Here are ideas for refreshing a lighting system to be more practical and intuitive, with a focus on one often-overlooked feature: lighting control keypads. Many aspects of lighting control benefit homeowners, but this discussion centers on how keypads mitigate the disadvantages of typical wall switches and dimmers. Standard switches are one-device, one-light controls that work […]

Full-color-control lighting—where fixtures can shift to nearly any hue—has traditionally been the domain of commercial spaces like theaters, restaurants, and event venues. In recent years, these capabilities have made their way into select homes, often as a novelty feature. For many homeowners, changing the color of lighting feels like a fun extra rather than a […]

In the first two parts of this series, the focus centered on technology new homeowners may encounter when purchasing a house equipped with wiring, built-in audio systems, integrated lighting, shades, or automation. Many homes today include a mix of old and new technologies, sometimes installed at different times over many years. Without clarity on which […]