I purchased my Philipps Hue system kinda impulsively (and somewhat drunkenly) because I was interested in the colors and the automation.

I thought it was 'nice to have'. But I underestimated the overall effect it has in my mood and my schedule. Previously I didn't know what to think about scientific claims in regards to the influence of light on mood, but now that I'm experiencing it first hand I can say it does have a significant effect on me.

It helps me structure my day, fall asleep, wake up, setting ambiances to read, relax or to be creative. Yes, I could have saved up money by trying to go the DIY route with Arduino, but I'm not very good at hardware. It's not a gadget that is collecting dust, it's something that bathes -for lack of a better word- my whole indoor environment every day. It's cool.