We sat down with Wes Palmer, Founder of Sound Effects, about the role of smart technology in today’s luxury homes.
"It’s not about having a ton of fancy gadgets, but about an entire system that feels seamless, natural and easy to use"
- Wes Palmer
For someone building a luxury home today, what’s the first piece of smart technology you recommend including?
Wes Palmer: "I typically suggest starting with a smart lighting system. It can dramatically change how you use your home on a day-to-day basis. Lighting systems can be automated, remotely controlled and customized trough apps, voice assistants or a smart home hub. It gives you full control of how and when your lights operate. Plus, it works great with other systems later on if you want to add more."
What are the most popular smart home features you're seeing high-end clients ask for right now?
Wes Palmer: "Lately, we’re seeing a lot of interest in lighting control, motorized shades, and whole-home audio. People like being able to set the mood with one button or have music playing throughout the house without dealing with multiple remotes. Security features like cameras and doorbell systems are also popular—especially equipment that ties into the rest of the system. It’s all about convenience and making everyday use a little easier."
What are some of the newest innovations in smart home tech that you’re excited about?
Wes Palmer: "AI-Powered home automation is where it is right now. Modern smart home systems now use artificial intelligence and machine learning to anticipate a homeowner’s needs. Systems like Josh.AI learn daily routines and preferences to adjust lighting, climate, music, and more without manual input. For example, your home can start heating or cooling just before you arrive or adjust lighting automatically based on the weather. It’s almost like your house can anticipate what you want. Also, some new security cameras allow you to search for things by just talking to them, which is pretty handy."
How has the demand for wellness-focused or energy-efficient tech changed your AV strategies?
Wes Palmer: "Now that wellness and energy-saving features is a bigger deal, we’ve had to change up how we do AV. It’s not just about great sound or video anymore — it’s about making the whole space feel better and run more efficiently. So, we’re bringing in things like lighting that adjusts with the time of day and smart thermostats. Using energy-efficient gear helps keep things working without wasting power. It’s really about making the home smarter and healthier overall."
In your opinion, what separates a standard smart home from a truly elevated, luxury smart experience?
Wes Palmer: "Honestly, it’s all about how everything just works together without you having to mess with it. It’s not about having a ton of fancy gadgets, but about the system feeling natural and easy to use. When your lights, music, security, and temperature all come together smoothly and you barely notice the tech, that’s when it feels really luxury."
What’s one smart feature most people overlook but love once they have it?
Wes Palmer: "I would say, smart shades are one of those things people don’t think about until they have them. Then they’re like, ‘Wow, this is awesome.’ Just being able to press a button or have them go up and down on their own makes a big difference. Plus, they help with privacy and keeping the place cool without any extra effort."
Looking ahead, how do you see luxury smart home design evolving over the next 5–10 years?
Wes Palmer: "I think smart homes are going to continue to evolve to make life easier without you even thinking about it. More AI and automation will mean your house can learn your habits and take care of things—like adjusting lighting, music, or temperature before you even ask. Plus, everything will be more connected and work together smoother, so it all feels super natural. The tech will just fade into the background and let you enjoy your space."
After the install, how does Sound Effects assist homeowners?
Wes Palmer: "Even after everything’s installed, we’ve got your back with SFXCare — our in-house team handles all the monitoring, updates, and support. Basically, if something comes up, just call us. We’re always here to help."
About Sound Effects Home Automation
Founded by Wesley Palmer in 2006, his mission has been to connect people with innovative technology solutions to simplify and enhance their lives at home and work. In 2018 Brad Caviar joined Sound Effects as our Vice President and Co-Owner bringing his past 25+ years of experience and expertise to the company. Fast forward to today, Sound Effects has grown to almost 50 employees all looking to establish lasting relationships with our customers by exceeding their expectations and gaining their trust through exceptional performance and delivering easy-to-use options for all electronics systems within their residential or commercial space.
