The Must Haves: Immersive Technology & Design-Driven Home Theaters

2025 was definitely a year to remember in home entertainment. Optimized gaming setups brought even greater realism and incredible performance. 8K displays with higher resolution and more lifelike images continued to take more of the market share. Advanced audio formats have elevated the home theater listening experience to new, ultra-realistic levels. 

One wonders what 2026 could possibly add to the quality of images and sound we experienced in 2025. Technology, however, has a way of moving inexorably forward, and the coming year is no different. 

Here, we’ll explore some of the highlights you can expect as home entertainment continues to take exponential leaps. Some of the standouts that are sure to become must-haves include immersive technology, personalization, and design-driven home theaters. 

Crafting the Ideal Home Entertainment with Audio Video and Design

As lifestyles shift toward prioritizing experiences over possessions, upgraded home entertainment has become one of the essential design elements in new and retrofit projects. And designers are taking notice. 

While home theaters were once considered the crème de la crème in entertainment, there is another multi-purpose space gaining attention. Today, many designers are incorporating media rooms that offer an immersive sensory experience with the latest audio video, while also providing an elevated space to enjoy various activities. 

Here, we’ll explore how these entertainment spaces can become the heart of the home.  

Evolving Technology that’s Also Eco-Friendly

According to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, the real estate market in 2025 has witnessed a profound shift. At the center of this transformation are sustainable smart homes, which are making their presence known and experiencing high demand. 

Why the changing landscape, and how is it affecting the markets? 

Today, many homebuyers are prioritizing sustainable living while maintaining a growing interest in home automation. Smart homes provide what they’re searching for: state-of-the-art technology and eco-friendly living. 

Here, we’ll explore some of the reasons smart homes are shaking up the markets, providing in-demand qualities for eco-conscious buyers.

Experience Brilliant Illumination at the Touch of a Button

In 2009, Ketra was founded to create one of the most advanced LED lighting systems in the world. Eventually, Ketra was acquired by Lutron, a global leader in automated lighting. Together, they have transformed how we light our homes by offering high-performance, dynamic, and tunable lighting that instantly adjusts color and brightness to match the activity or mood. 

Ketra’s High Def Palette offers 16.7 million colors across the entire spectrum, offering infinite hues for your home. These options include Ketra’s Natural Light solution, which replicates the changing color and intensity of sunlight. 

While almost every area of a home can benefit from this innovative lighting solution, a few stand out as must-haves for those seeking exceptional lighting design. Here, we’ll explore those spaces transformed by the power of Ketra lighting.