Transforming Open-Plan Living with Smart Lighting and Audio in Leeds

These modern, multifunctional areas bring families together and provide the perfect backdrop for entertaining — but they also demand smart, adaptable electrical and lighting design.

At Smart Ohm, we specialise in helping homeowners transform their living environments with intelligent lighting control systems like Rako, and multi-room audio solutions from trusted brands such as Sonos and Lithe Audio. Whether you’re renovating, building new, or upgrading your existing home, smart technology can completely redefine how you experience your space.

The Rise of Open-Plan Living in Leeds

Gone are the days of separate rooms for cooking, dining, and relaxing. Modern homes are now built around large, open-plan areas that serve multiple purposes — from hosting family dinners to relaxing in front of the TV or working from home.

However, open-plan spaces also pose new challenges:

• How do you create ambience in such a large area?
• How do you control lighting for different activities?
• How can you enjoy high-quality sound throughout without messy cables or multiple systems?

That’s where smart home systems, expertly installed by Smart Ohm’s qualified electricians in Leeds, come into their own.

Why Upgrade to Smart Lighting?

Smart lighting systems like Rako give you full control over the lighting in your home — not just on and off, but how each light looks, feels, and responds to your needs. Rather than relying on multiple switches and dimmers, Rako allows you to control your lighting through elegant keypads, wall panels, or even from your smartphone or voice assistant.

Create Lighting Scenes for Every Mood

With Rako, you can set pre-programmed scenes to suit any moment:

• Cooking Scene: Bright, crisp task lighting over worktops.
• Dining Scene: Warm, dimmed lighting for an intimate atmosphere.
• Relax Scene: Soft background illumination perfect for winding down.
• Party Scene: Dynamic lighting to complement your audio system.

Each scene can be activated instantly at the touch of a button or scheduled automatically. It’s a perfect balance of luxury, efficiency, and simplicity.

Rako vs. Lutron RA2 — The Right System for You

At Smart Ohm, we primarily recommend Rako smart lighting due to its flexibility, reliability, and excellent integration with other home systems. It’s also scalable — meaning you can start with one room and expand across your entire home later.

For clients seeking the ultimate in design and performance, we also install Lutron RA2 — a premium system renowned for its luxury aesthetics and seamless dimming control. Both systems offer:

• Intuitive scene control
• Wireless or wired options (ideal for both new builds and retrofits)
• Integration with smart assistants like Alexa or Google Home
• Energy-efficient dimming and LED compatibility

Whether you’re planning a single open-plan extension or a full-home automation system, Smart Ohm will design and install the perfect solution for your space and budget.

Seamless Integration with LED Lighting Design

A smart lighting system is only as good as the lighting design behind it. That’s why Smart Ohm also provides bespoke LED lighting installations to complement your Rako setup.

We design and install tailored LED solutions such as:

• Discreet recessed downlights for kitchens and living spaces
• Under-cabinet lighting for modern kitchen islands
• Feature lighting to highlight architectural details
• Warm-to-cool LED technology for flexible ambience

By combining professional LED lighting design with Rako control, you’ll enjoy beautiful, functional lighting that enhances every part of your open-plan home.

Adding Multi-Room Audio to Complete the Experience

Lighting sets the mood — but music brings the space to life. That’s why many homeowners in Leeds are pairing their smart lighting systems with multi-room audio zones for a truly immersive living experience.

Imagine walking from your kitchen to your lounge and hearing your favourite playlist follow you seamlessly from one space to another. Or entertaining guests while each zone — kitchen, dining, and living — has its own independent sound control.

Smart Audio Options for Every Budget

Smart Ohm installs and integrates a range of multi-room audio systems, including:

• Sonos: Perfect for premium wireless sound and full app control.
• Lithe Audio: A brilliant, budget-friendly option that combines ceiling speakers with built-in amplifiers and Bluetooth or Wi-Fi streaming.

Both systems work beautifully alongside smart lighting setups, allowing you to create combined “scenes” that adjust lights and music together — for example, dimming the lights and starting a playlist with one button press.

The Benefits of Smart Lighting and Audio Integration

Upgrading to an integrated lighting and audio system offers a host of benefits beyond convenience:

Improved Energy Efficiency

Smart lighting reduces energy waste by dimming or turning off lights automatically when not in use. Combined with energy-efficient LEDs, it’s a simple step towards lowering your carbon footprint and monthly bills.

Enhanced Home Value

Open-plan living and smart technology go hand in hand — and buyers know it. A well-designed Rako lighting system or Sonos audio setup can make your property stand out, boosting both appeal and resale value.

Simplified Control

Control your entire home from a single device or wall keypad. Whether you’re adjusting the brightness, selecting a scene, or turning on your music, everything is streamlined into one intuitive system.

Comfort and Atmosphere

Lighting and sound play a major role in creating mood and comfort. With smart systems, your home can adapt instantly — bright and energetic during the day, warm and relaxing in the evening.

Future-Proof Technology

Rako, Sonos, and Lithe Audio are all modular, meaning your system can evolve as technology advances. Whether you start small or go full-scale, your installation remains upgradeable for years to come.

Designed and Installed by Local Experts

As qualified electricians in Leeds, Smart Ohm provides a complete service — from electrical design and lighting layout to smart control programming and installation.

We’re proud to be:

• NAPIT Registered
• TrustMark Approved
• Experienced in smart home automation, bespoke LED design, and open-plan electrical layouts

When you choose Smart Ohm, you get more than just lighting and audio — you get a fully integrated, compliant system tailored to your lifestyle.

Perfect for Renovations, Extensions, and New Builds

Whether you’re extending your kitchen, renovating your home, or designing a new build in Leeds, smart lighting and audio should be part of your planning from the start.

Smart Ohm works alongside homeowners, architects, and builders to design electrical systems that enhance functionality and comfort while meeting Part P Building Regulations.

If you’re extending your home, we can also integrate your new system seamlessly with existing wiring, ensuring a consistent, future-ready setup throughout.

Create Your Dream Living Space with Smart Ohm

Your home should adapt to you — not the other way around. With a Rako smart lighting system and multi-room audio setup from Smart Ohm, your open-plan living space can become more efficient, comfortable, and inspiring.

✨ Set the mood with perfectly balanced lighting.
🎵 Enjoy immersive sound throughout your home.
⚡ Experience seamless control and effortless style.

📞 Call Smart Ohm today to book your smart lighting consultation or request a free design quote for your Leeds home. Let our local, NAPIT Registered electricians help you create a smarter, more connected living space — beautifully designed for the way you live.