What your house looks like says a lot about who you are, so it’s understandable why people spend a lot of time and money on interior design. Techorator Doug Wilson talks about the best way of integrating AV into your life.

According to research by LG, 70% of consumers are unsure of how best to fit their new technology into their homes.

To overcome this, LG designer Doug Wilson in the United States has developed what he calls ‘techoration’, a series of AV-based design tips that blend modern technology with interior design to ensure it suits the function and style of the room.

Developed to incorporate elements of interior design with leading-edge technology, techoration recognises that technology sits at the heart of a modern interior as a functional and decorative part of the room’s overall look and feel.

“By partnering with LG Electronics, I aim to provide consumers with key insights on how to techorate their own environment,” Doug says.

“This helps consumers navigate through some of the common issues they face when purchasing home electronics and integrating them into their homes.”

Some of the common questions include how to blend electronics into a home environment in a way that best reflects a personal style, selecting the right size of television for a room’s space and choosing between plasma and LCD.

Best known for his work on broadcaster TLC’s hit TV series Trading Spaces, Doug is a design phenomenon and an author. He has worked with Hollywood star Lindsay Lohan, veteran journalist Barbara Walters and New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg.

In recent times, Doug’s popularity has grown, thanks to his bold 21st century designs, including a table suspended in mid-air in a yellow and black dining room and a space created as a replica of a Pullman car.

He may be bringing unconventional design into homes across America, but he is also working to make ‘do-able’ design accessible to everyone – not just the lucky few who are chosen to appear on a television show, or who can afford a high-end decorator.

In his debut book, Doug’s Rooms, he offers well-developed design ideas and decorating advice focusing on a specific touchstone for each room – a swatch of fabric, a favourite knick-knack or thrift-shop treasure – to create an individual space.

But for the 21st century he thinks that touchstone is technology.

“Consumer electronics have grown in popularity over the past decade,” Doug says.

“And with the right design approach, there are almost no limitations in what you can do to incorporate these electronics into the home.

“Consumers simply need to be aware of the size and shape of their TVs or home theatres and be conscious that some of the existing surroundings may need to be moved around a bit to best incorporate the new product.”

Sometimes a simple paint job or the addition of curtains can make all the difference.

“Consumers want instant gratification, and that translates to integrating new electronics.

“Once the HDTV or home theatre system is purchased, consumers tend to race home to unpack it immediately and attempt to integrate it.

“To help consumers do this effectively, I worked with LG Electronics to come up with some easy do-it-yourself tips that make the installation process more fun and add a unique design element to create harmony between the existing home environment and the new technology.”

For screens, Doug suggests painting the wall behind a darker shade than normal.

“Televisions can actually add to the aesthetic of a space rather than detracting from the design.

“For example, if you want to be daring, a dark charcoal will help your black frame blend in. But, if you are looking for something more subtle, paint the wall a shade or two deeper than the others to add contrast and for a better view.”

For those planning to buy a new TV, one with invisible speakers and colour accents are worth trying, as they make good design possible without sacrificing the integrity of the space.

“With sleeker flat screens and new design elements available, the TV no longer has to be hidden – or stick out like a sore thumb.

“Just don’t let your flat screen be the only thing on the wall. Fill out the space using symmetrical design and equal proportions that still let the eye focus on the TV – such as matching pictures on either side of the screen with high-gloss frames to mimic the television to achieve balance and symmetry.

“Table-top or simple wall mounting for a flat screen TV can also add space to your room and streamline its look and feel. And fill in the space below the TV by adding a credenza or long table to get extra space for DVDs and remotes while drawing the eye into a larger design.”

Doug says it is imperative to determine the focal point of the room.

“The place that looks perfect for your television may actually be the perfect spot. Don’t be afraid to put that new flat screen over your mantle, but remember that competing design elements – fireplaces, large mirrors or picture windows – will make the space look too cluttered.”

HDTV achieves the best effect when eye level is at the centre of the display, so budget for a stand or wall-mounting system that puts the TV at the viewer’s eye level when sitting on a couch.

“It’s all about clean design, and today’s media rooms can easily become overshadowed by the presence of too many power cords for electronics.

“The television has certainly become the heart of the home in the 21st century. With so many innovative models on the market, there are many ways of upgrading this focal point to create a stylish design that complements home decor and incorporates one’s unique taste and personality.”

But a home theatre doesn’t end at the screen. Doug says individuals don’t always take sound into consideration when upgrading a room with new technology.

“When consumers invest money in a home theatre system, they should ensure they are getting a great sound experience. Many electronics companies offer a package of floor-standing and rear wall-mounted speakers to amplify your listening experience without sacrificing space.

“But make sure you properly position speakers in relation to the absorptive and reflective surfaces in the room.”

Companies like LG Electronics are incorporating design elements in home theatre systems, so speakers no longer need to be hidden in the corner.

LG’s LHT888, for example, is inspired by the slim, elegant form of the champagne flute and features multiple drivers in parabolic housings, each with a tapered integrated pedestal.

Curtains and wall decor can help absorb the sound in a room while adding a burst of vibrant colour and style.

“Add curtains to provide a more robust sound and a larger sweet spot by reducing the amount of sound that bounces off empty walls and windows. Adding thicker curtains is also an inexpensive way to make the room feel like a real movie theatre.

“Also, bare floors tend to reflect sound waves, dulling the sound. To get the best sound quality in rooms with hardwood floors, try covering the floor with rugs or upholstered furniture to absorb the sound.”

Ultimately, Doug says, it’s all about room dynamics.

“No matter the size of the room or living space you are working with, remember these important guidelines and you’ll never go wrong. The biggest mistake consumers report when purchasing a TV is choosing one that costs the most and is the wrong size for the space.

“Size matters. But remember, bigger isn’t always better. The technology used should be in proportion with the room for the best aesthetic and functional fit.”