Technology has come a long way in the past 10 years, now we have chatbots, 3D printers, and virtual showrooms! Whether you're a techie or just embracing this digital era, it's undeniable that technology has become an essential part of both our lives and our homes.
The big question is “How do you incorporate technology into your homes without sacrificing beauty?”. Let's be honest... no one wants a home that looks like you stepped into the Apple store (unless minimal and white are your thing!). The good news is that with these design tips, you'll be able to have the best of both worlds - technology and design.
Color Coordinate Your Technology
I’m sure you spent tons of time picking just the perfect color for your room. You don’t want to sacrifice that with oddly colored smart devices, right? Those days are over. Smart devices now come in a variety of colors and even unique designs so you can say goodbye to a robotic tech look and hello to modern and fresh tech with style.
Look for technology that matches your room's color scheme. Here are some of my favorites:
Ikea sells this sleek wireless phone charger in 3 colors!
Google’s Nest doorbells and thermostats now come in more than just white!
Sono’s slim Arc speaker is easy to blend in with your TV setup.
When matching colors is not an option, treat those smart devices like you would any other accessory - make it coordinate. Try mixing your speakers in with other accessories on your bookshelves so they look more like art. Projectors even come in colors these days so they aren’t an eyesore anymore. Consider two-in-one furniture pieces like this speaker side table or speaker lamp!
Hidden or No Wire Technology
After years as an Interior Designer, I've seen trends come and go, but one thing remains the same: cords and cables are unattractive. They create clutter, cause tripping, and just look blah! You're probably wondering how to have a tech-enabled house, without visible wires when everything requires a power source. Here are some of my go-to solutions:
Go Wireless: Do away with wires altogether. Use wireless security cameras, speakers, and lamps, and control your system with a wireless hub. You can even control most connected devices with just your voice!
Undercover: Try hiding your wires behind your molding so they don't ruin your aesthetic, or adding cable covers to conceal the cords. Did you know that you can even get hollow baseboards that manufacturers have designed with cabling in mind?!
Camouflage: Hide your wires in plain sight by matching the color of your cords to the color of your baseboard!
Out of Sight: Make your setup a permanent solution and hide the wires in the drywall.
Design Tip: Have you ever considered having a lamp cord cut to just the right length so you don’t have an extra cord hanging out? It’s an easy trip to a local lighting repair shop to get it cut down.
Hide Your Electronics
Sometimes color coordination and hidden wires aren’t enough! What about those pesky black boxes that become the focal point of your living room? Here are some tips on how to conceal your larger electronics until they are needed.
Using various mounting hardware, you can create an artwork cover for your TV that easily slides open (or accordions open) for when you’re ready to watch it.
Build your TV (or computer desk station) into a cabinet that has pocket doors. You can conceal them when not in use.
Use cabinet panels to cover your kitchen appliances so they blend into your cabinetry.
Use a piece of art on a hinge to cover your electrical panel or thermostat.
Get Smarter with Smart Electronics
As with everything in life, when it comes to smart devices for your home, thinking out of the box opens more possibilities. Think about those things you use every day and try to find a smart version of it. Here are some you might not have considered before.
Smart Mirrors: Did you know they make mirrors that play your favorite music, allow you to watch videos of a skincare routine, and even take photos? Check out these futuristic mirrors that Mues-Tech offers for maximum technology and design.
Touchless Kitchen Faucets: You’re probably familiar with faucets you can wave your hand under to activate the water, but what if I told you you can control your kitchen faucet with your voice?! How about asking Alexa to dispense 100 ml of 110°F water? It is possible - and stores like Moen have different styles and colors.
Plant Monitors: Plants are the perfect way to add warmth to your rooms, but having them is not enough. They need to be healthy and look pretty. Using plant monitors you will be able to give your plants exactly what they need!
Get Ready to Mix Technology and Design
As technology evolves, it’s important to adapt the way we approach design and figure out ways to stay current. We've seen tech become a seamless part of our lives, and now it's mingling with interior design in the coolest ways possible.
Are you ready to embrace technology and design in your home? Amy Rebekah Interiors can help! Send an email and let's bring your dream design to life, powered by the perfect blend of technology and creativity.
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