My Favorite Home Automation for a Cozy Home
Some people use home automation to control dozens of devices, set up complicated routines, or create an ultra-techy smart home.
That’s not me.
I use Alexa for one simple reason: it makes our home feel more comfortable.
Every automation we have solves a small everyday problem or adds a little convenience. They’re simple changes, but they’re ones we use every single day.
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My Morning Routine Starts with Alexa
Every workday begins the same way.
My daily treat to myself is stopping by CC’s Coffee and grabbing a coffee to go. Once I’m home, I head upstairs to my office, set my coffee on my desk, and say:
“Alexa, turn on the lights.”
Instead of using the harsh ceiling light, Alexa turns on the three lamps in my office. The warm lighting instantly makes the room feel cozy and inviting, and it’s a much nicer way to start the workday.
My next command is always:
“Alexa, play the most recent Watch What Crappens podcast.”
I’ve been listening to Watch What Crappens for over 12 years, and hearing Ben and Ronnie every morning has become part of my workday routine. The combination of warm lighting, coffee, and a few laughs before diving into emails or projects is honestly one of my favorite parts of the day.
It’s a tiny routine, but it completely changes how my office feels.
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Turning Off the Bedroom Light Without Getting Out of Bed
At night, one of my favorite Alexa commands is also one of the simplest.
Once we’re settled into bed, I can simply say:
“Alexa, turn off the bedroom light.”
No getting back up.
No walking across the room.
No wondering who forgot to turn off the light.
It’s one of those little conveniences that you don’t realize you’ll appreciate until you have it.
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Controlling Our Roku TV with Alexa
We also use Alexa to power our Roku TV.
Instead of searching for the remote, we can simply ask Alexa to turn the TV on or off. It’s another small convenience, but when you use it every day, it becomes second nature.
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Patio String Lights with One Command
Our patio string lights are also connected to Alexa.
When we’re ready to sit outside in the evening, all it takes is:
“Alexa, turn on the patio lights.”
The lights come on instantly, and the patio immediately feels warm and welcoming.
Sometimes the smallest touches make the biggest difference.
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Why I Keep My Smart Home Simple
I don’t have dozens of automations or complicated routines.
In fact, I think the best home automation is the kind you barely think about.
Every Alexa command we use has one goal:
- Make our home feel cozier.
- Remove a little everyday friction.
- Make spaces easier to enjoy.
That’s it.
If a smart device doesn’t genuinely improve our daily life, I don’t feel the need to automate it.
The Smart Home Products We Use
You don’t need an elaborate setup to enjoy home automation.
Our system is surprisingly simple:
- Amazon Echo device
- Smart plugs
- Smart bulbs
- Roku TV
- Patio string lights
Those few products have been enough to make several rooms in our home feel more comfortable and convenient.
Final Thoughts
Home automation doesn’t have to be complicated.
For us, it’s simply about making everyday moments a little easier.
Whether it’s walking into a cozy office every morning, turning off the bedroom light without getting out of bed, or lighting up the patio before spending time outside, these little conveniences have become part of our daily routine.
And honestly?
I wouldn’t want to start my workday without hearing:
“Alexa, turn on the lights.”
followed immediately by:
“Alexa, play the most recent Watch What Crappens podcast.”
Lisa Thompson
Hi, I'm Lisa, a software engineer, photographer, and creator behind Redcypress Designs. I share practical home solutions, beginner-friendly juicing tips, cozy living ideas, Pinterest experiments, and products that solve real everyday problems. Most of the projects, recipes, and reviews on this site come from my own experiences, testing, and occasional mistakes.
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