The journey of transforming an old, historic home into a modern, smart space is a delicate dance between preserving charm and embracing technological advancements. This is the story of a 1907 Craftsman house in Portland, Oregon, and the thoughtful upgrades it has undergone to become a unique blend of old-world charm and 21st-century convenience.
A Historic Home, a Modern Vision
At the heart of this project is a beautiful, century-old house, listed on the National Historic Registry, that has remained largely untouched since its construction. The new owners, with a limited budget and big dreams, set out to update and restore the home while maintaining its historical integrity. It's a challenging task, but one that offers a unique opportunity to blend the past and the future.
Smart Upgrades, Smart Choices
Smart Thermostat:
The first step was to address the home's heating system, which was not only outdated but also a potential health hazard due to carbon monoxide emissions. The choice fell on Ecobee's Enhanced Smart Thermostat, praised for its ease of use and intuitive interface. This upgrade not only provides comfort but also offers energy-saving benefits and monthly usage insights. The thermostat, with its vintage-inspired backing plate, blends seamlessly into the dining room, a subtle reminder of the home's fusion of eras.
Air Conditioning:
Installing a whole-home air conditioning system was a costly endeavor, so the owners opted for a more practical solution: Midea's smart window units. These units are not only energy-efficient but also designed to fit older windows, a perfect fit for this historic home. The U-shaped design allows for easy installation without compromising the vintage windows, and the remote control and scheduling features offer modern convenience.
Smart Locks:
Security and convenience were enhanced with Philips' 4200 Series Smart Deadbolt. This lock system does away with traditional keys, offering fingerprint entry and one-time codes for guests. What's impressive is its ability to work without additional hubs or dongles, making it an efficient and affordable choice. The smart lock has transformed the daily routine, offering peace of mind and autonomy to the family, especially their child.
Bidet Technology:
The bathroom received a significant upgrade with the installation of Toto's Aurora Washlet+. This state-of-the-art bidet system offers automatic seat lifting, auto-flush, and a dual-phase cleaning system, ensuring a sparkling bowl after every use. The innovative design, while modern, creates an interesting contrast in the 1970s-updated bathroom, adding a unique aesthetic to the home.
Smart Lighting:
Feit's smart LED bulbs and Zoiinet's Bluetooth light system have transformed the lighting in this old house. The smart bulbs allow for scheduling and remote control, while the Zoiinet system provides overhead lighting in bedrooms without the need for rewiring. These upgrades have enhanced the comfort and ambiance of the home, especially for those working from home.
Automatic Litter Box:
For the family's rescue cat, Jojo, an automatic litter box was a game-changer. Whisker's Litter-Robot 5 Pro provides a clean and efficient solution, offering regular data on Jojo's health and behavior. The box's advanced odor control ensures a fresh environment, and its unobtrusive design allows it to blend into the laundry room.
Retro Vacuum:
Vacuuming is made more enjoyable with Sebo's Felix and Automatic models. These retro-inspired vacuums are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, adding a touch of charm to the home.
Smart Sprinkler:
The yard, a quarter-acre jewel, received an upgrade with OtO's smart sprinkler. This movable unit, controlled via an app, provides efficient watering for the newly planted meadow. The solar-powered design and ability to set different zones make it an ideal choice for this historic garden.
Beverage System:
The kitchen, which is set for a full remodel, received a taste of the future with Kohler's Aquifer 4-in-1 Beverage System. This faucet system offers filtered, hot, and sparkling water, a convenient and cost-effective solution for the family's water needs.
Conclusion:
This project is a testament to the careful balance between preserving history and embracing progress. Each upgrade, from the smart thermostat to the retro vacuum, has been carefully selected to enhance the home's charm and functionality. It's a journey of discovery, where old and new coexist, creating a unique and personalized living space. As the owners continue their restoration, they are not just updating a house; they are crafting a home that tells a story of its past while embracing the possibilities of the future.
