There’s a case to be made for seemingly useless home décor—bowls filled with fruit that you’ll never eat, decorative plates that have never once been used and desktop knick-knacks that have sentimental value and not much else—so long as it all looks interesting enough. On the other hand, technology has made it so home objects can be incredibly useful. Things like home automation can connect an entire residence so that windows can be opened and music can be started with just the touch of a button, and 21st-century kitchen utensils make preparing meals a breeze (opening a can, for instance, is way easier than it used to be). But there’s one thing that home décor has that those futuristic gadgets often don’t: aesthetic appeal. Many speakers, TVs and tablets just don’t look that great, even if they do vastly improve quality of life. Thankfully, a balance can be struck. Here, seven interior designers advise on the home tech that’s changed their lives—and that doesn’t look like a total eyesore.
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Samsung Frame TV
Image Credit: Amazon “I love the direction we’re heading with the technology of smart TVs and their ability to feature beautiful images of artworks—it’s no longer just about watching the TV, but rather, the effect that TV has on the space when it’s turned off. It solves the problem of having an often ominous, void-like black screen hanging in the room. It’s also super functional—a TV when it’s turned on and an art piece when it’s turned off. You can ‘hang’ a work that reflects your style and taste and easily enhance the overall design of the room.” –Eilyn Jimenez, Sire Design
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Google Nest Hub Max
Image Credit: Google Store “Right now I’m obsessed with the Google Nest Hub Max. I use it in my design studio, and it’s a great way to keep me organized and motivated every day. I have it set up to send me alerts throughout the workday, reminding me to take a walk, call my mom and other various tasks on my list. I actually gifted one to a client to celebrate the completion of their home project. I love it that much!” –Whitney Jones, Whitney J Decor
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Plum Wine Dispenser
Image Credit: Williams Sonoma “My current favorite smart home accessory is the Plum wine dispenser. Plum uses technology to perfectly store wine for up to 90 days (although I can’t imagine a bottle lasting that long!). The unit also has a virtual sommelier that will provide details about the wine automatically based on the label. It keeps track of the different wine varietals and identifies the perfect temperature to preserve and serve the wine. The touchscreen provides all the details of the wine and allows you to identify how much you would like to pour. It’s a great way to enjoy a more expensive bottle of wine during the week and not worry about wasting it later.” –Kelly Finley, Joy Street Design
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Sonos One Speaker
Image Credit: Sonos “My current favorite is the Sonos Speaker. This brand comes equipped with multiple different easy-to-use portable speakers making them a perfect fit for every home. They’re easy to install and can be unplugged and used in multiple rooms—each can be set up with one click to your smartphone.” –Michael Mitchell, Mitchell Hill
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Nest Thermostat
Image Credit: Google Store “While photos in glossy magazines might tell you otherwise, unsightly appliances are a part of everyone’s lives. Smart home products, however, combine beauty with utility, making everyday appliances easier on the eye. The Nest thermostat works beautifully. It looks sharp but blends in seamlessly, and it always greets you when you walk in the door.” –Liz Caan
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Roomba 694 Vacuum
Image Credit: Roomba “The Roomba vacuum is an excellent device that’s well-loved by our clients with busy schedules or kids and pets. It’s small, quiet and a great option because users can control it remotely from their smartphones and turn it on even if they’re not at home. With so many open concept and sprawling projects, we find that our clients love having this little guy moving about continually cleaning the floors—especially with the constant foot traffic of kids and pets during the continued ‘work from home’ climate.” –Gioi Tran, Applegate Tran Interiors
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Hotel Scents Diffuser
Image Credit: Hotel Scents “Our clients in Charlotte brought a luxe upgrade to our attention after a resort vacation… it’s a scent diffuser system that connects to the HVAC of the home. It gently distributes the scent of their choice throughout the home without lighting a candle in every room. The aroma is subtle, but creates a mood and atmosphere that welcomes you to every space.” —Lori Paranjape, Mrs. Paranjape Design + Interiors
