Inside HGTV's Smart Home 2024 with Host Tiffany Brooks

Tiffany Brooks has been the visionary designer behind the HGTV Smart Home series for 10 years. Brooks’ designs continually push the boundaries of innovation, combining style and cutting-edge technology. This year, she took on the unique challenge of renovating a home in the multicultural city of Atlanta. With a keen eye on the existing architecture, Tiffany embarked on a seven-month journey to transform the space into a modern marvel.

Innovation and technology today spoke with Brooks about his creative process, the great smart features of HGTV Smart Home, and the future of smart home technology, like the rise of robots.

Innovation and technology today: Congratulations on building HGTV Smart Home for the tenth year in a row! Can you tell us about the design process?

Tiffany Brooks: Thank you so much. I am absolutely honored. Well, first, I started by feeling the vibe of Atlanta. Atlanta is different because it is very multicultural and diverse, so I focused on that as well as the architecture of the house.

Since this is our first year renovating a house instead of doing new construction, the architecture and bones of the house served as a starting point, and I went from there to create a design plan. In total, it lasted seven months.

I&T today: What are some of the most notable smart technologies and features in this year’s HGTV Smart Home?

streams: Flexible spaces! One thing I had a lot of fun with was incorporating multi-use spaces into my design. For example, the family room doubles as a library and office by incorporating custom bookcases and smart features like a Frame TV and computer screen that can be hidden with the press of a button.

We also had the opportunity to add functional technology to a hall closet to serve as laundry storage as well as a cleaning solution. Not only is there a hidden ironing board and basket, but a vacuum port is installed to make cleaning floors easier.

I&T today: How do you balance the aesthetic and functional aspects of a design, especially when integrating smart home technology?

streams: Intelligent design is about functionality, technology and sustainable living. In my experience, more brands than ever, especially in the home category, are turning to producing more practical and sustainable products. Smart home technology is becoming more and more common and, in turn, has created a greater variety of “prettier” options. So my selections were made much easier.

I&T today: As host and lead designer of the HGTV series Smart Home, what are the most exciting smart home innovations you’ve encountered?

streams: I love anything that moves and can be easily hidden, as well as anything that brings high technology to the outdoors. A pop-up charging station is definitely one of my favorites. Personally, I also like having wireless security cameras outside. Having a watchful eye on things, especially when I’m away, is life-changing.

I&T today: How do you see the future of smart home technology evolving and what trends should homeowners be aware of?

streams: Robots. 100%. I think we should prepare to welcome them. I know what that looks like, but if you think about how technology, especially AI, is growing and growing rapidly. It is not far to say that within 10 years, robots (especially in the domestic category) will be present in most homes.

I&T today: What advice would you give to future interior designers who are starting their career, particularly on integrating technology into their designs?

streams: My best advice would be to pay attention to the evolving technology around you. Interior design often follows fashion trends, and fashion is heavily influenced by technology. Understanding when and where to use technology is also important, as is consistency.

I&T today: Sustainability is a growing concern for many homeowners. How to incorporate eco-friendly technologies and sustainable practices into your smart home design?

streams: Sustainable living is part of smart design, so having a smart home also means incorporating eco-friendly elements and sustainable materials. I always look at how things are built, how they are made and how they will hold up over time. Knowledge is power here, which is why I make a conscious effort on what I include in my smart home designs.

I&T today: For homeowners looking to integrate smart technology into their home, where do you suggest they start and what are the essential features they should consider?
streams: I always say start with safety. Consider cameras, a video doorbell, and visuals throughout your home. This is an easy first step because it involves your safety and well-being. From there, you can move on to your appliances and then entertainment. But once again, safety first!