"From voice-activated light switches to 'smart' automatic beds, there are now hundreds of ways to automate your home. But in the age of the smart home, many people are now pushing back. For TikTok influencers and high-end designers, the 'dumb home' is the latest trend. That means ditching the smart assistants and appliances in favour of landline phones, reading nooks, and custom light switches. Even simple touches that were once taken for granted are now considered a sign of luxury."
"According to Massimo Buster Minale, founder and creative director of Buster & Punch, today's discerning home owners are much more interested in 'tactile elements'. Mr Minale told Daily Mail: 'After years of tech-driven homes, people are definitely returning to a love of analogue features. 'We are seeing more than ever, our customers are moving away from chasing convenience, instead craving physical touch and connection.'"
"For tech enthusiasts, the allure of the smart home was the chance to make domestic life completely frictionless. By spending thousands of pounds, homeowners could have lights that turned on automatically with the morning alarm, blinds that opened themselves, and fridges that write your shopping list. However, the reality of the smart home dream is often far less convenient. On social media, former home automation fans complain about being woken up by out-of-control lights, security systems crashing or shutting off, and spiralling costs of hundreds of devices that constantly break or need replacing."
Many homeowners are shifting from extensive smart-home automation toward simpler, analogue-focused living spaces. Designers and influencers promote 'dumb homes' that prioritize landline phones, reading nooks, custom switches, and tactile elements. Buyers increasingly value physical touch, bespoke finishes, and reliable, low-tech conveniences over complex, convenience-driven systems. Smart-home setups promised frictionless living through automated lights, blinds, and smart appliances, but users report frequent malfunctions, crashing security systems, unexpected activations, and high replacement costs. Many homeowners stop using most automated features, and inheriting existing smart setups can create confusion and extra maintenance burdens.
Read at Mail Online
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