Very nice illustration, but when I hear the words "smart home" I reach for my, um, analog kitchen timer.
https://biggaybunny.tumblr.com/post/166787080920/tech-enthus...
https://biggaybunny.tumblr.com/post/166787080920/tech-enthus...
But speaking as somebody also using Home Assistant, I'd bet the author has everything set up without internet access, fully locally controllable, and entirely operable the old fashioned way if Home Assistant goes down.
The "mid-wit" home automation philosophy, I think, strikes a nice middle ground.