Legrand Brings Lighting Technology into the 2017 HGTV Smart Home
Last week I ventured on a less than 24 hour trip to Scottsdale, Arizona to see how Legrand integrates lighting technology into the 2017 HGTV Smart Home, where they are major sponsors. When they asked me to join them, I did not hesitate, as Legrand is a brand I know well, and they know how to do things right, and integrating technology into the home while also enhancing the overall design of the space is one thing they do best.
Legrand at the Andaz Scottsdale Resort and Spa
I am familiar with Legrand product, as I specify their product for my projects regularly and I spotted their product throughout the Andaz Scottsdale Resort and Spa upon my arrival. Right away I regretted that I was there only to sleep, knowing I had to check out early to get to the event. The Andaz Scottsdale Resort and Spa is one place I could have stayed…for a while, escaping the sometimes stressful realities of home.
This was one place that emphasizes the details, both in their use of Legrand switches and wallplates, as well as the many other details, too many to mention. My mantra has always been that the details do make the difference, and this is a testament to that.
The 2017 HGTV Smart Home Designer, Tiffany Brooks
Once I awoke, I boarded a bus to the 2017 HGTV Smart Home along with a handful of bloggers and Legrand representatives. Once we arrived this year’s HGTV Smart Home interior designer, Tiffany Brooks, was present to share her insights on her design for the home. What a pleasure Tiffany was to talk to, as she shared her design process, inspiration and how she incorporated lighting technology into the 2017 HGTV Smart Home.
The 2017 HGTV Smart Home
Upon walking through the front entrance, I was greeted by a towering, 3-dimensional fireplace. At first glance, I thought I was looking at a high-end matte white tile, but Tiffany let out her secret – she used sheets of MDF that were cut with a CFC cutter to produce the stunning 3-D effect, and the sheets were then sanded and painted before being installed. Brilliant!
Tucked away on the side of the fireplace was the Legrand Pop-Out outlet, which discreetly and fashionably holds 3 outlets. When not in use, the outlets can be “popped” in.
In a corner of the living room and next to the door leading to the outdoors is a handsome sitting area, perfect for afternoon reading.
The trend in new builds has been go with an open floor plan, especially with the kitchen and family room. As the 2017 HGTV Smart Home was just constructed, it features a kitchen that opens up to the living area as well as comfortable counter seating, so that the host never has to stray too far from his or her guests when preparing a meal.
The expansive island features a waterfall edge countertop and again, the adorne Pop-Out Outlet makes an appearance. Outlets are a necessity at a kitchen island, but it isn’t always easy to know where to place them, and an unsightly outlet is not something you would want to put front and center. However, the Pop-Out Outlet in a magnesium finish (all switches and outlets are available in either magnesium or white) blends into the grey veining of the countertop and is the perfect accent for the side of a waterfall countertop.
Because this is a Smart Home, it is imperative to demonstrate how one can remain connected while in the kitchen. Underneath the upper cabinets is the adorne Under-Cabinet Lighting system. Having the electric wired from above enables the backsplash to be free of any outlets. This is especially important if you are working with a decorative tile and you are seeking a continuous pattern without the distraction of an outlet every few feet.
In addition to providing under-cabinet lighting, the adorne system also provides enables connectivity with your smart devices, which can be simultaneously charged via a USB or regular plug-in outlet. Above, the wireless music kit with speakers is shown, where a smart device can stream music and be simultaneously charged, all via Bluetooth technology.
Being a smart home, the kitchen contains the latest in kitchen appliance technology – an induction range, which utilizes magnetic induction to heat the cooking vessel. That being said, only flat-bottomed pots and pans can be used and only the area that is in direct contact with the cooking vessel will heat up. This results in no wasted heat, a rapid increase in temperature, which results in a pot of water boiling in about half the time, and my favorite feature – MUCH easier cleaning. For someone who hates to clean, this alone is reason to invest in induction cooking.
Situated opposite the kitchen and opening up to the living area is the wet bar, which features the Dacor Discovery Wine Station, a wine dispensing and preservation system that holds 4 bottles of wine for up to 60 days after opening without loss of flavor. The stainless steel adorne switch plate at the end of the counter blends in seamlessly with the stainless steel appliances and the contemporary finish of the Kohler Karbon articulating faucet.
The dining room is a modern yet harmonious blend of linear black and white lines contrasted with a medley of modern pastels.
At the entrance of the dining room, a switch plate from the radiant collection, Legrand’s recently launched collection, brings technology and a customizable aesthetic to the design-savvy consumer, but at a more affordable price-point.
The master bedroom features a contrasting transitional design of creamy lights and dramatic darks punctuated with navy blue. Light switches from the adorne collection are conveniently located within arm’s reach of the bed on either side. In addition, all the light switches in the home are wi-fi ready, allowing one to control all the lights in the home via a cloud-based app. Now THAT’s what I call a smart home!
The master bath is a striking contrast of simple, white tile and black grout for added definition and dimension, and a subtle contrast in tile pattern is shown on the tile placed immediately underneath the mirror. Outlets and wall plates are placed throughout and instead of distracting from the design of the room, they enhance it.
Although the home office is small it is packed with punch. The stunning artwork provides a visual escape from the tedium of bills and paperwork. I especially love the three works on the bottom left, from my friend and superstar designer, Kelli Ellis!
A floor to ceiling window lets in natural light at the end of the hallway to offset the dark charcoal painted walls, and a simple vignette is created incorporating the outside visual elements with what is placed inside the window.
One of the guest bedrooms features smoky plum-painted walls and a soothing grey and cream palette.
The greys seen in the bedroom are extended into the guest bath on the back wall of the shower.
At the back entrance that leads to the garage, a small nook houses a console and gallery wall, complete with a digital picture frame. A perfect space to store keys and drop off packages on the way in or out.
The walk-in pantry is a homeowner’s dream.
The same back hallway leads to the kitchen and the striking tile pattern is one that creates sets the tone for the space. The perfect welcome as one enters the home through the garage.
I hope you enjoyed my tour of the 2017 HGTV Smart Home!
