Smart home technology is all the rage these days. Younger homebuyers are especially fond of it. But even millennials and Gen Xers are embracing smart home tech to some degree. That being the case, we are no longer surprised when a customer asks whether the technology can be integrated with stone countertops.
The simple answer is ‘yes’. A more complicated answer requires digging into the details. So if you have a few minutes to spend with us, let’s go. You might be pleasantly surprised to learn how well stone countertop materials and smart home technology work together.
A Harmony of Function and Aesthetics
The appeal of integrating smart home tech with stone countertops is the ability to take advantage of the best both have to offer. We like to think of it as creating a harmony of function and aesthetics. There is no better way to illustrate this harmony than to talk about specific examples.
1. Backlighting and Ambient Lighting
Backlighting and ambient lighting can make gorgeous stone countertops even more beautiful. And thanks to smart technology, we can do things with lighting that were never before possible. For example, smart LED lighting integrated under or around countertops can be controlled manually, with a smartphone, or by voice. Better yet, it can be programmed according to lighting scenes that fit your preferences and lifestyle.
2. Wireless Charging Pads
It is possible to embed smart wireless charging pads directly into stone surfaces. What does this mean practically? That you can easily charge smartphones, tablets, and other compatible devices simply by placing them on the countertop surface. Materials like quartz and granite are ideal for this sort of application.
3. Induction Cooktops
Quartz is an excellent material for installing an embedded induction cooktop underneath. This sort of installation creates a sleek, minimalist cooking surface that is both functional and safe for children and pets. Induction cooktops directly heat cookware without heating the surrounding stone.
4. Embedded Smart Sensors
We spend a lot of time in our kitchens. So wouldn’t it be nice if we could control all sorts of smart home devices without stepping away from the countertop? It turns out that we can. By embedding smart sensors and controls into stone countertops, it is possible to control just about any device in a smart home while you are cooking, prepping, etc.
Imagine speaking a simple phrase to inform the entire family it is dinner time. You speak, and your smart home system sends everyone a message on their smartphones. No more screaming for the family at the top of your lungs.
Any device in your home that can be controlled by voice or touch can also be controlled by a smart sensor embedded in your countertops. Truly, nothing is off the table.
The rise of smart home technology now gives us opportunities to do things in the kitchen that were never before possible. But all of this comes with a big caveat: integrating smart home tech with natural stone countertops is not cheap.
If your budget will not support it, you can still enjoy traditional stone countertops installed by Bedrock Quartz. We install everything we sell, so you can trust that you’ll get a quality job performed by skilled technicians. What’s not to love?