I have always loved the principle of form and function in design. When everyday household items are both useful and attractive, routine tasks like cooking, cleaning and tidying feel less like chores and more like mindful moments. Seeing practical items displayed neatly adds to the calm and cohesion of a room — a small luxury for anyone who cares about home style.
When functional pieces are attractive enough to leave out in the open and the space still feels tidy and intentional, that’s a design win. Each fall I take stock of our home and look for ways to improve both appearance and practicality.
One of my personal pet peeves has always been the messy trash can — smelly, sticky, and unwelcome. An untidy bin can spoil an otherwise lovely space, and dealing with greasy hands, dripping plates, and lids that get in the way is a daily frustration.
I was excited when simplehuman asked me to try their new sensor can with voice control. I’ve used simplehuman before and appreciate their durable, well-designed products—especially their lidded bathroom cans that keep pets out. This sensor can adds a new level of convenience: it opens on voice command or motion, so you can dispose of messy items without touching a lid.
This model responds to voice prompts and features a motion sensor with extended range. It’s designed to open quickly when you need it and stay closed when you don’t. The result is a much cleaner, more hygienic routine in the kitchen, laundry room, or office.
Imagine how much simpler everyday kitchen moments could be:
Dripping coffee filters
Cracked eggs
Tossing waste from the sink
Leaky food containers
Messy hands while cooking
I’d love to have this can in my kitchen — and honestly, I would have made room for it once I saw how well it works. For now it’s in my office, but it would be equally useful in a laundry room or bathroom. It’s attractive, practical, and makes tidying effortless.
Other features I appreciate:
- Dual compartments for trash and recycling — handy and efficient for sorting waste at the source.
- A built-in liner pocket that keeps replacement bags organized and makes bag changes quick and tidy.
- Flexible power options: it runs on six AA batteries for up to three months or can be powered by an adapter for continuous use.
- Energy-efficient operation that avoids unnecessary power drain.
- Durable construction; the design is engineered and tested to deliver reliable performance over years of use.
- Smart sensor behavior: when idle, the motion sensor focuses directly above the lid to prevent accidental openings; once triggered, the active sensor range expands and keeps the lid open until you’ve finished your task or moved away.
Want one of these for your home?
Check availability in your preferred finish and configuration where the product is sold.
GIVEAWAY!
Let’s talk trash can upgrades. Tell us in the comments about a dream household innovation or your favorite simplehuman product for a chance to win the same sensor can featured here. Share what would make everyday chores easier in your home.