Don't Just Decorate Your Home: Techorate It!

Backyard Living & Staycationing That big screen television does more than bring the cast of Survivor into crisp, clear definition; it dominates your living room.

And while consumers are quick to invite high technology into their homes, they often don't know how to arrange a marriage between that technology and home décor.

Enter the art of "techoration," or harmonizing the latest electronics and gadgets into interior design. In the same way that flowers and vases once served as decorative focal points of a room, today it is technology that serves as the heart of modern home design. It is both a functional and decorative part of a room's overall feel. Successful "techoration" incorporates technology so that it is both attractive and easy to use and blends harmoniously within the home's existing architecture.

So, if that giant TV has taken over the room and you don't know how to minimize its effect, keep some simple "techorating" tips in mind:

Size Matters
Bigger isn't always better. Make sure you buy the right size television to fit the room. Sleek, flat HDTV screens can enhance a room's aesthetic if the proportions are right.

A good rule of thumb is that the viewing distance should be between 1.5 and three times the diagonal measurement of the screen. HDTV delivers the most impact when your eye level is at the center of the display; so budget money for a stand or wall-mounting system that puts your TV at eye level when you're sitting on your couch.

Find the focal point of the room in order to determine the best placement. If you put a flat screen over the mantel, minimize the rest of the décor in the space to avoid a cluttered look.

Try painting the wall behind your flat screen a darker shade than the rest of the walls. A deep charcoal will help your black frame blend in.

Fill in the wall space with complementary art or photos on either side of the screen for balance and symmetry. Add a long table underneath for DVD storage.

Use color accents that blend in with your décor. Avoid overhead lighting that can compromise the picture quality.

Many electronics companies offer a package of floor standing and rear wall mounted speakers to amplify your listening experience without sacrificing space.

Like any other home improvement project, with a little planning up front, you'll soon be enjoying your new technology without sacrificing interior design and style.