Work smarter, not harder: for 2026, that’s our at-home motto. This year, we’re embracing products that help our dwellings do the hard work for us—so that we can get back to more important things. Life is busy enough already, after all, so why not make it a little easier on ourselves? 

These products are designed to do just that. It’s not about having more stuff; rather, it’s about having less stuff that works better and smarter. From a beautiful bed frame with sleek hidden storage, to an espresso machine that has a built-in grinder and handy presets, to a sleek walking pad that lets you take work calls while upping your step count, these items do the heavy lifting so that you don’t have to. Here’s how to make the most of your time at home, with the help of some modern innovations. 

Versatility is the name of the game for this espresso machine from De’Longhi, which comes equipped with a built-in burr grinder; a high-powered milk steaming wand; cold extraction technology for quick and simple cold brews; four presets to ensure ease with every use, whether you love straight-up espressos or classic Americanos; and a compact yet elegant design that you’ll be happy to display on your kitchen counter. 

Photo courtesy of De’Longhi.

Hidden beneath this dreamy bed from Sundays is ample storage that is accessed via a hydraulic lift mechanism—meaning your stuff stays tucked away until you need it, and your bedroom stays blissfully clutter-free. Sweet dreams, indeed. 

Photo courtesy of Sundays.

It’s easy to spend more time outdoors when your sound system is this dialled. The Sonos Outdoor Set comes with two weatherproof speakers and a matching amp, making it seamless to stream music and podcasts while enjoying patio happy hour or working on your green thumb. 

Photo courtesy of Sonos.

This smart thermostat is the simplest way to keep your living space at a comfortable temperature. Featuring a built-in air quality monitor and smoke-alarm detection; a SmartSensor that automatically adjusts the temperature in a room based on its occupants; integration with smart home products like Siri, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa; and a smart speaker that responds to simple voice commands, it’s energy efficiency at its finest. 

Photo courtesy of Best Buy.

Larq’s modern and minimalist pitcher uses proprietary LED filtration technology and a two-stage process to remove over 70 contaminants, including chlorine and lead. Perhaps best of all, it’s self-cleaning, and features an easy-to-spot indicator for when it’s time to change the filter. 

Photo courtesy of Larq.

This non-toxic soap from Shinery isn’t just for your hands—it’s for your jewellery, too. Plant-derived ingredients gently remove dirt and oil buildup, leaving both your skin and your rings looking and feeling fresh. Talk about a one-two punch. 

Photo courtesy of Shinery.

Save time, space, and energy with this app-controlled dishwasher from Miele, which includes a MultiFlex tray for holding ample cutlery; QuickIntenseWash capabilities for a spotless clean in under one hour; AutoOpen technology that helps your dishes dry quicker once the cycle is done; and automatic PowerDisk soap dispensing—so you can truly set it and forget it. 

Photo courtesy of Miele.

Upgrade your at-home office with the addition of this lightweight walking pad, which features an anti-slip track with double shock absorption and an LED display to keep track of your stats. well suited for putting under a standing desk, it has a quiet motor that means you can get in those steps while taking work calls.

Photo courtesy of Best Buy.

Break up with your phone (at bedtime, at least). The Loftie alarm clock is operated with a smartphone app, making it a breeze to change your wakeup time as needed. It also features a two-part wakeup system, which mimics the body’s natural cadence—meaning you’ll rise feeling calm and rested. 

Photo courtesy of Loftie.

Featured image courtesy of Miele.