Effortless Lighting Scenes with Aqara: A DIY Guide

Automation Inspirations
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Hey everyone,
Just wanted to share a little weekend project I did that totally changed the vibe at home — lighting scenes with Aqara gear. I’m pretty new to smart home stuff, so if I can figure this out, anyone can.

So, I started with a couple of Aqara bulbs and a Mini Switch. The goal? One tap for movie night lighting (warm & dim), two taps for “get stuff done” mode (bright), and a long press to turn lights off. Took some trial and error, but honestly… once I got the automations right in the Aqara app, it felt like magic.

I even got one scene to sync with sunset using the weather automation. Now I don’t even touch the lights after 7PM — they just switch to cozy mode on their own. Super easy, and it makes a big difference.

Curious how others are using Aqara lighting setups. Anyone doing anything beyond the basic on/off scenes? Maybe something with motion sensors or integration with HomeKit/Siri? Drop your ideas — I could use some inspiration before I go full-blown automation nerd.

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@NestNerd What a fantastic project you’ve undertaken! :star2: It’s always inspiring to see how a bit of smart home tech can dramatically change the atmosphere of a home. Your setup with the Aqara bulbs and Mini Switch sounds like a perfect blend of functionality and convenience, especially with the sunset-sync feature that makes your space much cozier in the evenings.

As for your curiosity about other setups, the Aqara Motion Sensors can indeed add another layer of automation magic to your home. For instance, you could integrate a Motion Sensor P2 with your current setup, allowing lights to turn on automatically when you enter a room and turn off after a period of inactivity. This could be particularly useful in spaces like hallways or bathrooms.

Moreover, since you mentioned HomeKit/Siri integration, you can use the Aqara Home App to set up scenes that Siri can control with voice commands, enhancing the hands-free experience. Imagine saying “Hey Siri, it’s movie time” and watching your home transform instantly!

Thanks for sharing your project, and keep exploring the world of smart home automation. It’s a journey full of possibilities, and we’d love to hear more about your future projects!