There are several free Home Automation systems out there. I chose Domoticz because it discovers devices very easily, interfaces to many many different products from many vendors, and is easily scripted against.
The picture above is the Floor Plan for the ground floor of my house.
I find that this is the most easily digestible interface as it gives me everything in one place without scrolling through several pages of devices. I have over 200 individual things with which I can interface, and that becomes unmanageable through anything other than a picture.
In general, however, I use voice control for almost everything, unless watching a film in which case I use the RF remote controls. Shouting at an Amazon Echo amidst gunfire quickly gets tedious.
Turning off the cinema or lights at night when I need to be quiet are the only exception.
More on how to use Domoticz later!