Here is the home tech that is worth the investment to add convenience plus value to any home.

Kohler Smart Shower System

Kohler's DTV Digital Shower System takes the shower experience to a whole new level. Imagine being able to dial in the precise water, background music, steam level, and lighting design into a shower experience and that is the fingertip control offered here.

With every setting fully customizable through an easy to use, water-proof touch panel--Kohler has thought of everything.

This shower system can be retrofitted for any bath but works best when the shower has been designed as a "wet room." Combine these digital controls with a Kohler "rain" shower kit for an unbelievable spa-like experience in the master bath.

Alexa home hub

Photo courtesy of Alexander Goldstein

Alexa has many features, but many people are surprised to find out it works great as a smart home controller. Kohler digital devices like the shower system can even be paired with it.

Using Alexa through an Echo device can be configured to power thermostats, speakers, smart TV's, and lighting fixtures. Setting the climate and mood of a room with just voice commands is not only a great party trick--it saves energy as well.

Alexa can be powered through a home's Wi-Fi or a direct Bluetooth connection. New Alexa-enabled devices can be added all the time to scale the smart capabilities of this AI-enabled assistant.

Nest Thermostats

Historic homes, like many of the Spanish-style beauties found in Montecito, California and the surrounding areas can benefit from a more modern thermostat system.

The Nest Learning Thermostat is an excellent choice in digital thermostat selections because it adapts to the owner's schedule and usage habits.

Being able to adjust the temperature using a smartphone, laptop, or tablet from anywhere in the room is another modern convenience that isn't fully appreciated until it's experienced.

Nest currently works with 95% of heating and cooling systems, including gas, electric, forced air, heat pump, radiant, oil, hot water, solar and geothermal.

This solution is not only more sensitive to the user's tastes. It's more eco-friendly than legacy thermostats as well.

When it comes to smart home tech, there are a lot of unnecessary devices on the market, but these three choices not only provide the luxury and customization they promise but improve the efficiency and value of the home.

The post The Best Home Tech To Invest In Right Now appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

A smart home is a residence that uses internet-connected devices, such as your phone or iPad, to enable the remote monitoring and management of appliances and systems: adjust the temperature, lighting, music or even the digital artwork in order to indulge your mood or satisfy a need. At the touch of a button that Van Gogh becomes a Picasso; those glass walls become tinted for privacy; the lights become dim and the sound system softly fills your home with the sultry Nora Jones. Smart technology allows you to transform your home according to your latest whim and from any place in the world.

From the rolling hills in the Czech Republic, to the white spruce forests of Canada, to the best beaches in California, the smart-home phenomenon has toured globally and, undoubtedly, has confirmed that high-tech is the new-norm for a hefty-price. And so, let's peer into some of these splendid smart homes, shall we?

Central Bohemia, Czech Republic

Central Bohemia, Czech Republic. Courtesy of Christie's International Real Estate.

High-tech often equals sleek and minimal.

This modern marvel boasts an interior just under 12,000 square feet and consists of two separate villas that are located in the quiet village of Ořech, just a short distance from the border and center of Prague. Located in an ideal serene setting with a massive garden spanning over 30,000 square feet, this chic abode boasts state-of-the-art equipment and technology, as well as a fitness-wellness area, wine cellar and home cinema. And that's just for starters.

Central Bohemia, Czech Republic. Courtesy of Christie's International Real Estate.

Other amenities include Finnish and steam sauna, solarium, heated pool, whirlpool, custom made furniture, designer outdoor furniture, heated entry ramp to the garage and underfloor heating. Fully automatic operation allows for smart-style remote control of this contemporary property. As you leave work and head home, you might remotely change the ambiance at home for your significant other by dimming the lights and playing some sultry jazz. It creates a mood more effortless than drinking wine and there's no hangover to be had.

British Columbia, Canada

5791 Newton Wynd, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Courtesy of Christie's International Real Estate.

5791 Newton Wynd, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Courtesy of Christie's International Real Estate.

The home is also fully equipped with Control 4 Smart Home Automation. The security system, all interior and exterior lights, the sound system and TVs can be controlled using a smart phone or iPad.

Laguna Beach, California

2661 Victoria Drive, Laguna Beach, California. Courtesy of Sotheby's International Realty.

Hi-tech may also equal stylish and sun-drenched chic.

Sheathed in floor-to-ceiling glass, this 6,500 square-foot home spans over three levels – all opening to expansive limestone terraces. This home is where swanky beach style meets smart-house technology and leaves no immediate or future desire unfulfilled.

2661 Victoria Drive, Laguna Beach, California. Courtesy of Sotheby's International Realty.

The primary level of this home features the living room and formal dining and a stunning contemporary kitchen with lounge. The upper level contains a spectacular master suite and private ocean-view office. The lower level has an elegant bar, large family room, guest rooms, gym, and temperature controlled wine cellar for over 700 bottles. It's akin to having Napa or Sonoma within reach of your fingertips.

2661 Victoria Drive, Laguna Beach, California. Courtesy of Sotheby's International Realty.

On the global frontier of smart-home technology, it's quite obvious that Home Sweet Home has morphed into Home Smart Home.

Top Image: Laguna Beach, California. Courtesy of Sotheby's International Realty.

The post Fifty Shades Of Real Estate: High-Tech Smart Homes That Will Leave You Breathless appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.