Beyond the Ring Doorbell: 5 Creative Ways to Use Smart Home Automations

Smart home devices have changed the way we live — from answering the door without getting up to controlling lights with your voice. Most people start with something simple like a Ring Doorbell or a smart bulb, but the real magic of home automation lies beyond these basics.

If you’ve already dipped your toes into the world of smart gadgets, now’s the time to level up. Here are five creative and practical smart home automations that go beyond the doorbell and truly make your home smarter, safer, and more comfortable.

1. Automate Your Morning Routine

Imagine waking up to soft lights, the smell of freshly brewed coffee, and your favorite morning playlist. With smart home automation, you can make this happen — no magic wand required.

Here’s how to set it up:

• Smart plugs and coffee makers: Connect your coffee machine to a smart plug like the TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug Mini. Schedule it to start brewing 10 minutes before your alarm goes off.
• Smart lighting systems: Philips Hue or Govee lights can slowly brighten to mimic sunrise — helping you wake up naturally.
• Voice assistants: Ask Alexa or Google Assistant to read out the day’s weather and news.

Pro tip: Link your phone’s alarm with your smart assistant. When the alarm turns off, your lights, blinds, and coffee maker can all spring into action simultaneously.

This small automation transforms chaotic mornings into calm, efficient starts.

2. Smart Climate Control for Comfort and Energy Savings

Energy bills are rising, and nobody likes coming home to a freezing or overheated house. Smart thermostats, like the Google Nest Learning Thermostat or ecobee Smart Thermostat, are built to balance comfort with efficiency.

How it helps:

• Learns your schedule: After a few days, the thermostat automatically adjusts to your preferences.
• Geofencing technology: It detects when you’re away and reduces energy use.
• Voice control: You can adjust the temperature just by asking Alexa or Siri.

Bonus idea: Combine your thermostat with smart blinds. When the afternoon sun hits, blinds can automatically close to reduce heat, cutting down on AC usage.

It’s like having a personal climate concierge — and it pays for itself over time.

3. Pet Care Automations That Simplify Your Life

Pet parents, rejoice — smart tech can make life easier for both you and your furry friend.

Here are a few pet-friendly automation ideas:

• Smart pet feeders: Devices like PETLIBRO Automatic Pet Feeder dispense meals on schedule, even if you’re not home.
• Smart cameras: Keep an eye on your pets through Eufy Security Indoor Cam or Arlo Q, which lets you talk to your pets remotely.
• Temperature control: Set your thermostat to maintain a comfortable temperature for your pet while you’re away.
• Motion-triggered lights: Help older pets navigate the house safely at night.

You can even create a “pet mode” using Alexa routines — for example, when you say “Alexa, I’m leaving,” it turns on background music and activates cameras to monitor your pets.

4. Smarter Security Beyond the Door

The Ring Doorbell is a great first step into smart security, but there’s much more you can do.

Consider combining multiple devices for layered protection:

• Smart locks: Brands like August Wi-Fi Smart Lock and Schlage Encode allow keyless entry and let you grant digital access codes to guests.
• Smart lighting for deterrence: Use motion sensors or presence simulation to make it seem like someone’s always home.
• Outdoor cameras and sensors: Automate garden or backyard lighting based on detected movement.

Advanced trick: Integrate your security system with smart assistants. For example, say “Alexa, I’m going to bed,” and your house will lock the doors, arm security cameras, and turn off downstairs lights automatically.

This kind of integration offers peace of mind while keeping your setup simple and efficient.

5. Automate Entertainment and Ambience

Who says smart home tech is only for practicality? You can make your evenings more relaxing and your movie nights more immersive with a few clever automations.

Ideas to try:

• Movie mode: Set your smart lights to dim, close the blinds, and switch on your TV or projector with a single command like “Alexa, movie time.”
• Smart sound systems: Speakers like the Sonos One or Echo Studio let you control music in different rooms — great for parties or quiet evenings.
• Ambience lighting: Use LED light strips that sync with your TV or music for a truly cinematic experience.

For the ultimate relaxation, connect your diffuser or fan to a smart plug and create a “Chill Mode.” With one tap or voice command, your home transforms into a cozy retreat.

Bonus: Smart Home Routines for Daily Efficiency

If you’ve got several smart devices, you can combine them into automated routines. Here are a few time-saving ideas:

• “Leaving home” routine: Turns off all lights, adjusts thermostat, locks doors, and sends you a confirmation notification.
• “Arriving home” routine: Unlocks doors, adjusts lighting, and plays a welcome playlist.
• “Sleep” routine: Activates security system, turns off lights, and sets temperature for better sleep.

The beauty of these automations is that once you’ve set them up, they quietly handle repetitive tasks — letting you focus on what really matters.

Tips for Getting Started

If you’re new to advanced smart home automation, here are a few pointers:

1. Start small: Automate one task at a time.
2. Choose compatible devices: Stick to ecosystems like Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit for smoother integration.
3. Prioritize privacy: Regularly update device firmware and review permissions.
4. Use voice and app controls: Combine both for flexibility and accessibility.
5. Backup configurations: Keep your automation routines saved in cloud accounts.

Within weeks, you’ll notice how these small automations simplify your day-to-day life.

Final Thoughts

Smart home automation is no longer about showing off fancy gadgets — it’s about creating a connected lifestyle that saves time, boosts comfort, and enhances security.

From morning coffee to bedtime security checks, your devices can now take care of the little details so you can focus on living better.

So, if you thought the Ring Doorbell was the peak of smart living, think again — it’s just the beginning of what’s possible when your home starts working for you.

Disclaimer

This article is based on research, hands-on testing, and trusted technology sources. Individual experiences may vary depending on devices and connectivity. Always review compatibility and privacy settings before integrating smart home devices.