(ARA) – Some interior design trends are hard to understand. That jagged piece of cement that is supposedly a chair or headache-inducing paint color may look great in the glossy pages of a design magazine, but would average people really want it in their own living room?
Fortunately, there is a growing trend in interior design that is easy to understand, relatable and applicable in almost every home – this trend is called “techorating.”
“‘Techorating’ is the blending of technology into the overall design of a room to create functional, stylish and unique environments that work well and look great,” says Janna Robinson, technology and design expert. “This design trend grows from the integral role technology now plays in our lives and the majority of American homes.”
Robinson offers some helpful tips for incorporating the techorating trend into your home:
Techorating with TV
“Televisions can now serve many functions in our homes, from making a design statement with a sleek flat screen to providing a focal point for gatherings of family and friends to even serving as a hub of information thanks to Smart TV platforms and increased connectivity,” Robinson says. “Techorating principles take into account the central role a TV plays in the living room, family room or bedroom.”
Start by considering the aesthetics of the TV itself. Flat screens are popular not only for the superior viewing experience they provide, but also for their visual appeal. Manufacturers have taken TV aesthetics to the next level, offering ultra-slim models. LG has gone even further with its Cinema Screen design, which is a nearly frameless TV that provides a streamlined, modern look.
Next, because more Americans are entertaining at home, it is important to maximize the viewing experience for the maximum number of viewers. For some TVs, viewing angle can be an issue. Robinson recommends arranging seating so that everyone has a good view of the screen, while still allowing traffic to flow freely around seats. Sectionals and modular sectionals provide flexible seating configurations. For smaller spaces, bean bags, decorative poufs and floor pillows can provide extra seating without overpowering the space.
Look for TVs that are designed to maximize viewing angles. Next-generation 3D TVs like the Cinema 3D models from LG provide a wide range of viewing angles in 2D and 3D, so, content display remains crisp and accurate, even for off-angle viewing.
Creating the perfect background
Techorating techniques use color and design to create a comfortable, functional background for technology. For example, painting the wall behind your TV a darker color (like chocolate brown) not only helps with distracting glares, but it also gives the illusion of depth to the space.
Similarly, dressing up bare walls, floors and wooden furniture with varying texture and fabrics such as area rugs and curtains can help absorb sound and improve the listening quality in a room. Don’t overdo it, though; too much carpeting and heavy curtains can make sound seem muffled. Instead, add some bookshelves or even hung art to create reflective surfaces that will help break up sound waves. A mixture of surfaces and materials will provide the best sound quality.
Keep in mind, Robinson says, that you don’t have to completely redecorate your room to achieve techorating harmony.
“I’m a big fan of repurposing and melding old with new,” she says. “If your couch has a solid frame, update it by reupholstering it, or try a new decorative pillow cover. If you have existing furniture that needs a little sprucing up, paint or stain it for a fresh new look.”
For more information on techorating visit lgmakeover.com.
