Homeowners Ditch Smart Tech for 'Dumb Homes' in Latest Trend

In the rapidly evolving smart home landscape of 2025, a surprising trend has emerged: the rise of the "dumb home." Across the country, homeowners are increasingly ditching their voice-activated lights, automated beds, and other high-tech gadgets in favor of more analog features.

According to design experts, the allure of the dumb home lies in its ability to provide a sense of physical connection and disconnection from the digital world. Customers are now craving "tactile elements" like manual light switches and landline phones, rather than chasing the convenience of app-controlled smart home systems.

This shift is particularly evident in the growing demand for reading nooks, which are now mentioned 48% more often in home listings compared to a year ago. Designers say these cozy, electronics-free spaces allow homeowners to truly unwind and enjoy quality time with their families.

The backlash against smart home technology is not limited to just a few tech-savvy individuals. Even former home automation enthusiasts are ditching their complex systems, citing frustrations with malfunctioning devices and the overwhelming number of gadgets that require constant maintenance.

As the smart home dream fades, the dumb home is emerging as the new status symbol, with high-end designers and TikTok influencers leading the charge. Homeowners are now willing to spend thousands on custom-made, historically accurate light switches and other analog features, seeking a sense of luxury in the simplicity of physical interaction.