Install smart lighting

Most HA projects start with lighting. Being able to switch lights on throughout the house, wherever you are, or have them react to different sensors or events is a great way to get started in this field. There are a lot of options and the prices have plummeted. Check out ikea’s Trådfri range or the popular Philips Hue system.

Build a home cinema

How about the ability to convert your living room into a cinema at the click of a button? Logitech’s Harmony Hub allows you to control your TV, amp, and game consoles from your phone or Home Assistant. You can create complex scripts and also set lighting or lower blinds. Popcorn optional.

Set up a smart sound system

If you’re after some sounds, check out our recent tutorials on building the ultimate music server using Raspberry Pi and Mopidy. Create your own Sonos-rivalling system and have synced music throughout the home. A Raspberry Pi Zero with an inexpensive DAC (digital-to-analogue converter) HAT will give you excellent audio reproduction for a fraction of the commercial price. See issues 96, 97 & 98.

Control your central heating

Need to be cosy? Need to control exactly how cosy you are? Many solutions exist for remote control of central heating. We particularly like the motorised thermostats that can be quickly added to radiators as these give you precise control over every room and HA can use individual temperature sensors to get every room just right.

Build a magic mirror

A magic mirror places a screen behind a semi-transparent sheet. Once framed, it gives the impression of text floating in the air that can display your calendar, the weather, or anything else. To find out how to make one, pick up a copy of The MagPi issue 90.