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Minimize Your Technology for a More Relaxing Home

February 09, 2016

By: Carley Knobloch

Get tips from HGTV Smart Home 2016 tech consultant Carley Knobloch on ways to hide technology throughout your home so it seamlessly blends with surrounding design.

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Living room at the HGTV Smart Home 2013 located in Jacksonville, FL

Photo: Eric Perry

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Move Aside, Television

If you’re not willing to give up television (perish the thought!) finding ways to hide television can pull focus from the boob tube and create a cozier space for, say, a board game. Here, three televisions hide behind paintings when not in use.

Photo: Eric Perry ©

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Build It In

A kitchen counter full of appliances looks downright messy, but putting each one away day after day feels futile. Instead, try building your most used gadgets into the cabinetry for a polished look and cleaner counters.

Wooden Range Hood Above Electric Stovetop

Photo: Larsen & Talbert Photography. From: Fixer Upper

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Act Naturally

Bringing in natural materials, like the rustic copper treatment for this range hood, helps to diffuse the harshness and blend into the surroundings.

Photo: IKEA/Christian Andersson

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Smart Furniture

Beautiful furniture that has a brain does double duty. This lamp table is also a wireless charger for compatible phones— no cables required.

Kitchen at the HGTV Smart Home 2013 located in Jacksonville, FL

Photo: Eric Perry

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Embrace Wall Space

Wall mounting gadgets, like these tablets that control a smart home, keeps countertops clear and tech out of sight.

Kitchen of HGTV Smart Home 2015 in Austin, Texas

Photo: Eric Perry

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Create a Tech Hub

Creating a central zone for people to charge their devices, complete with USB outlets and a high-tech weather station, is a cue for family members to park their PDAs and untether from their tech.

Master Bedroom of HGTV Smart Home 2015 in Austin, Texas

Photo: Eric Perry

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Finding Comfort

Think of adding technology that provides undercover comfort, like this smart mattress that adjusts to your preference, and has a massage feature.

Pendant Lights Above Floating Desk in Blue Home Office

Photo: DISTRICT DESIGN. From: District Design

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Declutter Wires

Tell-tale sign that technology is lurking? Cord and cable clutter. Reduce it, and you’ll have a sanctuary fit for life or work that doesn’t feel a mess.

HGTV Dream Home 2015 Kitchen Sink and Faucet

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Touch Me

This faucet hides a secret. Wave your hand underneath, and it will turn itself on. A life-saver in the kitchen, and a brilliant example of how technology doesn’t have to be in your face.

HGTV Smart Home 2016: Behind the Design

Minimize Your Technology for a More Relaxing Home

Move Aside, Television

Build It In

Act Naturally

Smart Furniture

Embrace Wall Space

Create a Tech Hub

Finding Comfort

Declutter Wires

Touch Me