Interiors and Gadgets

As a child of the 80's, I should probably love technology, and I do, in a way.  What I hate though is the use of technology for the sake of it in properties.

I am married to a self-confessed geek so my own house does have a few non-essential gadgets, like smartphone controlled plugs, but these are brilliantly useful for turning lights on and off randomly when we are away, or for turning an outside light on and off without the need for wiring a switch which would be more costly and messy than the smartphone controlled plug. (Belkin WeMo switches - they are amazing!) 

I have been away for a short stay in a cottage where my hatred for technology for the sake of it was pushed into overdrive.  The cottage has 3 bedrooms, which were all ensuite.  The ensuites were nice, with soft closing toilet seats, contemporary shower, and automatic light and extractor. The automatic light and extractor were brilliant, until you want to go in the middle of the night which wakes everyone else up!!  It was clear that this must have seemed a brilliant idea to the owner, who doesn't live there and hadn't thought about the practicalities but told us with great pride about these "automatic" bathrooms. 

I guess I'm trying to say that technology can be great, and can make our lives easier, dare I say, better.  Beware of the gimmicks, and think if the gadget really helps.  My other advice is that if you do decide to include gadgets, think about the back up plan.  Can it be easily overridden? The automatic bathroom couldn't, which is why it drove us mad, had there been a switch to turn it off I would have probably loved the convenience throughout the day.