Blog & News

Fall in Southern California brings perfect weather for entertaining, with warm afternoons stretching into comfortable evenings, ideal for both indoor and outdoor gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a football party or a quiet dinner with friends, the right smart home...

The kitchen has earned its moniker, “the heart of the home.” It’s a central hub for families, a convenient place where people can share in food and conversation in equal measure. It’s a natural gathering spot for friends and family, bringing together food preparation...

Our climate is ideal for year-round indoor-outdoor living, and installing a custom smart home automation system makes it easy to enjoy the outdoors while maximizing comfort and convenience. Today’s high-end homes blur the line between inside and outside, with...

Smart homes are more than a luxury. They’re becoming the standard for comfort, convenience, and efficiency. With this increased connectivity and in-home technology comes a greater need for safety and security. Your high-end smart home should be as safe as it is...

Designing a custom smart home isn’t just about the features, it’s about which features are best for your particular lifestyle. The first step in Ficrest’s approach is coming up with a concept that takes your individual needs into consideration. Whether you’ve got...

Technology is more integrated than ever into our lives and homes, and it can blend seamlessly without compromising aesthetics, allowing your home’s design and architectural details to remain in the spotlight.  Hidden in Plain Sight: AV that Disappears into the Design...

A Smart Home is a Game-Changer for Accessibility Approximately 61 million adults in the United States live with a disability.  If you or a loved one lives with a disability, upgrading to a smart home isn’t just about convenience—it’s about increasing independence....

From Exciting to Ridiculous to Everywhere in Between CES 2025 showcased some really cool innovations in smart home technology. These products focus on enhancing convenience, security, and energy efficiency, setting new benchmarks for the industry. Here’s a closer look...

Smart Homes for the Holidays We've been here before.  Your guest has asked yet again for your help with the thermostat.  Or the music is too loud.  Or the lights are too bright.  You get the picture.  Are you ready to meet their needs with a tap of a screen instead of...