Above photo: Modern Home Systems installed high-performance invisible speakers from Sonance in this kitchen ceiling. Photo credit: Sonance  

What Each Professional Brings to the Table

Designers advocate for beauty, comfort and how a space should feel. Integrators advocate for functionality and day-to-day reliability, and they design ways to conceal technology so it is available when needed and invisible when it is not. When those priorities align early, outcomes improve in ways neither side can consistently achieve alone. 

A few examples where early teamwork pays off quickly: 

• Lighting Fixtures & Lighting Control. Designers shape mood and ambience; integrators design solutions that translate intent into compatible dimming, scenes and intuitive control. 

• Motorized Shades & Shade Pockets. Designers select the window shading style, fabric and overall look; integrators design the power, control and automation so the shades are easy to operate and live with. 

• Keypads & Wall Controls. Designers protect symmetry and finishes; integrators specify intuitive and design-friendly controls. Early coordination eliminates unsightly “wall acne.” 

• TV Placement. If clients want a TV in the kitchen, designers protect sightlines and scale, while integrators design clever solutions that allow the TV to disappear completely when not in use. 

• Visible Versus Invisible Speakers. Designers preserve visual rhythm; integrators design systems that balance performance with aesthetic goals and room acoustics. 

• Security. Designers protect curb appeal; integrators design discreet surveillance camera coverage and alarm systems. 

• Wi‑Fi Access Point Locations. Designers keep ceilings and countertops clean; integrators design high-performance Wi-Fi systems for coverage and discreet placement throughout the home. 

A Vinette Designers Will Recognize

A designer finalizes a kitchen with sculptural pendants, a clean backsplash and aligned millwork. Late in the process, the client requests smart lighting control, motorized shades, a bigger TV and high-quality speakers in the kitchen and dining room to use with their Sonos music system. Suddenly, keypad locations conflict with tile, the lighting needs to be rewired, you wonder how to hide that big TV, and speaker locations compete with ceiling details. No one did anything wrong, but the timing forces compromises. 

Now imagine the same project with early design coordination with your home technology integrator partner. The designer still leads the vision. The integrator simply helps translate that vision into a plan aligned with the architecture and the client’s wishes. 

Finding Integrators Who Collaborate Well

Not every technology integrator is suited to a design-forward partnership. Look for integrators who understand documentation, coordination and respect for design intent. The HTA Design Partner designation was created to help designers identify integrators who have opted into guidelines centered on collaboration and design alignment. Behind that designation is extensive work by the Home Technology Association to define shared expectations, workflows and communication standards that help designers and integrators operate as a cohesive team. 

The goal is not to turn designers into technologists or integrators into interior designers. It is to create a shared process where aesthetics and performance support each other from the start. Partnering with the right integrator and adopting a technology-proactive mindset helps reduce change orders while protecting design intent.

The post Establishing the Designer/Home Technology Integrator Relationship appeared first on Kitchen & Bath Business.

Above photo: In this project, my clients didn’t want to actually see the technology. Barely visible are a keypad on either side of the cabinets and a hidden outlet in the backsplash. Photo credit: Adam Gibson Photography

Futureproof Early

Technology provides an edge when it comes to comfort, luxury and aesthetics, and an integrator is clutch for comprehensive, detailed infrastructure. If you are not already connected to a quality integrator, now is the time to make a new best friend. Many designers make the mistake of introducing an integrator too late in the design process. It should happen as soon as your floor plan is near completion; in other words, at the beginning of the project, well before construction is scheduled.

Plan for future wiring needs within the walls. Cat-6 is sufficient today, but higher-bandwidth systems are coming fast. Explain that running conduit to the control areas is an inexpensive way to reduce client anxiety and protect their investment. Don’t believe the myth that wireless can cover everything. It does not.

Where to Start

If the client prefers tech spoon-feeding rather than overwhelm, begin in high-use spaces where small advancements make a significant impact: kitchens and baths. You can pick and choose which elements to provide based on priority.

Maybe a bathroom could benefit from voice-controlled privacy blinds, but would the clients get more out of smart shower controls with personalized presets, maintaining temperature until entering and conserving water? Rather than a kitchen filled with rarely used gadgets, perhaps an oven that sends a phone alert to prevent overcooking would have better use.

Small, purposeful applications often have greater everyday value than whole-home systems. The goal isn’t to automate everything, it’s to solve problems, add convenience and improve comfort where it counts.

Smarter Illumination

As a lighting and longevity-in-design advocate, I consider comprehensive lighting plans essential. We’ve moved far beyond the century-old door-jamb switch. Touchless sensors are common, apps and single-gang keypads are replacing switch banks, and integrators streamline the process by handling control systems while designers handle layout and intent.

Lights matching our circadian rhythms and hidden task lights in drawers, toe kicks or below countertops work together to enhance mood and functionality. Countertop task lighting often requires 100 footcandles, especially for those with aging eyes. Dimmers, anyone?

The Spa-Bath Revolution — a Playground for Smart Home Tech

Bathrooms have become test labs for wellness and experience-driven tech:

• Digital showers with personalized profiles, warm-up modes and steam integration
• Smart mirrors with presets, anti-fog or embedded screens
• Heated floors that learn routines
• Bidet toilets with hygienic, comfort-focused features
• Add chromatherapy tubs, aromatherapy steam, waterproof speakers and mirror TVs, and the bathroom becomes a true sensory retreat.

All the above come with apps, and with planning, an integrator can do what they’re called to: combine everything into a connected, easy-to-understand ecosystem that enriches our clients’ lives.

Being the Educator

Motion- and voice-activated appliances, faucets, lighting and electronics add delight, charm and even playfulness to spaces once viewed as purely functional. Designers must stay informed – not to push technology but to integrate it wisely and purposefully.

The shift isn’t about gadgets, it’s about lifestyle. When done well, clients remember how your design made them feel long after they’ve forgotten their Wi-Fi password.

The post Incorporating Smart Home Tech as Mainstream in Residential Projects appeared first on Kitchen & Bath Business.

This innovative see-through fireplace is specifically designed to accommodate heat-sensitive materials with built-in heat management that makes it safe to install a TV directly above the unit. The signature double-pane glass delivers both safety and an unobstructed view of the flames without requiring a screen, maintaining clean sightlines throughout the space. 

Available in 48-, 60- and 72-in. widths, as well as a single-sided configuration, Hearth & Home Technologies’ Heat & Glo Primo II offers flexibility for various architectural applications. Customization options include a range of interior panels, fire bed materials and hand-painted log sets, allowing designers to tailor the fireplace to their vision.

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He’s recently put together a list of what he calls “surging and emerging” applications that the design-build community can and should seize as opportunities – and he’s keen on helping builders of single-family homes to leverage these applications to create better experiences for their clients – and bigger profits for their firms. “What I call ‘surging and emerging’ is a mix of the here-and-now and the aspirational, meaning it’s a blend of my encouraging the design-build community to hurry up on applications that are already mainstream – or tech for them to ‘get ahead of the pack’ on,” he says.

Top Tech Trends for the Home

• Whole Home Audio/Video
• Lighting Tech
• Smart Social Kitchen
• Smart Home Security
• “Network Robustus”
• Work from Home (including content creation)
• Health and Wellness
• Smart Power
• Sleep Tech
• Smart Water
• Outdoor Content, Control and more

Whole Home Audio/Video

“One of the things that I’m constantly reminding builders of is an American time-use study that the Bureau of Labor Statistics does,” says Galante. “Their data reveals that the number one thing people do at home in terms of time consumption is sleep. The number two thing they do is watch TV. But because of the margins on televisions and the trade dynamics, builders haven’t shown much interest in showing a lot of live TVs in their model homes.” Galante feels that helping the buyer imagine the perfect TV viewing experience could be a big help.

Those TVs need audio, and clients often want a better experience than a built-in TV speaker could ever provide. “A surround-sound system doesn’t need to be nestled in the wallboard and sold on the front end,” he says. “The buyer can only make so many decisions during the initial process. But a buyer is eventually going to purchase a TV and likely look for an audio system for that TV – so why wouldn’t you, as a builder, present some of the options and mediate the sale at whatever point that takes place?

Lighting Tech Trends

“We still have work to do in the luxury market in terms of helping builders – and their clients –understand all of the different facets of lighting design,” says Galante. “I’m not sure we’re all quite aware of the growing demand for these solutions, and we need to have the right collaboration process in place to deliver for the client.” Understanding lighting design for the luxury client is something we tackled on the Crestron blog back in August of 2024, with a post that opened:

One of the first questions David Burya asks his clients is:

“Where is a place you have been that you never wanted to leave?”

Burya, the design principal and chief strategy officer for Tirschwell & Co. Architectural Lighting Design, explains what happens next.

“In the 10 seconds after that – this is what I need to know – peoples’ minds are awash with memories of places and people and stimuli that are rich with desire,” he says. “In a way, we are creating future memories by designing toward impeccable desires. People come to us to design their dream home; why would we not start with their dreams?”

What Burya’s driving at is something that architects, designers, and technology integrators understand: A space or a system is much more than imported marble or high-end audio gear. It’s the intuitive skill of combining all those elements to create a truly human experience.

But these solutions are hardly exclusive to high-end homes. “We’re trying to get the semi-custom builders to understand how much smart lighting is desired by the customer. The good news? The technology is relatively easy to deploy.”

Smart Social Kitchen

“I’ve seen demos from many manufacturers, and the smart cooking stuff, the precision cooking hardware, and the devices that link to ingredients and recipes – it’s all amazing,” says Galante. “There’s software that knows what’s in your refrigerator and what you need to buy for a recipe and offers one-touch ordering of those ingredients – or the system being aware of what ingredients you have on hand and suggesting recipes to you – this is cool stuff.”

The problem is that these solutions have been presented as a list of technical features that a lot of consumers may find bewildering. “We have to couple all of this marvelous technology with the social aspects of the kitchen,” says Galante. “Cooking is often a social undertaking, whether with family or friends. Now imagine a connected kitchen in which cooks can be their own Julia Child and have their own little network and bring people in virtually, and we could start to vibrantly share some of these new cooking experiences in particular.”

Smart Home Security Tech Trends

“What’s interesting is that the big builders – those in the billion-dollar-plus range – are on the leading edge of offering tech solutions,” says Galante. “And the big builders – 93% of them, by our research – have some kind of smart home security offer.” That includes keyless locks, video doorbells, automated switches to exterior lights (including along paths of access and egress) and more.

“Those are the core features, and most volume builders have something in that regard,” he explains. “Many of them have upgrade paths for more light switches and more articulation on the security side of things with interior and exterior cameras and such. That’s the number one category. Now, whether that’s all installed and built-in as part of the mortgage or whether it arrives on the back end as an attachment sale – that’s a jump ball. Builders have swung back and forth on their preferences for that.” Galante sees emerging growth strategies for security systems that include more video features. “Drones, exterior cameras – there’s no such thing as too much video surveillance from a security perspective, and I think we’ll see more builders investing in higher-end security.”

“Network Robustus” Tech Trends

“Network Robustus” is a catchphrase that Galante has coined for a very specific purpose: “I’m trying to get a reset on what standard network infrastructure should be in a new home and what the ‘performance plus’ features are.” Getting enough bandwidth into a home is becoming increasingly critical, and ensuring that a home has enough hardwired infrastructure to support a growing number of wireless access points is a must.

“We need these networks because we consume massive amounts of media and information in homes,” Galante explains. “They’re essential infrastructure for many of the smart home features in the house. We’ve got to have quality Wi-Fi as an underpinning for many of these devices as they’re communicating with each other, and we need builders to move away from the default position of settling for whatever wireless internet is available – and whatever speed the ISP provides as standard.”

Work from Home Tech Trends

“The old saying goes: ‘You can win a buyer with a room,’” says Galante. “I’ve heard it applied to real estate and homebuilding, too.” Galante notes that the “winning room” has often been the perfect kitchen for the client, but the right remote workspace can be a winner, too. “I’m encouraging builders to think about these spaces holistically and consider technology, room design, and even furniture.” The right lighting helps one look good on camera, the needed bandwidth for effective communication and collaboration is a must, and ergonomic desks and chairs are incredibly helpful. “Builders need to do more than suggest converting an extra bedroom into an office – show how it can be done in a fully-featured, fully-merchandised way in model homes and virtual presentations.”

That remote gig – whether full or part-time – may be content creation, and that likely requires an even greater focus on specialized technology and furnishings. A recording artist’s mixing board and monitor speakers need the right workstation, an influencer or video podcaster needs the perfect background, and so on. (A note: Pop star Billie Eilish’s debut album was produced in her brother’s bedroom studio – the same space where the two of them wrote the music for that hit release.)

Health and Wellness Tech Trends

While there’s a huge bucket of technologies that can fit into this category, Galante is focused on some specifics. “Air quality is something that builders are really embracing,” he says. “If we’re going to create energy efficiency by building very tight envelopes, we’re not going to get the ambient air exchange that we’ve had historically, so we need to bring fresh air in. When we’re talking about bigger houses, that needs to be done in an energy-efficient way – we can have a lot of fans blowing that don’t need to be blowing.” Smart automation that handles different zones of a home is a terrific solution, but there’s more, says Galante. “We want to modulate humidity, and of course, we want to purify the air – remove the allergens, viruses, and bacteria.”

Water purification fits into this segment, as does lighting, which may help with better sleep. And there’s another aspect of the wellness solution that gets overlooked, according to Galante: proper sound treatments. “I think acoustic design is critical,” he says. High ceilings and hard edges must be mitigated somehow, whether through diffusion, absorption, or even audio systems with proper digital signal processing. “Oppressive audio conditions aren’t good for anyone,” he says. Additionally, ensuring that the tech is highly reliable is a mental health benefit, according to Galante. “How are we relieving stress with technology and not causing stress?” he asks. To that end: “When we’re offering these solutions to homeowners, let’s be sure we’re offering them emotional, benefit-oriented solutions, and not a laundry list of technical features.”

Smart Power

“As more and more electric vehicles are purchased, 80% of the charging takes place at home,” notes Galante. “When vehicle charging exceeds the capacity of the traditional lines fed into the house, there’s going to be more investment in solar and storage. It’s ‘Wild Wild West’ time right now, but builders recognize this as a whole new category where they can make money.”

The notion of energy efficiency – and generation – can serve as a differentiator between existing homes and new builds. “Buyers will be asking, ‘Can I generate electricity? Can I not only save on my utility bills for the house but the fuel bills for cars?’” he says. “We’re seeing all sorts of strategies there. Some builders are just ready for smart power with the right infrastructure, and the attachments come later. Some of them have good methods for providing the attachments. A lot of it is locally market-driven based on tax incentives and code requirements in specific markets, but that’s a growth category.”

Sleep Tech Trends

Galante notes that lighting has a huge impact, especially when he breaks it down into the three big attendant questions: “How do you go to sleep? How do you stay asleep? How do you wake up? You need to think of it in all of those aspects.” Yes, circadian lighting is helpful, and yes, automated sensors that only bring light up by 10% or 20% should one need to use the bathroom at 4 a.m. are vital, but understanding how shading can play into this aspect (and every other part and function of a home) is vital, too.

Beyond the right bed, the right light and the right climate, there’s another component that helps with sleep solutions. “It’s the indoor air quality,” Galante explains. “I think indoor air quality is, by the way, very important in work-from-home as well. If you’re spending eight hours in a single room, working or sleeping, and you don’t have good air in that space, it’s a big issue. Things like mini-splits can be deployed in some of these spaces where you really want direct control of the air quality.”

Smart Water Tech Trends

When he’s asked if “smart water” refers to purification, smart plumbing, leak detection or conservation, Galante’s answer is all of the above. “First, having clean water to drink and bathe in – with proper filtration and so on – is an easy sell for any builder who’s looking for technology solutions that would help sell a property.” Beyond that, as leak detection systems improve – namely, offering fewer false positives – demand will increase as well (and it’s worth noting that one of the biggest drivers of home insurance claims is water damage from plumbing issues). Both of those factors tie into wellness – purification, obviously, but the mental well-being from truly smart plumbing can’t be overlooked.

There’s also growing demand for solutions that conserve and preserve this vital resource. “Whether it’s gray-water systems or automated irrigation, there’s critical demand there – and, in some locations, that demand is driven by local laws. You can’t build a home in Phoenix if you don’t address the water consumption issue. It’s about conserving and distributing with intelligence.”

Outdoor Content, Control and More

Outdoor spaces – for cooking, for entertaining, for relaxing, for watching a movie – have evolved as “bonus rooms” over the past several years. “The really interesting thing for the technology industry is I think the builders get that tech is integral to creating interesting experiences outside,” says Galante. The problem is that many builders don’t know what may be available, from weather-resistant TVs to subwoofers that can be partially buried in the ground. “These players are pretty new,” he says. “With the national and regional builders, the tech industry needs to figure out how to work with them on their model homes and figure out what the asset base is to help them in the digital design center or physical design center to sell these things.

“Just like everything else we’ve spoken about, it’s a matter of taking all of these solutions and blending them into a holistic, experiential presentation that makes it easy for the client to visualize that dream home – and then help them achieve it.”

—Ed Wenck, Senior Content Writer, Crestron

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Include Relaxing Music in the Bathroom Retreat

Imagine your clients stepping into their bathroom and being enveloped by the soothing sounds of nature, the gentle strains of classical music or their favorite tunes. A well-designed multizone audio system can create the perfect ambiance, whether one is soaking in the tub or starting the day with a refreshing shower.

Above: Professional integrators can program lighting fixtures to create the perfect environment for starting a busy workday or ending it with a soak in the tub, as seen in this bathroom by Integral Home Technology. Photo credit: Jon Cancelino Photography

Home technology pros can outfit your primary and secondary bathroom projects with pleasing music to get users in the right frame of mind – whether it’s at the start or the end of the day. Connected to a multiroom audio amplifier and tethered to internet radio stations, locally stored audio files and popular streaming services, music sets the stage for a welcoming retreat.

Typically, loudspeakers used to fill a room with audio are installed in the ceiling, known as architectural or in-ceiling speakers. Your home technology pro can specify how many must be installed to adequately cover the room. They’ll also be able to spec the right speaker models, ensuring water resistance for the moisture in the room and potentially using paintable grille coverings to better blend in with the ceiling.

Round Out the AV with Displays

Video elements can add a touch of modern sophistication to your bathroom projects. Whether integrated with the audio system or paired with a soundbar, waterproof displays can be wall-mounted or cleverly concealed within mirrors. Like their audio counterparts, some manufacturers produce screens that can handle moisture or water splashes. When owners engage in activities at the vanity, an in-mirror display may be ideal for catching up on the morning news before heading out to work. It also creates a bit of wow factor and FOMO when showcasing the new bath to designers and potential referral clients.

Incorporate Intelligent Lighting

Illumination plays a crucial role in shaping the bathroom’s atmosphere, impacting both mood and functionality. With today’s lighting control and fixture options, this can be addressed to optimize your clients’ time spent in their primary bathrooms.

For starters, deploying lighting controls and easy-to-use interfaces (e.g., waterproof handheld remote, keypads, touchscreens and mobile phone access) to command the room’s lights provides convenience and adjustability even while soaking in the tub.

Working in tandem with preset or on-the-fly controls, your home tech pro can program white- and color-tunable LED fixtures to apply the appropriate color temperature and dimming capabilities, further enhancing the lighting scheme in the bathroom retreat. For instance, while morning routines may require brighter illumination, daytime usage can be set for more natural lighting, and evening baths can be dimmed to a soft, warm glow for total relaxation. Another trend involves programming fixtures to mimic the sunlight’s daily pattern to align with owners’ circadian rhythms.

Motorized Shades Make a Difference

The interplay of lighting and motorized shades can transform your bathroom into a true oasis. Designers can collaborate with full-service technology pros to spec shade styles and fabric types that will complement the space’s aesthetic needs while automating them to produce more impact.

Motorized shades – especially convenient in the bathroom where privacy is key – enable designers to worry less about the size and number of windows in a dramatic primary bathroom. At the press of a button or a tap of an icon, homeowners can lower or raise the shades – often choreographed to work simultaneously for multiple shades – depending on the desired amount of natural light.

Again, a good home technology professional can synchronize all of this within a smart home control system to complement the circadian effect or to be commanded individually. Motorized shades provide convenient privacy settings and even allow for control of hard-to-reach oversized windows and skylights.

Importance of Choosing an HTA-Certified Integrator

To achieve this harmonious blend of technology and design in a bathroom retreat, it’s crucial to work with an integrator certified by the Home Technology Association. Recognized for their expertise and commitment to excellence, an HTA-certified integrator ensures that every aspect of your bathroom project’s technology is thoughtfully integrated and expertly executed. Most HTA-certified integrators are also HTA Design Partners, meaning they have significant experience collaborating with interior designers. You can be confident that your client’s bathroom retreat will not only meet your functional needs but also respect your design.

—Melanie Niemerg, owner, Integral Home Technology

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The Dekoda demonstration was literally hands on, starting with the remote control’s fingerprint-recognition feature. This identifies the individual user and activates their personal health profile on their smartphone. The unit, which clamps discreetly onto the rim of standard toilets, uses optical sensors and algorithms to analyze a person’s hydration, gut health and can detect blood in the toilet bowl with precision. Armed with this information, users can modify their habits to achieve better health outcomes.

Befitting the refined appearance of the product – a shout-out to Rafael Rexach, head of design for Kohler Health – the event was held at the Whitney Museum of American Art.

David Kohler demonstrates the Dekoda fingerprint ID function to KBB managing editor, Leslie Clagett.

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This highly anticipated collection represents a new era of design and functionality, as the first ready-to-install vanity series to integrate wireless charging technology directly into Silestone countertops. Powered by FreePower’s advanced surface-integrated charging technology, the collection allows users to seamlessly power their devices without compromising on style. 

The initial launch features four Silestone colorways, Eternal Jasmine Pearl, Ethereal Noctis, Parisien Bleu and Victorian Silver, and is compatible across various collections, including the newest launches such as the Breckenridge, Gracyn and Solene Collections with single and double sink sizing options spanning from 48 to 72 inches. 

Vanities featuring the integrated FreePower charging technology can be purchased through any current James Martin Vanities account.

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As part of CEDIA Expo, Technology Designer’s Day of Discovery – Sept. 4-5 – will be an opportunity for design-build professionals to become immersed in all things smart home technology and how it can enhance design. In partnership with CEDIA, the association for smart home professionals, there will be two days of educational courses specifically curated for the design-build community. The Day of Discovery, which is sponsored by Savant, Coastal Source and Sonance, will also host curated tours of exhibitor booths for an up-close, hands-on experience to fully understand how to promote better smart solutions for your clients.

Day of Discovery Program

Keynote Luncheon Presentation
Thursday, Sept. 4, 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m., Mile High Ballroom, Colorado Convention Center

Renowned lighting authority, Stephen Margulies, is a founding partner of One Lux Studio with more than 35 years of experience. He has had the opportunity to collaborate with an international roster of architectural clients and world-class developers. Margulies will talk about the business opportunities for all trades in the rapidly expanding intentional lighting category and where the industry is headed.

Curated Trade Show Floor Tours for Design-Build Professionals

Tour groups will meet at the specified time in the middle of the main lobby of the Colorado Convention Center. You MUST be registered for CEDIA Expo and have a badge to get onto the show floor.

Thursday, Sept. 4

9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Enhance Your Design with Technology

10:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Technology Designed to Disappear

2:45 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. Explore the World of Intelligent Lighting

3:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Technology Designer’s Cool Stuff Tour

Friday, Sept. 5

9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Ambiance & Wellness Products

10:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Technology Can Be Beautiful!

2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Indoor/Outdoor Entertainment

3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Technology Designer’s Cool Stuff Tour

CEDIA Expo Specially Curated Education Tracks for Design-Build Professionals

Room 401, Colorado Convention Center

Thursday, Sept. 4

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Invisible Innovation: Integrating Hidden Technology into Design

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Integrated Lighting Remodel from a Frank Lloyd Wright Project

Friday, Sept. 5

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Think Outside the Box…Technology Can Be Beautiful!

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Smart Outdoor Living: Integrating Technology for Enhanced Experiences

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Next-Generation Towel Warmers
At the heart of these advancements are second-generation models of the Sirio, Quadro, Vega, Antus and Modello i collections. These upgraded models feature a completely redesigned electrical system and are engineered for seamless integration with Amba’s new Touch Digital Heat Controller — delivering improved performance, functionality and flexible installation options.

Touch Digital Heat Controller
Amba’s new Touch Digital Heat Controller is available in two configurations: a standard direct-connected model (ATW-TDHC) and a remotely wired option (ATW-TDHCR). Exclusive to the upgraded Vega, Quadro, Antus, Sirio and Modello i collections, the controller offers intuitive operation, clean aesthetics and includes a dedicated junction box for a streamlined installation experience.

Concealed Wall Box
To support the remote wiring option, Amba has introduced the Concealed Wall Box (ATW-CWB)—a sleek solution for housing junction boxes discreetly. Especially valuable for the Modello i collection, where one wall box per bar ensures a fully integrated, minimalist look.

Modern Brass Finish
Amba has also introduced a limited-edition modern brass finish for its Traditional Collection. This brushed, golden tone complements a variety of bathroom designs and closely resembles Kohler’s brushed moderne brass, giving customers a sophisticated new option for matching their towel warmer with existing fixtures.

Cape Collection Wet-Rated Kit
Building on the success of the Jeeves wet-rated kit, Amba is expanding its capabilities with a new wet-rated kit for the Cape Collection. This add-on allows Cape models to be safely hardwired in wet rooms, shower enclosures or other high-humidity areas—giving homeowners and designers even greater installation flexibility and peace of mind.

These updates reflect Amba’s continued commitment to innovation, design versatility, and user-friendly upgrades in both residential and commercial bathroom environments.

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The good news? You don’t need to become a tech expert. Instead, the most effective way to stay informed on the latest smart home technology offerings is by forming a trusted partnership with a design-centric home technology integrator. 

Why Smart Tech Is No Longer Optional 

Homeowners seek more than just beautiful spaces; they want their homes to be as intelligent as they are stylish. According to industry trends, clients are prioritizing technology in ways that enhance convenience, comfort, security and even wellness. 

• Lighting & Shading. Smart lighting controls and motorized window treatments are becoming standard requests. They allow homeowners to adjust lighting for different moods, improve energy efficiency and integrate circadian lighting to enhance well-being. 
• Kitchen & Bath Tech. From smart faucets and voice-controlled appliances to built-in entertainment systems, technology in these spaces is evolving quickly. 
• Home Automation. Clients appreciate the ability to control lighting, climate, security and entertainment from a single app or voice command. 
• Hidden Technology. Aesthetic concerns are addressed with hidden speakers, mirror TVs and recessed or motorized displays that integrate seamlessly into design plans. 

Partner with a Home Technology Integrator 

Technology is evolving at an unprecedented rate. Unlike appliances or cabinetry, where design cycles last several years, smart home technology advances constantly. This is precisely why kitchen and bath designers, interior designers and architects don’t need to be technology experts – they just need to know the right people. A qualified home technology integrator is your best resource for staying ahead of the curve. These professionals live and breathe home technology. Their job is to keep up with the latest offerings, ensuring you and your clients receive the best solutions for their homes. 

A professional tech integrator does the following: 

• Keeps you informed on the latest tech trends so you don’t have to research new products constantly. 
• Advises on product selection; they will suggest design-centric products that blend into the environment. 
• Collaborates with you early to ensure the technology fits seamlessly into your designs. 
• Creates design drawings and specifications to integrate technology smoothly with other trades like electricians and millworkers. 
• Ensures proper installation and client education so the technology performs reliably and is easy for homeowners. 

Just as there are different levels of craftsmanship in cabinetry, there’s a wide range of home technology professionals. It’s essential to partner with an integrator who understands design priorities and respects the aesthetic vision of your projects. 

When selecting an integrator, look for the following qualifications: 

• They Appreciate Design. The best integrators understand aesthetics and prioritize hiding technology when possible. 
• They Provide Design Documentation. Like other trades, an integrator should provide detailed drawings showing technology placement. 
• They Are Experienced in Luxury Homes. Luxury projects require expertise in integrating sophisticated systems while maintaining a beautiful interior. 
• They Offer Long-Term Support. Technology requires maintenance; the best integrators provide ongoing service and support. 

Where to Find a Design-Focused Integrator 

The Home Technology Association is the industry’s only company certification body for home technology integrators, setting the standard for excellence in the field. To further support interior designers, architects and builders, HTA created the ‘HTA Design Partner’ program, an opt-in designation available exclusively to integrators who have already passed the rigorous HTA certification process. HTA design partners are pre-vetted, highly qualified technology professionals who are committed to early collaboration, seamless design integration and respect the aesthetics of a space. You can search for qualified integrators here.

By working with a design-centric home technology integrator, you don’t need to be a technology expert to offer your clients the latest and best solutions. Instead, you’ll have a trusted partner who ensures that smart tech enhances, rather than disrupts, your design vision.

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As any seasoned installer knows, the bathroom is one of the most demanding spaces in the home, where lighting and airflow make all the difference. In fact, lighting quality and air circulation are two of the most important—and often overlooked—elements in bath design. Each control in this line highlights these benefits by improving daily comfort and adding lasting value to any bath remodel. These solutions let the pros move beyond basic on/off switches and exceed client expectations with added conveniences they did not know they needed.

With fast installations, advanced technology and a classic yet contemporary look, the Bath Control Line gives pros a powerful new way to delight customers and boost project value, without adding time or complexity.

Easy to Find, Easy on the Eyes 

The new Diva LED+ dimmer with night mode enhances both safety and comfort. The soft glow makes the switch discoverable in the dark without straining the eyes, a convenience clients will appreciate. The dimmer also automatically detects darkness and gently raises the bath’s lighting, preventing the sudden jolt of full brightness during half-asleep night time visits. The product is also equipped with advanced technology for superior dimming performance with LED and other popular bulb types.

Humidity Detection to Reduce Moisture, Mold and Mildew 

The new Lutron humidity sensor switch uses precision sensing technology to detect changes in moisture levels and automatically control exhaust fans to reduce mold and mildew. It reacts quickly to rapid humidity rises, such as during a shower and is engineered to handle sustained moisture levels, making it ideal for tropical or high-humidity markets. Lutron’s humidity sensor switch helps save energy and protect the bath remodel for years to come. 

Additional Options Ideal for Powder Rooms 

Lutron’s new LED+ dimmer & timer dual switch is perfect for baths with tight spaces. The new LED+ dual switch is for use with dimmable bulbs and controls both lighting and fans from one sleek device, saving wall space and reducing call-backs. When connected to a fan, the built-in timer conserves energy and helps prevent high humidity levels. 

Lutron’s new timer switch automatically shuts off lights and fans, so homeowners do not have to remember to return once humidity or odors are gone. Both install in about 15 minutes, making them a wise, value-adding upgrade for any project. 

All products debut in a sleek gloss white finish, designed to blend seamlessly into any modern bath. When installed side by side, the dimmer pairs beautifully with either the humidity sensor or the timer. The humidity sensor features a clean paddle-style switch, subtle white indicator lights and screwless faceplates (sold separately), ensuring a cohesive look with the rest of the Lutron Bath Control line.

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Wireless Easy Set-Up with New TempoFlex

Designed for ultimate flexibility, MrSteam’s new TempoFlex is a steam shower control that operates using wireless radio frequency, eliminating the need for a physical cable connection to the generator. The fully waterproof TempoFlex touch panel adjusts temperature and duration and controls the AromaSteam system and ChromaX lighting. It features a built-in rechargeable battery that holds a charge for up to six months. 

The elegantly designed TempoFlex:

• Installs on glass or almost any steam room wall material
• Features wireless connectivity within a 60-ft. range from the generator
• Includes a docking station and optional plug for a standard power outlet 
• Comes standard with an Aroma SteamHead
• Is available in black or white fascia and 13 designer trim finishes

New TempoTouch Control Brings Simplicity to Your Steam Experience  

The TempoTouch is a sleek steam shower control with easy, intuitive operation. Users can power the system on and off with a simple press of the center button and adjust the temperature by sliding or tapping along the arc interface. An LED display provides visual feedback with a color gradient that shifts from blue-ish purple to radiant red as the temperature increases. 

The TempoTouch:

• Offers a temperature range between 80 and 120 degrees
• Comes standard with an Aroma SteamHead
• Is available in all MrSteam Designer Finishes

MrSteam’s new SpaNet Hub extends the power of the iSteamX Control and App, allowing users complete control of up to four bathroom electronic devices from a single interface. Whether it’s heated floors, fog-free mirrors, towel warmers or lighting, the SpaNet Hub allows each device to be controlled and scheduled independently, so the well-being journey is always ready to begin when the user is.

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