In the luxury real estate market, elegance and technology are no longer separate conversations- they’re expected to work together. Buyers of high-end properties in Chicago are not just searching for timeless architecture, they want homes that are intuitive, secure, and ready to support a connected lifestyle. And while smart home features used to be a novelty, today they’re a major value driver in both resale and daily living.
At Digital Systems & Integration, we work closely with homeowners across Chicagoland to elevate their homes through seamless automation and aesthetic integration. Here are five smart home upgrades that not only bring effortless luxury into your life, but also make your home more desirable to future buyers.
Lighting That Adapts to Your Life and Style
Lighting is more than just functional, it’s foundational to how a space feels. Custom lighting scenes that adapt to time of day, activity, or mood are one of the most impactful smart home upgrades. Using systems like Lutron HomeWorks, we design lighting experiences that elevate everything from entertaining to relaxation.
Imagine lights that automatically brighten in the morning, shift warmer in the evening, and set the perfect ambiance with a single voice command or button press. These aren’t just conveniences, they’re emotional design tools. And for resale? Lighting advancements allow us to experience color temperatures in a whole new way. For example, artwork, granite and other design features can be viewed the way the artist and designer intended. Additionally, custom lighting scenes make a dramatic impression on potential buyers during walkthroughs.
Disappearing Displays with Mirror TVs
Tech should blend in, not stick out. That’s why Séura TV Mirrors have become a top choice for homeowners who want form and function in equal measure. Whether it’s in a primary bathroom, a formal living room, or a luxury dressing area, a mirror TV hides your display behind a sleek reflective surface that only reveals itself when in use.
It’s a simple but powerful upgrade that maintains the visual integrity of your space—and it’s one of those details that buyers immediately associate with a high-end, thoughtful build.
Motorized Window Treatments That Think for You
Smart shades are one of the most underrated luxuries in a connected home—and they add significant value. Whether you’re managing sunlight, privacy, or energy efficiency, motorized shades from brands like Lutron Palladiom and Clara adjust automatically based on the time of day or even the sun’s position.
Beyond convenience, they protect your interiors (think: hardwood floors, textiles, artwork) from UV damage, which is a major plus for luxury homeowners. And let’s not ignore the design benefits: no cords, no visual clutter, just sleek, programmable movement that makes living—and staging—better.
Whole-Home Audio That Disappears
Gone are the days of floor speakers and tangled wires. Whole-home audio systems now live in your walls and ceilings, powered by brands like Bang & Olufsen, Sonance, and James Loudspeaker. These setups allow music, podcasts, or even TV audio to follow you from room to room—without the eyesore.
Whether you’re hosting a cocktail party or enjoying a quiet Sunday at home, the ability to control sound across zones is both luxurious and expected. When it’s time to sell, integrated audio becomes one of those “silent” features that buyers didn’t know they wanted—until they experience it.
Voice Control That’s Private and Design-First
Josh.ai redefines what it means to live in a smart home. This voice-first platform allows you to control lights, shades, music, climate, and more—with natural voice commands and unmatched privacy. Unlike mainstream assistants, Josh doesn’t sell or store your data, and its minimalist hardware blends seamlessly with even the most refined spaces.
What sets Josh apart is not just what it does, but how it does it: securely, beautifully, and without intruding on your design aesthetic. Buyers are increasingly aware of digital privacy—and Josh is the clear choice when luxury and discretion matter.
Elevate Today, Benefit Tomorrow
Designing a smart home isn’t just about keeping up with trends. It’s about investing in comfort, efficiency, and value that pays off now—and down the line. Whether you’re remodeling, building from scratch, or just ready to bring your home into the future, these upgrades offer beauty and brains in equal measure.
At Digital Systems & Integration, we specialize in turning homes into intelligent, design-driven experiences. Let’s make your home one that sells itself—today and tomorrow.