Bathroom Lighting Project: Integrating Smart Bulbs and Sensors

Hey everyone, I’m diving into a bathroom lighting project and wanted to share my experience and seek some advice. I’ve always loved the idea of smart lighting, and now I’m finally getting around to upgrading my bathroom setup. Here’s what I’m planning and where I could use some help!

First, I want to replace the existing light switch with smart bulbs. I’ve heard great things about brands like Philips Hue and Wyze, but I’m still on the fence about which one to go with. I’m leaning towards Hue for reliability, but Wyze’s price point is really appealing. If anyone has experience with either in a bathroom setting, I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Next, I want to add a motion sensor to make things even smarter. The idea is that when I walk into the bathroom, the lights automatically turn on, and they dim or turn off when I leave. However, there’s a catch: the bathroom has an extractor fan that’s currently tied to the light switch. I don’t want to remove the fan—it’s essential for ventilation—but I’m not sure how to integrate it into the smart setup. Has anyone tackled a similar issue? I’m curious about how to keep the fan running independently while still having the lights controlled by the smart system.

I also want to include a sensor for better automation. Maybe something that detects when the bathroom is occupied and adjusts the lighting accordingly. I’m thinking about using a combination of motion and occupancy sensors, but I’m not entirely sure how to configure them for the best results.

Another consideration is energy efficiency. I want the lights to be bright when I’m using the bathroom but to dim when I’m not, or perhaps turn off completely after a certain period of inactivity. I’m also wondering if there’s a way to integrate this with my existing smart home ecosystem, like Alexa or Google Home, for voice control.

I’ve started by researching compatible devices and reading through forums to see how others have approached similar projects. It’s been really helpful to see the different setups people have created, but I’m still trying to piece together the best solution for my specific needs.

If anyone has tips, recommendations, or even just words of encouragement, I’d be thrilled to hear them! I’m excited to get this project off the ground and can’t wait to see how it turns out. Thanks in advance for your help!