This project was undertaken to fulfill the need for a convenient, energy efficient and safe modern residence. This system enables users to monitor and control appliances like lighting, socket, television, air conditioner, etc. nearly everywhere via a mobile phone. The adopted methodology entailed both use of hardware and software design. The hardware component included Arduino Uno microcontroller, GSM module to communicate, relays to switch appliances, and other supporting electronic components which had well positioned inside a protection cover. The software implementation was done on the Arduino IDE that was used to write, compile and upload the control program into the microcontroller. The findings indicated that the smart home automation system was effective and operational using GSM to turn off and turn on household gadgets by sending SMS messages. Communication was stable with response times of about a few seconds when the network is performing well and as long as one minute when the signal is poor. The system was capable of running entirely on the 220 V AC mains supply, which it internally stepped down and regulated to drive the control circuitry and GSM module. Testing of the finished system was done by connecting the appliances to three labeled sockets (Parlor, Room, and AC) as well as a lighting unit. The paper summarizes that home automation using GSM can be used as a viable, scalable and low-cost solution to improve the convenience of lifestyle, eliminate energy wastefulness, and reinforce home security in today’s technology-driven world.