Internet Of Things
contoller
The absolute Ferrari on controllers is:
HomeSeer HomeTroller S6: $1200
So we go for the Smartthings hub which supports Wifi, Zigbee, Z-Wave at $99
This is the list of compatible devices
lighting
It's worth getting a Philips Hue starter Pack with the 2.0 bridge to start you off. NB Philips Hue Lux (only white dimmers) controllers can't control LED lamps with colours, but the full HUE kit can control the white LUX lamps
E27 = screw bulb
GU10 = the little spots with 2 plugs
E27
For lighting you can use many things but the cheapest are:
Philips hue white / amazon GBP 14,99
Philips hue white / BOL EUR 19,95 + EUR 1.99 verzending = EUR 21.95
Lampenonline hue lux white e27 EUR 17.96 + EUR 5.95 postage = EUR 23.91
GU10
Osram Lightify GU10 / Conrad EUR 29.99 + EUR 4.95 postage = EUR 34.94
or
8x GU10 to E27 converter plugs for $7.29
heating
For heating you need a smart radiator valve / TRV (thermostatic radiator valve) / Central heating valve
Conrad has these which are programmable but not smartthings
Honeywell Evohome will be compatible with smartthings soon
Tado
Danfoss doesn't seem to work
So far it looks like you will have to connect the brand thermostat to the TRV
other devices
fakeTV - programmable but not zigbee
TV Simulators tend to have a few options: an mp3 player, a timer, an automatic mode where they turn on when it gets dark and then goes for a few hours (typically 4 or 8 hours) before turning off. You can't get them on Zigbee, so I guess you have to get a zigbee enabled power plug.
fake Dog
Fibaro 4 in one motion sensor GBP 45,61
Wulian for curtain controllers, door locks, luxaflex, sensors, light bulbs, doorbells CHINA
How it works
[http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/control-philips-hue-lights-arduino-and-motion-sensor/ an explanation of Philips, how to control them using an Arduino and what Zigbee is (basically a mesh)