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Automation & Control

forrest@theinnovative.group
In Audio / Video, Automation & Control, Custom Install, Home Automation, Home Theater, Speakers, Technology

Top 5 Smart Home Features Homeowners Are Installing in 2025

Top 5 Smart Home Features Homeowners Are Installing

Thinking about upgrading your home with smart technology?

You’re not alone. In 2025, more homeowners are embracing smart home solutions to enhance comfort, convenience, and security. Whether you’re building a custom home or renovating your current space, these trending smart home features are leading the way.

Here are the top 5 smart home features homeowners are installing in 2025—and why they’re worth considering for your home.

Home Automation
Custom Lighting Keypad Control4

Smart Lighting Control

From custom lighting scenes to automated schedules, smart lighting is transforming how homeowners manage their spaces. With systems like Lutron or Control4, lighting can be set to match your mood, time of day, or activity—automatically.

Why it’s trending in 2025:

  • Enhances ambiance and aesthetics

  • Boosts energy efficiency

  • Improves security with vacation or “mockupancy” modes

Bonus: Smart lighting pairs perfectly with motorized shades for full daylight control.

Whole-Home Audio

Imagine walking through your home with seamless music in every room, controlled from your phone or voice assistant. Whole-home audio is one of the most requested smart features in homes this year. Whether entertaining guests or relaxing on your porch in, distributed audio systems give you rich, immersive sound—everywhere.

Benefits:

  • Stream music, podcasts, or TV audio throughout the home

  • Integrate with platforms like Sonos, Control4, or Josh.ai

  • Easy zone control for different areas

Motorized Window Treatments

Today’s mix of modern homes and historic architecture calls for elegant, functional design—and motorized shades and drapes are leading the way. These window treatments can open and close based on time of day, temperature, or even voice command.

Top features:

  • Quiet, wireless operation

  • Solar sensors and scene-based controls

  • Seamless integration with lighting systems

Custom fabrics and concealed installs add a designer touch to everyday functionality.

Home Security and Surveillance

Home Security & Surveillance

In 2025, smart home security is about more than just cameras—it’s about peace of mind. Homeowners are investing in integrated systems that include doorbell cameras, smart locks, motion sensors, and remote monitoring.

Must-have capabilities:

  • Get alerts and check cameras from anywhere

  • Integrate with smart lighting to deter intruders

  • Control access for guests, deliveries, or service workers

Smart security adds safety and convenience.

Custom Home Theaters & Media Rooms

With more time spent entertaining at home, dedicated media rooms and theaters are surging in popularity. Homeowners want a cinema-quality experience without leaving the house—and they’re getting it with 4K projection, Dolby Atmos sound, and acoustically treated rooms.

Why it matters:

  • Perfect for family nights, sports, and streaming concerts

  • Adds value to luxury homes

  • Tailored designs match modern or traditional interiors

Paired with lighting, shades, and automation, your home theater becomes a true escape.

Upgrade Your Home with Innovative Sight & Sound

At Innovative Sight & Sound, we design and install luxury smart home systems across the Southeast. With over 19 years of experience and a dedicated local team, we make smart living easy, elegant, and fully customized to your lifestyle.

Ready to bring smart home technology to your home?

isabella@theinnovative.group
In Audio / Video, Automation & Control, Home Automation, Project Spotlight, Speakers

Elevating Ambrosia: Smart Automation and Lighting by Innovative Sight & Sound 30A

Creating the Perfect Dining Ambiance

At Ambrosia Prime Seafood and Steaks, located in the Watersound Town Center near 30A, the dining experience goes beyond the exquisite food. The ambiance plays a pivotal role in enhancing the overall experience, and Innovative Sight & Sound 30A was brought in to ensure that every detail was meticulously executed. By integrating Control4 automation and centralized lighting control, we crafted a moody and elegant atmosphere that complements the high-quality dining offered at Ambrosia.

The lighting system is fully automated, allowing staff to easily adjust the ambiance according to the time of day or special events, all from Control4 touch panels or iPads. This level of control ensures that the restaurant’s atmosphere is always just right, whether it’s a romantic dinner for two or a lively gathering of friends.

Learn more on smart automation

Seamless Integration of Audio and Video

To maintain the restaurant’s sophisticated aesthetic, we seamlessly integrated audio and video solutions. JBL speakers were strategically placed throughout the space, ensuring high-quality sound that complements the dining experience without overpowering conversations. We took extra care to custom color-match the speaker covers to blend perfectly with the ornate ceiling tiles, preserving the restaurant’s elegant design.

In addition to the audio system, LG TVs were wall-mounted with a cordless installation, providing entertainment options without detracting from the restaurant’s upscale feel. The focus was on delivering a clean and unobtrusive installation.

Explore Whole Home Audio Today!

Robust and Reliable Network Infrastructure

Behind the scenes, a robust Ruckus network was implemented to ensure that all systems—whether it’s the Control4 automation, the audio and video solutions, or the day-to-day operations—run smoothly and without interruption. This reliable network backbone is crucial for maintaining the high standards expected at a fine dining establishment like Ambrosia.

With everything integrated into a single, user-friendly interface, the restaurant staff can easily manage all aspects of the environment, allowing them to focus on what they do best: delivering an unforgettable dining experience.

Elements of the Ambrosia Project

Lighting

Contol4 automation and centralized lighting control

Speakers

Speakers, with custom color matched speaker covers to blend into ornate ceiling tiles

Integrations

All audio and lighting controlled through Control4 touch panels and iPads

Interested in Elevating Your Own Space?

Discover how Innovative Sight & Sound can bring the perfect blend of technology and design to your next project.

forrest@theinnovative.group
In Audio / Video, Automation & Control, Commercial, Custom Install, Design, Speakers, Technology

Commercial Spaces

Commercial Technology Solutions

INTEGRATED COMMERCIAL SPACES

We specialize in technology solutions for any office environment, from meeting room spaces with interactive whiteboards and presentation solutions to restaurants looking to provide entertaining audio and video for customers. Implementing an automation and control system in a commercial space optimizes operations, reduces costs, and enhances security, comfort, and overall productivity, making it a valuable investment for any business.

Connect, integrate, and automate your space to ensure your time is spent focusing on top priorities, not figuring out how to make the technology work.

We design and integrate custom solutions that improve your customers’ experience and provide your employees with an environment that increases productivity.

OUR SERVICES

  • Design / Consultation
  • Pre-Wire / Installation
  • Programming
  • Service & Support
  • System Takeover

Advantages of automation technology in your commercial space

1. Increased Energy Efficiency

  • Automated Lighting: Smart lighting systems can adjust brightness based on occupancy and natural light levels, reducing energy consumption.
  • HVAC Control: Automated thermostats and climate control systems optimize heating, ventilation, and air conditioning based on usage patterns and weather conditions, leading to significant energy savings.

2. Enhanced Security

  • Surveillance Systems: Automated security systems can include surveillance cameras, motion detectors, and alarm systems that provide real-time monitoring and alerts.
  • Access Control: Automated access control systems allow for secure entry management, ensuring only authorized personnel can enter specific areas.

3. Improved Comfort and Convenience

  • Climate Control: Automated climate systems ensure a comfortable environment by maintaining consistent temperatures and humidity levels.
  • Lighting Control: Automated lighting systems can create customized lighting scenes for different activities, enhancing the overall ambiance and comfort.

4. Operational Efficiency

  • Remote Monitoring and Management: Automation systems allow for remote monitoring and control of various building functions, reducing the need for on-site personnel and enabling quick response to issues.
  • Scheduled Maintenance: Automated systems can track equipment performance and schedule maintenance tasks, preventing downtime and extending the lifespan of equipment.

5. Cost Savings

  • Reduced Utility Bills: By optimizing energy use, automation systems can lead to substantial reductions in electricity, heating, and cooling costs.
  • Lower Maintenance Costs: Predictive maintenance enabled by automation can prevent costly repairs and extend the life of equipment.

6. Scalability and Flexibility

  • Adaptability: Automation systems can be easily scaled and customized to meet the specific needs of a growing business, making it simple to add new devices or functionalities as needed.
  • Integration: Modern automation systems can integrate with existing infrastructure and other smart technologies, creating a cohesive and adaptable environment.

7. Data Collection and Analysis

  • Performance Insights: Automation systems collect data on energy usage, equipment performance, and occupancy patterns, providing valuable insights for optimizing operations.
  • Informed Decision-Making: Access to detailed data allows businesses to make informed decisions about resource allocation, energy use, and facility management.

8. Enhanced Employee Productivity

  • Comfortable Work Environment: Maintaining an optimal environment improves employee comfort and productivity.
  • Streamlined Processes: Automated systems can handle routine tasks, freeing employees to focus on more strategic activities.

9. Improved Customer Experience

  • Tailored Environments: For customer-facing areas, automation can create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere tailored to specific times of day or events.
  • Reliable Operations: Automation ensures consistent service delivery, enhancing customer satisfaction.

10. Sustainability and Environmental Impact

  • Reduced Carbon Footprint: Efficient energy use contributes to a lower carbon footprint, supporting sustainability goals and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
  • Compliance with Regulations: Automation can help businesses comply with energy efficiency and environmental regulations, avoiding potential fines and enhancing their reputation.

AUDIO / VIDEO

AUTOMATION & VOICE CONTROL

VIDEO CONFERENCING

LIGHTING & MOTORIZED SHADES

SECURITY

VIDEO WALLS & DISPLAYS

Let's Design Your Space

CONTACT US TO BEGIN

Use the form provided to connect with an Innovative team in your area. With a little information on the specifics of your project, we can recommend next steps to to presenting you with the best technology solutions that are a fit for your needs. We work with architects, builders, and designers frequently and are happy to connect with your project representative as needed.

We look forward to working with you on your next project. 

Innovative Design Center Locations

ATLANTA, GA

Our Georgia location serves the entire Atlanta metro and surrounding areas. Contact our team for your project needs.

BIRMINGHAM,AL

Our Alabama location serves the entire Birmingham area as well as Auburn, Huntsville and surrounding lake properties. Contact our team for your project needs.

CHARLESTON, SC

Serving clients in Charleston, Daniel Island, Kiawah Island and Mt. Pleasant. Click here to get started on your next project.

NORTHWEST FLORIDA

Serving Destin, 30-A, Santa Rosa Beach, Panama City, and more. Click here to connect with our team in Northwest Florida.

TAMPA / CLEARWATER

Serving customers in Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg and Naples area. Connect with our local team by clicking here.