Technology: 9 Ways to Conceal your Gadgets
We can't live without technology, but we can live without all the wires and widgets that go with it. Here's how
Lara Sargent
19 August 2014
Houzz UK contributor. Freelance interiors journalist with over 20 years' experience writing for national magazines, newspapers and websites.
Houzz UK contributor. Freelance interiors journalist with over 20 years' experience... More
There’s no hiding from the technology-driven age we live in. We have smartphones that facilitate almost every aspect of our lives, ovens that cook food to perfection with little intervention and jumbo-sized TVs that transport us into the thick of the action. And we wouldn’t want it any other way, because today’s line-up of hi-tech wizardry is there to make our daily lives more efficient, enjoyable and connected in every way. However, there comes a time when we all need to pack away the gadgets and the gizmos (even if it’s just for an evening). If this sounds like you, then check out these tips for seamlessly and unobtrusively integrating technology into the home.
Fold it away
Home offices are a key fixture in today’s interior as remote, flexible working becomes increasingly part of our lives. But there really is no need to see, hear and operate your equipment 24/7, so what better than a set of bi-fold doors to neatly close up a day’s graft. And relax…
Other tips for making the most of a tight workspace
Home offices are a key fixture in today’s interior as remote, flexible working becomes increasingly part of our lives. But there really is no need to see, hear and operate your equipment 24/7, so what better than a set of bi-fold doors to neatly close up a day’s graft. And relax…
Other tips for making the most of a tight workspace
Make it disappear
I love how this unassuming block of wall cupboards transforms into a TV station by flipping back one door. But in the grand scheme of things technology really cannot compete with the great outdoors, as the staggering views from this picture window show.
I love how this unassuming block of wall cupboards transforms into a TV station by flipping back one door. But in the grand scheme of things technology really cannot compete with the great outdoors, as the staggering views from this picture window show.
Be clever with colour
Strictly speaking, this is technology masquerading as decor. By using a dark coloured paper or paint as the backdrop, the flatscreen, wall-hung TV becomes virtually invisible (when turned off, that is). And it’s an easy idea to copy at home, in any room.
Strictly speaking, this is technology masquerading as decor. By using a dark coloured paper or paint as the backdrop, the flatscreen, wall-hung TV becomes virtually invisible (when turned off, that is). And it’s an easy idea to copy at home, in any room.
Go bespoke
Stashing away the ugly jumble of wires and cables that go with today’s tech-savvy home is crucial if the clean lines and slick shapes of modern living are to be maintained. A tailor-made solution where hinged doors reveal and disguise monitors and speakers, as and when required, is a genius touch … with not a plug in sight.
More foldaway designs that maximise space
Stashing away the ugly jumble of wires and cables that go with today’s tech-savvy home is crucial if the clean lines and slick shapes of modern living are to be maintained. A tailor-made solution where hinged doors reveal and disguise monitors and speakers, as and when required, is a genius touch … with not a plug in sight.
More foldaway designs that maximise space
Create a kitchen with attitude
The only real hint that this stunning space is a kitchen is that discreet set of taps. All the other appliances are hidden expertly behind flush-fitting, streamlined doors, creating a monolithic, all-white masterpiece.
The only real hint that this stunning space is a kitchen is that discreet set of taps. All the other appliances are hidden expertly behind flush-fitting, streamlined doors, creating a monolithic, all-white masterpiece.
Install a wash of light
We don’t necessarily associate the word ‘technology’ with the bathroom, but this clever, hidden lighting ticks every box. The subtle glow of lighting creates a dreamy, spa-like ambience. Even better, there are no cords, bulbs or pendants on show to interrupt the contemporary guise.
We don’t necessarily associate the word ‘technology’ with the bathroom, but this clever, hidden lighting ticks every box. The subtle glow of lighting creates a dreamy, spa-like ambience. Even better, there are no cords, bulbs or pendants on show to interrupt the contemporary guise.
Get back to basics
Sometimes, all that’s needed to conceal computers and technology is a pretty piece of fabric on a rail. By pulling across the interior curtain, your working home life is out of sight in seconds (and thankfully out of mind too).
Sometimes, all that’s needed to conceal computers and technology is a pretty piece of fabric on a rail. By pulling across the interior curtain, your working home life is out of sight in seconds (and thankfully out of mind too).
Take technology to the next level
The sleek, pared-back lines and chic, unruffled interior of this ultra-modern space, belie the full-on lighting, audio, video and shade control system that is busy at work behind the scenes. This is whole-house technology at its most impressive: practical, efficient and, most importantly, invisible.
The sleek, pared-back lines and chic, unruffled interior of this ultra-modern space, belie the full-on lighting, audio, video and shade control system that is busy at work behind the scenes. This is whole-house technology at its most impressive: practical, efficient and, most importantly, invisible.
Now you see it…
Who would guess that this huge traditional dresser cleverly transforms into a spectacular home cinema, complete with enormous screen and powerful speakers? Secretly hiding away so much technology really is an art form…
Who would guess that this huge traditional dresser cleverly transforms into a spectacular home cinema, complete with enormous screen and powerful speakers? Secretly hiding away so much technology really is an art form…
Now you don’t
Have you tamed your technology? Please share your clever, cover-up secrets in the comments section below.
Have you tamed your technology? Please share your clever, cover-up secrets in the comments section below.
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I personally like to have audio equipment on show being a bit of a geek but my girlfriend is not a fan! (most aren't) This is the same situation a couple of customers came to me with but didn't want to have a large fitted unit on the wall. So I designed these cabinets which will neatly store/hide small surround speakers/subwoofers such as bose lifestyle or kef kht systems.