Smart Home Automation Ideas You Haven’t Tried Yet

18 June 2025

If you're already living in a smart home or just starting to dip your toes into the world of home automation, you’ve probably heard of the usual suspects — smart thermostats, lights you can control from your phone, and maybe even a robotic vacuum. Sure, those are practical and fun, but what if I told you there’s a whole universe of smart home automation ideas you haven’t tried yet? Yep, we’re talking about leveling up your smart home game in ways that not only make life easier but also add a dash of futuristic flair to your daily routine.

So, let’s dive into some next-level smart home automation ideas that might just blow your mind (or at least make your life a whole lot more convenient).

1. Automate Your Morning Coffee

Picture this: you’re still in bed, but your coffee maker has already started brewing your favorite roast. Sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, right? Well, it’s a reality now, and all you need is a smart coffee maker and a bit of automation magic.

How to Do It:

Using a smart plug or a smart coffee machine that’s compatible with platforms like Alexa or Google Assistant, you can set a schedule for your brew time. Pair it with a motion sensor by the bed or a sleep tracker, and your coffee could start brewing the moment you wake up. No more groggy trips to the kitchen!

Why It’s Awesome:

This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about making mornings less stressful. Imagine waking up to the smell of fresh coffee every day, rather than fumbling around half-asleep trying to get the machine going. Plus, who doesn’t love the idea of saying, “Alexa, start my coffee”?

2. Smart Fridge Inventory Tracking

Ever found yourself at the grocery store, scratching your head, trying to remember if you’re out of milk or eggs? A smart fridge can help with that. Some of the latest smart fridges can track what’s inside, notify you when something’s about to expire, and even suggest recipes based on what’s available.

How to Do It:

Many smart fridges come pre-equipped with internal cameras and apps that allow you to check your fridge’s contents remotely. If you don’t have a smart fridge, you can still DIY this with smart labels or fridge cameras that integrate with apps to keep track of your inventory.

Why It’s Awesome:

No more accidental double purchases or forgetting that one crucial ingredient for tonight’s dinner. It’s like having a personal assistant in your kitchen. Plus, it can help reduce food waste, which is a win for both your wallet and the environment.

3. Automate Your Pet’s Care

If you’re a pet owner, you probably already know the struggle of managing feedings, water refills, and walks. Well, smart home automation can help take some of that off your plate (pun very much intended).

How to Do It:

Smart pet feeders and water bowls can be programmed to dispense food and water at regular intervals, and some even allow you to control them remotely. You can also install a smart pet door that lets your furry friend out when you’re not home, or even set up a camera with a pet treat dispenser to interact with them while you’re away.

Why It’s Awesome:

You can ensure your pet is well-fed and hydrated even when you’re not around. Plus, you can check in on them and toss them a treat from your phone, making you feel a little less guilty about leaving them home alone.

4. Set the Mood with Smart Lighting Scenes

We’ve all heard about smart lights that you can turn on and off with your phone, but have you ever tried setting up specific lighting scenes for different activities? Imagine dimming the lights for movie night, switching to bright whites for a productive work session, or creating a warm, cozy glow for a relaxing evening with a good book.

How to Do It:

Most smart lighting systems, like Philips Hue or LIFX, allow you to create custom scenes. You can set up different color temperatures and brightness levels for various activities. Pair this with motion sensors or voice commands, and you’ve got a fully immersive lighting experience.

Why It’s Awesome:

Lighting can have a huge impact on your mood and productivity. By automating different scenes, you can tailor your environment to fit whatever task or vibe you’re going for. Plus, it adds a whole new level of ambiance to your home.

5. Voice-Controlled Showers

Yes, you read that right. You can now automate your shower experience down to the precise water temperature, pressure, and even duration with a smart shower system. Imagine waking up, and instead of manually adjusting the faucet, you just say, “Hey Google, start my shower at 102 degrees.”

How to Do It:

Smart shower systems like U by Moen or Kohler Konnect can be integrated with your smart home assistant. Program your perfect shower settings, and voila! You’ve got a personalized, voice-activated shower experience.

Why It’s Awesome:

This is peak luxury, folks. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about customizing your experience to the nth degree. Plus, it can help you save water by setting a timer or automating a water-saving mode.

6. Automate Your Curtains or Blinds

Natural light is a game-changer when it comes to mood and productivity, but manually opening and closing curtains every day can be a hassle, especially if you have a lot of windows. Automate your window treatments, and you’ll never have to touch them again.

How to Do It:

You can install smart curtain or blind motors that integrate with your smart home system. Set them to open in the morning to wake you up naturally or close in the evening for privacy. You can even sync them with sunrise and sunset times.

Why It’s Awesome:

Imagine waking up to natural light pouring into your room without lifting a finger. It’s like your home knows when it’s time to start and end the day. Plus, automated curtains can help with energy efficiency, keeping heat out during hot days or letting the sun warm your home during the colder months.

7. Smart Water Leak Detection

Water leaks can go unnoticed until they become a big (and expensive) problem. But with smart water leak detectors, you can catch leaks early and prevent potential damage.

How to Do It:

Install smart water leak detectors in high-risk areas like under sinks, near water heaters, or around washing machines. These devices can send alerts to your phone if they detect any moisture, allowing you to act quickly before things get out of hand.

Why It’s Awesome:

Peace of mind is priceless. You can be away from home and still be in control of potential disasters. It’s like having an extra set of eyes on your plumbing at all times.

8. Automate Home Security Beyond Alarms

When people think of smart home security, they usually think of smart cameras or alarms. But you can take it a step further by automating security lighting, locks, and even window sensors.

How to Do It:

Set your outdoor lights to turn on when motion is detected or at specific times of the night. Integrate smart locks that can be controlled remotely, allowing you to let in guests or service providers without needing to be home. You can also set up window sensors that alert you if a window is opened unexpectedly.

Why It’s Awesome:

It’s not just about security; it’s about feeling in control of your home, no matter where you are. Home automation for security gives you the ability to manage your home’s safety with just a few taps on your smartphone.

9. Smart Home Theater Setup

You’ve probably heard of smart TVs, but why stop there? You can automate your entire home theater experience — from dimming the lights to lowering the blinds, to turning on your sound system, all with a single command.

How to Do It:

Use a platform like Logitech Harmony or a smart home hub that integrates with all your devices. With one voice command or button press, you can start your movie, dim your lights, adjust your sound system, and even pop the popcorn (okay, maybe not the last one… yet).

Why It’s Awesome:

This is the ultimate in convenience and coolness. It’s like having your personal movie theater at home, and it’s all automated to give you the best experience possible.

10. Automated Home Maintenance Reminders

Ever forget to change the air filter or clean the gutters? Smart home automation can help with that too. You can set reminders for regular home maintenance tasks so you never miss a beat.

How to Do It:

Many smart home hubs and systems allow you to set reminders for various tasks. You can even get smart sensors that monitor air quality and notify you when it’s time to change the filter.

Why It’s Awesome:

Let’s face it — home maintenance isn’t the most exciting thing in the world. But by automating reminders, you can stay on top of it without giving it much thought. It’s like having your own home manager keeping you on track.

Conclusion

There you have it — ten smart home automation ideas you haven’t tried yet but absolutely should. From automating your morning coffee to voice-controlled showers, the possibilities are endless. The beauty of smart home tech is that it’s not just about convenience; it’s about enhancing your quality of life, making your home work for you, and yes, sometimes just adding a bit of futuristic fun.

So, which one are you going to try first?