Smart home chic: Functional furnishings with a nod to tech

With the right gadgets and digital tools, you don't need to scrimp on style, says Sam Wylie-Harris

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It's safe to say, smart home technology is going from strength to strength-and with this, fashionable furnishings and decor to inspire you... and want to luxe up your life.

"As people spend increasingly more time in their living rooms, expectations of how our furnishings actually function, is slowly changing," highlights Gisela Lancaster, head of buying, Sofology.

For many people, she says the central role of furniture has shifted from purely stylish, comfortable seating, to an investment of multifunctional sofas that offer style. "As well as delivering on personalised comfort and convenient tech."

The smart sofa

Perhaps it's due to an increase in people working from home, or rise in popularity of listening and media rooms, but this year alone Lancaster says they've seen a 44% uplift in sales of sofas with additional tech features such as heated seats, fridges, smart consoles and speakers.

"Of course this isn't to everyone's taste, but growth within the smart sofa category has been consistent since 2023," says Lancaster. "Cinema-style sofa sales have increased approximately 75% year on year.

Look out for ranges which appeal to the style-conscious designer...