Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, The Verge’s smart home reviewer, has an enviable yet chaotic home office packed with the latest and greatest in smart home technology. From reviewing everything from robot vacuums to smart ovens, Jennifer's desk is a hub of constant gadget testing. Her custom-built L-shaped desk, made from upcycled African purpleheart and Brazilian bubinga wood by her husband, provides ample space for her work. She juggles between a MacBook Air and an older MacBook Pro, connected to multiple monitors, including a Samsung M80C Smart Monitor, which also functions as a TV. Her workspace is strewn with smart displays, hubs, and even a Matter-enabled mechanical keyboard that controls her smart home with shortcut keys. Amidst the tech, she sticks to old-school notetaking with a Leuchtturm notebook and a stationery collection. And let's not forget her charming clutter collection, including a typewriter, a push-button rotary phone, and a chicken calendar honoring her backyard flock. This office is the perfect blend of high-tech efficiency and personal comforts, proving that even the smartest homes still need a touch of personality.
Key Points:
Workplace Setup: Jennifer works from an upstairs guest room in her Charleston, SC, home, which is also her testing ground for smart home devices.Custom L-Shaped Desk: Built by her husband from upcycled exotic wood, features a "tech hub" that houses routers and smart hubs.Computers: MacBook Air (M1) for work, an aging MacBook Pro for personal use.Monitors: Dell 4K display; Samsung M80C Smart Monitor doubles as a TV with built-in streaming.Webcam: Insta360 Link PTZ 4K webcam, offers aggressive face-tracking.Smart Displays: Echo Hub, Echo Show 8, Google Nest Hub, and Pixel Tablet, used for testing and as photo frames.Keyboard: Testing Third Reality’s Matter-enabled Smart Mechanical Keyboard MK1, which can control smart home devices.Mouse: Logitech Lift – an ergonomic pink vertical mouse, praised for comfort.Docking Stand: Belkin Auto-Tracking Stand Pro with DockKit, used for hands-free video recording and FaceTime calls.Coffee Mug: Ember Mug – 4 years old, needs replacing but still a favorite.Storage & Organization: Uses Notion for tracking shipments and testing schedules, along with hidden storage spaces for untested gadgets.Smart Home Gear: Tests multiple smart locks, video doorbells, robot vacuums (currently has 12!), thermostats, and various home automation hubs installed throughout her house.An antique Royal Deluxe typewriter, a push-button rotary phone (from Pottery Barn), and a MosaPics digital collage made from photos with childhood friends.Loves birds—has Nanoleaf modular wall lights planned for framing Audubon prints.Chicken Calendar—an homage to her backyard hens for daily "touch grass" time.Pets: Lives with Gus (dog), Boone (kitten), and Smokey (cat), all regular office fixtures.Jennifer’s office isn't just a workspace—it’s a smart home lab, a cozy retreat, and a testament to her passion for all things tech. Whether she’s testing the latest smart devices or indulging her love for analog treasures, her desk reflects the perfect balance of innovation and nostalgia.
Link to Article