Tasteful Technology: Five Ideas for Decorating With Technology in Mind

July 07, 2010

Modern technology comes with many advantages, but can often get in the way when it comes to decorating our homes. Between home computers, entertainment systems, and televisions in every room of the house, it can feel as if technology is taking over. However, there are plenty of smart solutions for decorating your home with technology in mind.

Speaker Solutions

Speakers not only take up space, but gather tons of dust and pet hair if they sit on the floor. Recessed speakers are a great alternative, freeing up space and often offering better sound quality. There are plenty of attractive options for recessed speakers, from in-the-wall versions to concealed ceiling speakers.

Cable Control

From the home office to the entertainment room, cables and cords can get out of control in any tech-centered area of the home. For those without the luxury of hiding cables in their walls, there are plenty of other clever solutions for keeping cables under wraps. Try using a leftover beer or liquor box with cardboard dividers to store extra cables. The dividers are perfectly sized to keep cords and cables separated, untangled, and neatly stored. Or take the opposite approach and show off your cords with a stylish holder like the LaCie Hub designed for USB cables.

Out of Sight

A lovely credenza can be an organized catch-all for movie collections, extra cords and cables, and anything else you'd like to keep behind closed doors. Of course, there are a myriad of options for closed cabinet storage, but a well-chosen credenza adds a dose of design to the technology filled entertainment room.

Let There be Light

On the other hand, there is something to be said for highlighting your favorite collections, and task lamp lighting can accomplish this task perfectly. Task lighting can really enhance a book or DVD collection, and adds warmth to a room. There are so many different styles of task lighting, for every taste and budget, that it's hard to say no to such a practical option.

Extra Accents

It's common for homeowners to keep plants out of the entertainment room or home office. The underlying though is often, "Plants require water, and water should not be anywhere near electronics." True, but plants can always be carried to the sink for watering. A little greenery is a smart way to warm up a room, especially one with a lot of cold electronics dominating it. Go ahead and show off your green thumb!

Remember, you can embrace technology without letting it overrun your home. Explore some of these creative ideas and find the balance you've been looking for!