Technology

Eva Healy of Avenue Design with her son Braedy

Designing for Independence: How Smart Home Technology Helped Transform This Family’s Lower Level

For Canadian interior designer Eva Healy of Avenue Design, one of her most personal projects was designing a private apartment-style living space for her son Braedy, who was diagnosed with ATR-X syndrome, a rare genetic condition affecting fewer than 500 boys worldwide. Created to support his independence, confidence, and daily routines, the lower-level transformation blends thoughtful design, smart home technology, integrated storage, and accessibility in a way that feels elevated, warm, and deeply personal rather than clinical.

A Space Designed Around Real Life

Before the renovation, the lower level had served many purposes over the years, including a family rec room, a home gym, and even the original office for Avenue Design. But the vision for the redesign became much bigger than simply creating another bedroom.

“We wanted to give him an apartment-style space of his own where he could begin building routines, confidence, and autonomy, while still having the support of family nearby,” says Eva.

Every decision throughout the project focused on improving Braedy’s ability to navigate daily life more independently, from storage and lighting, to communication and security.

Why Smart Locks Became an Important Part of the Design

One of the most impactful additions to the space was the installation of the Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt on the lower-level entry points.

For Eva, the smart lock represented much more than convenience. It became an important tool in helping Braedy experience greater independence while still giving the family peace of mind.

“We installed Schlage Encode Plus smart locks throughout the space,” explains Eva. “They give Braedy privacy and a sense of independence, while allowing us to discreetly monitor comings and goings when needed. It created the right balance between freedom and peace of mind.”

The lock’s built-in WiFi connectivity allows the family to manage access remotely through the Schlage Home app, while features like customizable access codes, notifications, and Apple Home integration make everyday routines feel seamless and intuitive.

Because the home already uses Apple HomePod mini speakers throughout the house, the integration with Apple Home also fit naturally into the family’s broader smart home ecosystem.

black interior door with Schlage Encode Plus smart deadbolt

Eva shows how she can use her iPhone with Apple Keys to unlock the Schlage Encode Plus smart deadbolt

Blending Technology With Elevated Design

A major priority for the project was ensuring the space felt sophisticated and personalized rather than overly functional or institutional.

Braedy’s favourite colour is blue, which inspired the palette used throughout the lower level. Soft blues, greys, tobacco tones, and black accents create a space that feels youthful yet timeless, allowing the design to grow with him over time.

The living and sleeping areas were designed with an open-concept studio feel, while the bathroom balances durability and accessibility with elevated finishes and thoughtful detailing.

Throughout the apartment, carefully selected Latitude Levers with Collins Trim that helped reinforce the clean, cohesive aesthetic while supporting ease of use and everyday functionality.

Storage That Supports Independence

Storage was another essential consideration throughout the renovation. Because the lower level included bulkheads and challenging architectural conditions, Eva developed highly customized storage solutions tailored specifically to Braedy’s routines and needs.

The custom wardrobe includes dedicated hanging areas, integrated hampers, drawers, and built-in lighting that improves visibility and makes it easier for Braedy to independently locate and organize his belongings. The project demonstrates how thoughtful storage design can go far beyond organization to actively improve quality of life and confidence at home.

Designing With Purpose

For Eva, the emotional impact of the renovation extends far beyond aesthetics.

“As parents, you are always thinking about how to help your child grow with dignity and confidence,” she explains. “This was about recognizing who Braedy is today while supporting who he is becoming.”

The completed lower level reflects a growing shift happening within residential design, where technology, accessibility, and customization are increasingly being integrated in ways that feel intentional, beautiful, and deeply human.

It is also a reminder that good design is not simply about how a space looks. At its best, design has the ability to improve how people live every single day.