THE “ANTI-SMART” HOME TREND

Jul 2

EMBRACING SIMPLICITY

In an era dominated by rapid technological advancement, the smart home concept has gained significant traction. From voice-activated assistants to smart thermostats and automated lighting systems, the allure of a fully connected, high-tech home controlled with a tap of your smartphone, is undeniable. However, there is a growing trend that is pushing back against this digital tide, opting instead for simplicity, timelessness, and minimal reliance on technology. This movement, often referred to as the "anti-smart home" or “dumb house” trend, is rooted in a desire to reclaim control, reduce dependency on digital devices, and create living spaces that are both enduring and tranquil.

Earlier this year, a piece published by Kristen Bateman in Town and Country magazine titled “The Dawn of the Dumb House,” began to stir up more widespread questioning as to why we’re chasing this reliance on technology and shed some light on why we may want to “dumb” down our homes. The surprising, or perhaps not so surprising sector of the population that this anti-smart home trend is growing in, is within the very mecca of technological innovation—Silicon Valley! Bateman spoke to interior designer Ken Fulk on his experience with this movement away from the smart home:

“‘Many of my clients who work in the technology world tend to forgo highly advanced homes often because they are acutely aware of change,’ Fulk says. ‘What they want,’ he adds, ‘are environments that age gracefully without frequent, irksome updates.’” (Bateman, 2024)

Those that are immersed in the world of tech understand just how fleeting each new advancement truly is. Smart home technologies, by their very nature, are susceptible to obsolescence as newer, more advanced versions are developed. This can lead to a continuous cycle of upgrades and replacements, which not only comes at additional costs but also raises concerns around environmental sustainability. By choosing simpler, well-built alternatives, we can instead create spaces that remain functional and aesthetically pleasing that stand the test of time.

Beyond the incessant turn over, another compelling question that this movement is provoking is our dependence on technology. The omnipresence of digital devices in our daily lives can lead to a sense of overreliance, where basic tasks become dependent on technological solutions. Do we really need an app to turn on the lights? Is that actually easier than flicking a switch? Are we choosing convenience over common sense? Sure, when everything is working smoothly with our smart home devices, it’s easy to get swept up in the allure of comfort, convenience, and the romanticism of technology. But what about when it doesn’t work? How convenient is it really if we spend more time scrolling our phones to remember which app turns out the lights or locks our front door, then it would have taken to simply get up and flip the switch or turn the lock? The anti-smart home trend is encouraging a return to manual, hands-on methods, fostering self-sufficiency and a deeper connection with our living spaces.

This shift can be particularly appealing in a world where digital burnout is a growing concern. Many of us spend our days bombarded with endless devices, screens, apps, and programs all boasting about how they can make our lives easier. Instead, viewing our homes as a retreat away from the constant noise and connectivity of the digital world, can allow our spaces to become places of solace. To disconnect as a means to reconnect, so to speak.

"The philanthropist Christine Schantz knew exactly what she wanted for her historic 1925 home in Marin County. She tasked Fulk (and architect Andrew Skurman) with creating a residence that could last 30 years without another renovation. All those smart flourishes that are the rage these days—automated fixtures, complex lighting systems, remote-controlled appliances, charging stations, electronic security systems, and, everyone’s favourite, Alexa—went out the window. Schantz didn’t want a SpaceX command station but a family retreat. ‘Technology doesn’t go with that,’ she says” (Bateman, 2024)

All of that said, is there room for both? Can we merge these worlds and find balance with technologies that do indeed enrich our lives, while not deeming ourselves incapable without them? Accessibility for example is one of the foremost examples of how integrated innovations in our homes can radically enhance people’s lives. Seemingly simple tasks for anyone able-bodied, may not be a luxury everyone is afforded. Or seeing the value in how advancements in home security systems allow us to keep our spaces more secure and gift us peace of mind—smart home technology has its place.

An anti-smart home doesn't mean it must be outdated or devoid of luxury and comfort. It’s just a matter of asking ourselves what adds to our lives and what perhaps takes away. Instead, our homes can serve as spaces that encourages direct interaction—human interaction; spaces that sets boundaries with the digital world and allows us to reclaim control over our living environments; and conceivably most importantly, spaces that serve as a sanctuary—a refuge from the fast-paced, ever-changing landscape of modern technology.

Resources:

Bateman, Kristen. “The Dawn of the Dumb House." Town and Country, 7 April 2024, https://www.townandcountrymag.com/style/home-decor/a60127394/dawn-of-the-dumb-house. Accessed 24 June 2024.