Let’s ‘techorate’

Across the country, spring, which starts today, not only brings warmer temperatures but also marks the beginning of the "spring cleaning." This is the time of year when it becomes necessary to sweep under the rugs, dust off the shelves and mop the winter residue off the floor.

As the LG techorator, I am helping consumers understand how to integrate design and technology in their homes. Techorating is the concept of combining technology and interior design so that a techorated room works together as one, unified space.

HDTVs: Hearth of the home

In my professional opinion, the television has become the "hearth of the home" in the 21st century. Instead of moving your television from one corner of the room to the other, homeowners should not be afraid to put it above the mantel. A word of caution is that competing design elements -- fireplaces, large mirrors, picture windows -- will make the space look too cluttered.

Flat-panel televisions offer more decorating flexibility than the boxy old TVs of the past. Companies like LG Electronics are offering a variety of high-definition television options -- from simple, sleek designs to color accents. These are just one of many ways to upgrade the focal point of a room while integrating design elements that complement your home's décor and incorporate your own style, unique taste and personality.

Placing your HDTV on a table top or simply mounting it on the wall can add space to your room. If you choose to mount your flat screen on a wall, make sure to fill out the space using symmetrical designs and equal proportions that allow the eye to focus on the TV. One way to achieve balance and symmetry is to match pictures with high-gloss frames on either side of the screen to mimic the sleek television design.

Size matters

Rejuvenating your home this spring also may require moving and rearranging the furniture to provide a better fit in the room. While redecorating your space, it is important to keep in mind the size of your television screen, as this should determine furniture placement.

A good tip to keep in mind when choosing the perfect place for your sofa: Multiply the size of your screen in inches by 1.5. This number is the minimum distance in inches between the TV set and sofa. (Divide by 12 to convert your answer to feet.)

When it comes to purchasing a new HDTV, just remember: Size matters, but bigger isn't always better! The technology used should be in proportion to the size of the room for the best aesthetic and functional fit.

Integrating color, technology

Another way you may consider sprucing up your room is by painting the wall behind your flat screen a darker shade. For example, a dark charcoal will help the black frame of the HDTV blend into the walls. If you are looking for something more subtle, paint the wall a shade or two deeper than the others to add contrast and depth to your room.

If your room needs a whole new look, try putting less color on the walls and more on the technology. Many electronics companies are introducing flat-screen TVs with various coloring incorporated into the design. For example, LG Electronics introduced a new line of LCD TVs with color accenting that is perfect for consumers looking to integrate color into their homes without being forced to repaint an entire room.

By following a few of these easy techorating tips, you don't have to settle for simply cleaning your home this spring. You can rejuvenate it and have a spring renewal!

For these and more techorating tips during spring cleaning season, check out my tips at www.lgusa.com/techorator.

Celebrity designer Doug Wilson, best known for TLC's "Moving Up" and "Trading Spaces" programs, is the LG techorator, the expert on integrating style and technology into today's lifestyles.