You've heard the old saying, "Less is more." It may not be so true when it comes to lighting (you can never have enough lighting), but for certain areas of the home, having the least amount of tech may be the best route of all.
The Bedroom: Like many of you, we're all for a bedroom that's completely tech-free. Okay, so we're guilty of bringing the iPad into bed every once in a while. However, loud disruptive devices such as televisions? No way.
Entryways: We like our entryways made for putting on shoes, hanging up coats, and making us feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Having bright LED screens or security alarm panels are almost certainly a turn-off. Either cover it up or sign up for a service that allows you to use your cell phone to control your security system.
Bathrooms: Radios may be okay here, but please don't get us started on the new trend of TVs built into the bathtubs or toilets that tweet energy savings while you do your business. For those of us who have other obligations besides ourselves, the bathroom may be the last haven in the house where one can truly be alone from all of life's distractions. Don't allow it to become yet another 'connected' hot spot.
Balconies/Porches: We walked by a beautiful corner Victorian with a lovely porch the other day. First, we noticed the sweet old couple. We waved. Then, we noticed they had dragged their 30-year old tube television onto the porch. We didn't say much after that, except we promising ourselves we wouldn't let this mature as a trend. No TVs on the porch or balcony. Never ever.
(Images: Photographer Jérôme Galland, used with permission and Philip & Leona's Wide Open Loft Home Tour)
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Comments (20)
I know everyone vilifies TV, but the story about the sweet old couple watching tube television on their Victorian porch made me smile.
I completely agree, the TV in the bathroom trend is just wrong. Building in technology will also date the space very quickly (I really did not enjoy removing the giant phone connection from my bathroom wall).
TVs in the bathroom is a trend? Seriously?
Good post Lighting is so important, and it's nice to have a lot of options when lighting a room. I like to use a variety of lamps, different colored bulbs, dimmer switches... good reading lamps in the right areas.Task lighting, etc...
We have 1 TV for 4 people. It's in the living room. For our lifestyle, that is fine.I know people who have one in every room except the bathroom. That's fine too -- if you want many TVs I have no problem with seeing them at your house at all.
I think you are exaggerating. Especially with the "use your cell phone instead of security alarm panels in the entryway" part. Oh, yes, and with the part about a lovely old couple not watching tv on their porch (have you never seen people sitting on their balconies on warm summer nights enjoying their meal in front of a tv before? even being a purist should have some limits)
Let's see, my partner has his home theater (110 inch projection TV) which also includes a small flat screen for when he wants to just select and listen to music in the acoustically balanced space without firing up the projector (that's 2), plus the one in the family room for watching the news while playing with the rabbit or riding the elliptical (that's 3), the one in (YES!) the bathroom across from the home theater that's synched with the big screen, so you can use the facility without losing the storyline (that's four), plus the 50 inch in the living room (5) and the little one in his bedroom so he can watch news shows while using his laptop before going to sleep (6). I guess you could count the 5 computer monitors in various places too, since they can function as TVs, if you really want to be upset! Obviously we are TV oriented and technologically involved.
As for TV's in the bathroom, the one in the bath by the home theater is almost a joke, although it really IS nice to not miss part of a movie when you just gotta go. But we also have considered putting a small one on the wall next to the bath tub... a long soaking bath is kind of boring (at least for me) but if you could watch a movie or sitcom or some music videos, maybe it would be more fun! Not for everyone, I know, but then again, not everyone likes flickering candles, wine, and soggy paperbacks in the tub...
Anyone know the maker of the lamp in the main photo?
Am I the only one gazing at the stain on that bedroom ceiling with riveted horror?
So.. that motorcycle is pretty awesome. Any details? Also, I wish my wife would let me park my motorcycle in the entryway...
@gerundgirl You've been watching too much Breaking Bad.
... what, you don't use your iPad to watch movies in bed? Then what's the difference, aside from real estate?
@stevethreepo that looks like a modified Honda CB. The photo is from the Philip & Leona's Wide Open Loft House Tour
Please tell me where I can get the white low cabinet in the bedroom.
thanks !
@GERNUNDGIRL I was just thinking to myself how gorgeous the bedroom was and how it just needed one oversized piece of art on the far wall to be nearly perfect. Then I saw your comment and looked again. Ugh! Horrifying!
GERUNDGIRL.... sorry :-/
I want to know where that low white cabinet is from too! It would be perfect under the two low windows in my bedroom.
thirding the request for more info on those cabinets!
@gerundgirl I was thinking the same thing. Looks like water damage to me, yikes!
In our family, there is no tech in the bedroom. This includes TVs and computers, and as my daughter gets older, I'm sure I'll have to add laptop/tablet/phone to the list as well. I want as little tech as possible (which is easy, since I can't exactly afford new gadgets), and all of it in a public area.
As for other people's homes, whatever. I don't live there, nor do I make anyone else's rules.
No TV on my front porch either, but I love that the old folks did it!