratch the service when it comes to health and wellness.”
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AUTHOR’S NOTE:
Contributors Chancey, Jones and Reinitz will be sharing more fitness room insights in an hour-long Clubhouse conversation tomorrow afternoon (January 4, 2023) at 4 pm Eastern/1 pm Pacific. You can join this WELLNESS WEDNESDAYS discussion here. If you’re unable to attend, you can catch the recording via Clubhouse Replays here or the Gold Notes design blog here next Wednesday.
