We're at the close of another year, and it's time to look ahead. 2015 wasn't the birth of the smart home revolution, but it has brought dozens of new products fit for even the modest home owner, and hundreds of reasons to be excited for next year.

Smart home technology offers incredible advancements in convenience and efficiency, and there's always something exciting to look forward to. Here are a few things we expect to see as popular home automation solutions in the new year.

There is certainly part of the term "home automation" that scares people away. Fancy gadgets, head-scratching jargon, and confusing installation instructions can deter many from considering those brand-spankin-new smart home solutions.

However, open-minded homeowners will find that many of the annoying aspects of your daily routine can be improved with some twenty-first century updates. In fact, wouldn't the "real world" and "nine-to-five grind" seem so much easier without some of those mundane responsibilities we assume are required?

Instead of focusing on specific products, how about ideas? What does life look like when your home is working for you?  Here are some home automation ideas that can improve the simple things in life, room by room.

In the world of wireless technology, the exponential improvements available to consumers have helped transform many of the products we use on a daily basis. Average household commodities, which we use inside and outside our home, seem to be "reborn" through each wave of new technology. Simple improvements continue to bring an increased level of usability, functionality, and interoperability to our daily routine.

Home security is no different. In fact, considering how common and accessible wireless technologies are, home security systems are now more accessible to the modern home owner than ever before.

Thanks to innovation and reasonable price points, this year may be the best time to invest in a home security system, (especially considering Buttonwood Communications is offering free consultations on home technology installations between now and the end of 2015...).