How to Turn Any Home Into a Smart Home on a Budget

By Elena Craft, Barkley Home Stores

Let’s be real. Not all of us have a bottomless bank account, a tech degree, or a burning desire to live in a sci-fi film. But we do want a home that’s a little bit cleverer – lights that listen, plugs that obey, and thermostats that don’t require a PhD to operate. The good news? You don’t need to spend thousands to start living smarter.

Whether you’re in a cosy flat, a fixer-upper, or just hate the idea of overcomplicating things, this guide is your shortcut to a smarter home on a not-so-smart budget.

Contact us to report infringement.

Start with the Basics (No Hub Required)

Forget control centres and rewiring your house. Many smart devices work straight out of the box with just Wi-Fi and a phone app. A “hub” sounds fancy, but it’s often unnecessary. You can skip that step — at least until you’re feeling more ambitious.

1. Smart Plugs – Cheap, Cheeky, and Game-Changing

These little gems are the ultimate gateway drug to the smart home world. For under £15, you can control lamps, kettles, fans, or even your hair straighteners (we see you) from your phone. Forgot to turn something off? Tap your app and feel smug.

Look for plugs that work with Alexa or Google Assistant – and check for scheduling features, so your gadgets can run themselves.

2. Smart Bulbs – More Than Just a Pretty Glow

A few well-placed smart bulbs can instantly change the vibe of your home. Some sync with music. Others mimic sunrise. Some are just really, really good at switching off without you leaving bed.

You don’t need to go all-in with every light in the house. Start with your bedroom or lounge and build from there. TP-Link, Govee and Tapo make excellent budget options.

3. The Echo Pop or Nest Mini – Voice Assistants for the Win

A tiny speaker that tells you the weather, plays your music, sets reminders, and controls your gadgets? Yes, please. Both Amazon’s Echo Pop and Google’s Nest Mini cost under £40 and do a cracking job.

Pro tip: buy them on sale (they drop to around £20) and scatter them like breadcrumbs across your home.

4. Security Cameras That Don’t Look Like Prison Gear

You don’t need to look like you’re running MI5. Budget-friendly indoor cameras like the Blink Mini or Wyze Cam offer live feeds, motion alerts and night vision. Some even talk back – so yes, you can yell at your dog from work.

They’re plug-in-and-go, and you can usually skip monthly fees if you don’t need cloud storage.

5. Use What You Already Own

That old tablet gathering dust in a drawer? It can become a wall-mounted control panel. Your old phone? A baby monitor. Even older tech can play nice with your new smart devices when paired with the right apps.

It’s recycling, but cooler.

6. Automation Without the Expense

Apps like IFTTT, Smart Life, and Google Home let you create clever automations. Want your porch light to come on at sunset? Done. Need your heater to start if the temperature drops below 10°C? Easy.

No extra devices needed — just some curiosity and a bit of tinkering.

7. Don’t Be Fooled by Fancy Packaging

A lot of expensive brands are just that — expensive. Many budget brands offer the same features without the hype. Just check reviews and make sure the devices are compatible with your existing system (Alexa or Google).

Spoiler alert: most of them are.

8. DIY or Die Trying

Most smart home devices are easier to install than a flat-pack shelf. They come with QR codes, step-by-step guides, and videos. Honestly, if you can change a lightbulb, you can set up a smart plug. No judgement if you still call Dad though.

9. Build Slowly, Not Stupidly

The biggest budget-killer? Going all-in before you even know what you need. Start with what matters: convenience, security, or energy savings. Then scale up over time. Your home, your rules.

10. Sales Are Your Best Friend

Smart home gear is constantly on offer. Black Friday, Prime Day, random Tuesdays… don’t pay full price if you don’t have to. Use deal trackers or price alerts to snap up a bargain.

Final Thoughts

The best smart homes aren’t the ones dripping in expensive tech – they’re the ones that work for the people living in them. Whether that’s a plug that remembers to turn off your curling wand or a lightbulb that doesn’t blind you at 2 a.m., small wins add up.

So skip the showroom dreams and start simple. Smart living isn’t about spending more. It’s about living better. And a bit more lazily, if we’re being honest.

See you in the next one, where we’ll dive into the wonderful (and occasionally ridiculous) world of voice assistants — and how to actually make them useful.