What is Techorating?

Techorating is a term that refers to the incorporation of technology into an overall decorative theme of a room or home. The term “techorating” is credited to LG Electronics, who coined the term in early 2008 when they announced the launch of a program featuring celebrity interior designer Doug Wilson advising on the right ways to integrate technology into the decor of a home.

The initial concept of techorating is about decorating with all the gadgetry and equipment of modern technology. LCD and plasma flat panel televisions, surround sound audio, home theatre design, and other consumer electronics have been invading the home for the past several years and techorating is about working them into a room so that they are aesthetically pleasing.

Just as with interior design and decorating, techorating has rules. For example, balancing a wall-mounted flat screen with artwork and selecting paint colors that help electronics blend into a room are emphasized. Wilson also advises that electronics should be sized appropriately for the space they occupy. The rule of thumb for sizing a television is to keep the viewing distance at about 3 times the diagonal measurement of the screen to avoid the television from taking over the space.

Placement of electronics is also important. The point of interior techorating hinges on finding a balance and thus, while a television can be a focal point in a room, it should not compete with other focal points such as fireplaces or large picture windows. Other elements of techorating that help blend consumer electronics into a space include incorporating furniture that accommodates the electronics and gadgets associated with them. Cabinets, credenzas and tables that allow certain items such as DVDs, CDs, and controllers to be hidden will help organize the space by minimizing clutter, but avoid furniture that’s too large or small for the items it holds.

Many electronic manufacturers have already begun to realize that marrying electronics into decor is important to consumers and they address form and function by offering products such as wireless speakers, decorative wall mounts and incorporate sleeker designs, color accents and other features into their products that simplify the process. As the concept of techorating catches on, there will certainly be newer features that make incorporating technology into a decorative space even easier.