Harmony must always be a priority when planning different elements in a home. The modern apartment is often a mix of trendy gadgets and family heirlooms that are forced to live together
Today, large LCD screens have become the most sought-after appliance in many households. Designers feel they often determine the tone of the room.
Architect Carlo Capati of Contrast Interior Design says, "One's environment is generally known to affect one's well-being, either physically or psychologically. The accurate arrangement of furniture, good lighting, and right ambience are most important, regardless if it's a villa, an apartment, or a commercial space in a shopping mall."
Capati believes that electronic equipment is an irreplaceable part of our lives. "Electronic gadgets and appliances are part of our daily lives, both at work and at home, which is why TV, telephone and computer points are the basic requirements in planning the whole building."
Architect Kieran Hodge has been working in the UAE for more than 27 years. He says, "When setting up the home, a designer won't design around any one particular element such as television or refrigerator. Instead every room is designed and styled as a whole where everything complements the other."
With cramped living spaces Hodge says that flat screen TVs are becoming the obvious choice for residents of the UAE. "Villas and apartments in the UAE are getting smaller, making LCD's the practical choice when setting up homes.
"With a conventional TV screen one needed a cabinet to house the monitor, and this took up a lot of room. Modern LCDs and plasma screens are sleek and can be incorporated into almost any décor," says Capati.
Capati adds, "The concept of minimalist design has become increasingly popular all over the world. It involves the use of less furniture.
"Feature walls are designed for the entertainment area. This comprises one wall of the room which is painted in a different colour and where most of the entertainment equipment is situated."
Capati suggests that those with smaller budgets can simply put up their plasma screens without having to design the space surrounding the screen, while others can utilise the space they have by using the plasma screen as a computer monitor.
Hodge adds, "I think LCDs are more popular because they are sleek. People have found that they no longer need to relegate their television viewing to the living room. One can mount an LCD screen in the kitchen and bedroom as well. We recently even put them on the ceiling of a beauty salon!
"An LCD can also be placed outdoors provided it is protected from natural elements. This is currently being done at the Emirates Towers hotel," he says.
As for decor tips, Hodge says, "Like any ordinary TV, if a LCD screen is facing a window. It will attract a glare, so it's always important to avoid facing the main source of light.
"Proper care must also be taken while setting up an LCD screen. One must make sure the wall is suitable for placing the screen as there are often cable wires that can obstruct drilling holes needed for mounting."
Capati adds: "An LCD or plasma screen generally helps to make the space neater by keeping everything concealed. This is probably one of the main reasons it is so popular."
