I’ve been really enjoying experimenting with smart lighting automation in my kitchen, and I thought I’d share my experience and some tips for anyone looking to set up something similar. My setup includes a mix of Hue light bulbs, a Cree bulb over the oven, and a smart dimming outlet for the island lights—all integrated through SmartThings. The goal was to create a seamless lighting experience that adapts to different activities throughout the day. For instance, when preparing food, I wanted the kitchen to be bright and vibrant, while in the evenings, I wanted a softer, more relaxing ambiance. Here’s how I approached it: 1. Bright Mode: I created a Hue scene that sets the sink bulb to full brightness with a cool color temperature. This scene triggers a SmartThings routine that adjusts the island lights to 100% brightness and turns on the oven light. It’s perfect for task lighting during meal prep or cleanup. 2. Evening Mode: For a cozy atmosphere, I programmed another Hue scene that shifts the sink bulb to a warmer color temperature and dims it slightly. This scene also triggers a routine that dims the island lights and turns off the oven light, creating a more relaxed vibe. 3. Voice Commands: Integrating these scenes with Alexa voice commands has been a game-changer. I can simply say, “Alexa, turn the kitchen bright” or “Alexa, turn the kitchen blue,” and everything adjusts automatically. One challenge I faced was ensuring that non-Hue devices (like the Cree bulb and dimming outlet) responded correctly. Instead of relying solely on Hue commands, I used the color temperature of the sink bulb as a trigger for the SmartThings routines. This approach has worked seamlessly and allows for consistent control across all devices. I’d love to hear how others have combined different lighting systems for automation! Whether you’re using Hue, Cree, or something else, sharing tips and tricks can help us all create smarter, more enjoyable home environments. 