Photographer: Simon Shiff)
When was the last time you had time to sink – truly sink – into the plush cushions of your sofa, put on a comfort show and indulge in some much-needed ‘me time’? If you can’t quite remember, it could be a sign that your living room isn’t as relaxing as it could be. Open plan living may have revolutionised the modern Australian home, but it’s also made it impossible to shut the door on things like kitchen clutter, homework sprawled across the dining table and a never-ending to-do list of life admin.
Add to that a whirlwind of family life, work and a busy social schedule – it’s no wonder the living room is probably the last place you feel able to relax! So, if you’ve already painted the living room a calming colour, decluttered every item that no longer brings you joy, invested in a weighted blanket, lit a lavender-scented candle but still feel like you should be doing something more productive, perhaps it’s time to tackle the tech, and no, we don’t mean taking a digital detox.
Is there a way to corral your living room tech to support relaxation time, rather than hindering it? We think so. Here are four ways to make your living room a calm and serene space.
1. Eye-catching technology
As TV screens have gotten larger, so too have the interior design efforts to hide them from view. Until recently, TVs were eye-catching in all the wrong ways, simply a big black box on the wall detracting from every other piece of furniture and decor you painstakingly selected to make your living room feel inviting andreflect your personality.
But rather than hiding a TV behind custom cabinetry, shoving it away in a corner or painting an entire wall black so the TV ‘blends in’, why not select a TV that’s designed to stand out – in all the right ways?
In ‘Art Mode’1 Samsung’s The Frame looks just like a framed piece of artwork. The Anti Glare Matte Display technology2 give the screen’s surface a canvas-like quality which will make even the most discerning art-lover look twice. In addition to being able to select and purchase additional artworks from a library of over 2000+ works of art3, you can also customise the TV’s bezel4 to suit your living room, with options like beige, teak, while, sand gold and brick red to choose from. You don’t have to shy away from extra-large screens either, as the 85-inch screen will simply imbue your living room with the serenity and sophistication of an art gallery.
2. A living room that supports leisure time
Nothing’s worse than finally putting your feet up to enjoy the latest film only to find your mind preoccupied by a speck of dust you just spotted on the floor or a vital ingredient you forgot to add to this week’s shopping list. Don’t press pause, don’t get up – just use your voice! Smart TVs like The Frame can talk to all the other compatible Wi-Fi-enabled appliances in your house via the Samsung SmartThings app7, so you can tell your robotic vacuum cleaner to take care of the carpet and tell your fridge to ‘Add milk to my shopping list’ then allow yourself to become completely engrossed in the storyline. All from the comfort of your couch.
3. Styling to reduce visual clutter
Maximalism may be making a comeback, but there’s a fine line between having a curated collection of gorgeous decor and well… just clutter. Studies suggest that over time, visual clutter can lead to feelings of anxiety and stress and can even impact your ability to focus. Sound familiar?
If treasured trinkets are too dear to part with following a round of intense decluttering, consider re-styling them in purposeful vignettes or grouping collections worth displaying in a curio cabinet. Clever storage solutions like blanket boxes, storage ottomans and chic woven baskets are a great way to keep items like throw blankets, kids’ toys and paperwork out of sight when they’re not in use.
Then, reduce distractions in the entertainment zone by organising and investing in wireless tech like Samsung’s ultra slim S-Series Soundbar that will allow you to become completely immersed in the latest Hollywood blockbuster or art house film without disrupting your decor.
4. Tune into your circadian rhythm
So you’ve finally found an evening ripe for relaxation time. Don’t let snuggling up on the sofa to binge your favourite show lead to a poor night’s sleep. Blue light, often emitted by screens and home lighting, can inhibit production of the body’s sleepy hormone, melatonin.
Set boundaries with your most beloved technology by creating automated routines that will help you rediscover your body’s natural circadian rhythm. Connect all of your living room appliances and smart bulbs to a centralised hub and ensure all lights automatically dim and all screens are turned off 60-90 minutes before you hit the hay.
At the end of the day, you deserve to relax. But with so much technology concentrated in the living room, it can be hard to truly switch off. Making your living room decor and devices work in harmony to create an atmosphere of serenity, support leisure time, reduce visual clutter and help you rediscover your circadian rhythm may be just the tweaks your living room needs.
Footnotes
- Supplied with 20 artworks. Additional artworks available for purchase or via subscription. Internet connection required.
- Picture quality will vary depending on room conditions and lighting. Image simulated for illustrative purposes.
- Supplied with 20 artworks. Additional artworks available for purchase or via subscription. Internet connection required.
- Customisable Frames sold separately. Colour availability is depending on size.
- Auto Rotating Wall Mount and Customisable Frames sold separately. Compatibility is dependent on size.
- Supplied with 20 artworks. Additional artworks available for purchase or via subscription. Internet connection required. Cable not shown.
- Compatible WiFi enabled device that supports SmartThings application only. Internet required. Device support may change without notice. Not all languages, accents, dialects and expressions recognised. Supported languages may differ between Bixby and Alexa.
The Frame QLED Smart TV – which features customisable bezel frames, can display from a collection of over 2000 artworks and is available in screen sizes up to 85 inches – is the ultimate choice for interior design aficionados. For more information, visit Samsung.com.au.
