The popularity of smart devices has surged over the years and is expected to continue into the foreseeable future. Last year, the Smart Home survey revealed that 57% of British households were equipped with some form of smart technology to control appliances, which was a 30% increase from 2017. However, another survey found that 47% of respondents felt overwhelmed by smart technology.

Smart home devices are often considered too complicated, but they're attainable for all households. You don't need advanced technical knowledge or an ultra-modern property to automate your home. Smart technology simply refers to connecting devices to a network so that you can manage them digitally. However, if you aren't sure where to start, here are ten smart gadgets that will upgrade your home.

1. Smart TV

As TV's are already an electrical item, a smart version of this appliance is less alien to those who aren't heavily familiar with smart technology. These devices make it extremely easy to access subscription services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime, gaming platforms, and social media. Some models even offer voice command, so you don't have to spend time typing out login details or programme names.

2. Smart toilet

As well as having a sleek design, smart toilets offer many practical benefits. No toilet paper is needed with this device as it cleans you after use with water jets. It also flushes automatically to limit physical contact for hygienic purposes.

The smart technology makes it much easier to use the toilet at night. A built-in nightlight stops you from dazzling your eyes with bright overhead lighting when you’re half-asleep, and the slow-closing lid will keep you from waking everybody up by accidentally slamming it shut. This gadget also improves on comfort with heated seats, deodorisers, and a drying feature.

If you don't want to replace your entire toilet, the UK's sole domestic luxury smart toilet and bidet toilet seat brand, Washloo, provide attachable smart toilet seats to fit onto your existing toilet.

3. Smart lighting

Replacing your regular lightbulbs with smart alternatives allows you to control them digitally, so you never have to wonder if you forgot to turn the lights off again. You can even set a lighting schedule to suit your routine and customise the lighting to create a specific ambience.

On top of this, LED bulbs are much more energy-efficient and can trim £40 off your energy bills each year. It’s also much better for the environment, helping you create a more sustainable home.

4. Smart heating controls

Smart heating systems allow you to control your central heating remotely so you can ensure your property is warm before you get home. You can access energy reports too so that you can identify where you can use less energy. Smart meters also provide a more transparent analysis of the cost of your energy use.

According to the Energy Saving Trust, fitting a room thermostat, a programmer and thermostatic radiator valves, can reduce your annual energy bill by £75.

5. Smart security

A smart home security system, which may include surveillance cameras, smart locks, and a smart alarm system, provides a more effective way of keeping your property safe. You can monitor and control your security gadgets when you aren't home, to check everything is how you left it and to keep an eye on pets. If any unusual activity does occur, smart security devices will alert you so that you can handle it immediately.

6. Smart speakers

Most people are now familiar with smart speakers due to famous products such as Siri and Alexa. Not only can these devices play your favourite music wirelessly, but they can also answer questions and requests through the virtual voice assistant feature.

Many models can connect to other smart home devices too so that you can manage all gadgets with the speaker through voice command. If you need help organising your life, you can set reminders and alarms with the speaker too.

7. Smart vacuum

If you dread the weekly hoovering job, invest in a robot vacuum so you never have to endure the tedious chore again. You can set cleaning schedules for this device through an app or voice command. Robot vacuums can automatically adapt to different floor surfaces, and some products use a navigation system to find its way around your home until it returns to the base station.

However, you'll need to follow the maintenance advice to prolong the product's lifespan, which may include emptying the bin after each use.

8. Smart fridge

Integrating smart technology into your fridge may seem excessive, but it can provide numerous benefits. The internal fridge cameras allow you to monitor what food you have in your home, while you're writing the grocery list or are at the supermarket. It also alerts you to when items are near the expiry date, to help you avoid wasting food.

The touchscreen interface on the fridge door allows you to manage the temperature accurately and some even work as a TV, so you can watch your favourite TV programme while cooking.

9. Smart taps

Intelligent taps are a great way to modernise bathrooms and kitchens. The sleek design of the fixtures will integrate well with any stylish aesthetic, and the technological features enhance the function. Smart taps have a digital screen on the front so that you can precisely adjust the water's temperature and flow. Due to the sensory system, the device is also non-contact, to enhance hygiene and prevent wear-and-tear.

10. Smart blinds

Using a remote, voice command, or an app, you can automatically close and open smart blinds that have a built-in motor for extra convenience. You can also schedule the blinds to open and close at particular times of the day, which is a great way to create the illusion of someone being home if you're on holiday. Some of the more advanced models have light sensors, which ensures you maximise on natural light.

Integrating your home with smart technology will bring a sense of luxury to your property, enhance convenience, and ensure you're using all your devices efficiently.

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.