Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, The Verge’s esteemed smart home reviewer, has a unique knack for covering a myriad of devices, encompassing everything from robot vacuums and smart locks to connected coffee makers and even smart chicken coops. With a career that blossomed at The Daily Telegraph in London, she made her way to The Verge in 2021, with contributions also spanning renowned publications like Wired and Dwell.

The Desk of Innovations

At the heart of her workspace is a remarkable L-shaped desk, which her husband handcrafted using upcycled African purpleheart and Brazilian bubinga wood. Though it initially fit perfectly in their former bedroom, it now serves as a versatile workbench for Tuohy’s testing needs, harboring an organized array of tools and gadgets nestled in categorically labeled drawers.

Her desk also boasts a custom-built “tech hub,” a cleverly designed shelving unit that conceals numerous smart home devices and manages cables, ensuring a clean workspace. The access to this tech directly correlates to her busy schedule of evaluating the latest smart home gadgets, representing her formidable expertise.

The Chair and Tech Companions

Occupying her workspace is a leather La-Z-Boy chair—an upgrade from her once flashy, yet uncomfortable chair. Now, she enjoys comfort while tackling her work-related endeavors and testing new devices.

Tuohy's tech arsenal is nothing short of impressive. Her main computer is a work-issued MacBook Air connected to a Dell 4K monitor, while she also operates a personal MacBook Pro. Her setup includes an array of smart displays gathered for both testing and personal use, including an Amazon Echo Hub and a Google Nest Hub, enhancing her ability to manage a smart environment with ease.

Getting Organized: A Tech Lover’s Challenge

Keeping track of all her devices is a feat in itself. Tuohy relies on a Notion spreadsheet to monitor incoming gadgets, grouping them into various staging areas until they’re ready for installation and testing. Notably, repurposed shelves and even a nostalgic dollhouse are now part of her system for organizing upcoming reviews.

As a tech enthusiast, her home serves as a live testing ground, equipped with multiple smart locks, video doorbells, thermostats, and even robot vacuums that traverse her living space. “When the robot revolution happens, I will be the first to go,” she quips humorously about her extensive collection.

A Personal Touch in Her Workspace

Beyond tech devices, Tuohy’s desk also features personal items that add charm to her workspace. A digital collage, made from photos of her high school friends during their holidays to a quaint village in Cornwall, adorns the wall. Additionally, a variety of notebooks and planners facilitate her organization beyond digital realms, illustrating her commitment to staying grounded in the moment.

Among other decor items, her antique Royal Deluxe typewriter and a retro Pottery Barn phone reflect her eclectic taste, blending modern tech with nostalgic artifacts. Her love for stationery remains evident, as she often relies on physical notebooks for note-taking, affirming the effectiveness of writing over typing for retaining information.

Pets and Pastimes

Tuohy's workspace also accommodates her beloved pets. Gus, a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, takes up residence beside the space, while her mischievous kitten, Boone, adds lively energy to the surroundings. In a nod to her passion beyond tech, she highlights her backyard chickens—her “touch grass” moment—where a daily ritual of feeding and egg-collecting adds tranquility to her busy life.

Final Thoughts

Jennifer Pattison Tuohy’s workspace is a masterclass in blending technology with personal touch. Her role as a smart home reviewer is not just about devices; it’s about creating a harmonious environment that fuels her creativity and productivity. As she continues to innovate and explore new tech, her multi-faceted approach offers insights that resonate deeply within the smart home community.

With her delightful blend of elegance and organization, Jennifer continues to inspire both tech enthusiasts and everyday users alike. Keep an eye on her adventures—who knows what groundbreaking gadgets she’ll unbox next?