How do you balance the use of technology and digital devices in your home while maintaining a sense of calm and luxury? Share your tips for creating tech-free zones or incorporating technology seamlessly.

Devices are very much "out of sight, out of mind." Meaning when they are out of reach and notifications are turned off, the temptation to check them and mindlessly scroll is virtually zero. During the pandemic, we implemented a no devices during meals policy at home. After dinner, I put my cellphone in another room on silent to be more present with my family. And when I sleep, my phone is intentionally across the room in airplane mode. Those small shifts of intentionally unplugging have made a world of difference in my ability to be more present, joyful, and enjoy the people I care about the most.

In my home, I've found that balancing technology with a sense of calm comes down to intentional design choices and smart implementation. I replaced my standard laminate desk with a custom white oak slab on matte black steel legs, which transformed my home office into a minimalist workspace free from visual clutter while still accommodating necessary technology. For areas where technology is essential, I use smart plugs that automatically shut off devices after periods of inactivity, reducing both energy consumption and the constant presence of standby lights and indicators. This approach has not only created a more peaceful environment but has reduced our standby energy costs by about 20% within the first month of implementation. I recommend designating certain areas of your home as tech-free sanctuaries while ensuring that necessary technology in other spaces serves a purpose and integrates seamlessly with your design aesthetic.

I try to really separate my home office from the rest of my home. On the days where I WFH, I work entirely from my home office, and my computer and additional monitors stay in there. When I'm not working, I keep that room shut and leave my work electronics in there. I also try really hard to limit my screen time after work hours. Though I'm not saying that I never watch TV, I do try to be more intentional about doing things like reading or getting outside so that I don't spend the whole day looking at various screens.

In my homes and properties, I've found that creating dedicated tech-free zones is essential for maintaining both calm and luxury. One approach I've implemented with great success is establishing reading nooks—comfortable chairs positioned by windows with good natural light, accompanied by a side table and soft throw blanket. These intentional spaces invite people to disconnect from screens and enjoy moments of quiet reflection or reading. The key is designing these areas to be more appealing than digital alternatives, making the choice to unplug feel like a luxury rather than a sacrifice.

I think a major part of this is learning to incorporate or disguise tech devices into your overall home decor. For instance, having a stylish cabinet for your gaming consoles or other assorted wires is a great way to blend them into your home aesthetic, and make a relaxation space like a living room or bedroom feel more tech-free and relaxing. Other tech devices like smart thermostats and many other smart devices are going to naturally contribute to that sense of calm and luxury, by taking care of things so you don't need to stress about them, or by allowing you to better customize the appearance of your home (as with smart lighting).

One specific item that comes to mind here is the Samsung Frame TV. This is the TV that, while not in use, looks like a framed painting. (Other brands make this style of TV too, Samsung just has the original and best one, in my opinion). Having an item like this can make your living room appear to be totally tech-free, yet it can give you the ability to relax and watch a movie or TV show whenever you want.

The modern home is rarely free of screens or devices. The challenge isn't banishing technology—it's integrating it so it supports life without overwhelming it. In luxury spaces especially, the presence of tech should feel intentional, almost invisible, so the atmosphere remains calm, not clinical. 1. Make Tech the Quiet Guest, Not the Main Character In my Unified Home Renovation Guide, I talk about designing spaces that feel cohesive from architecture to accessories. The same principle applies to technology. Conceal televisions behind paneling or art, or use a Samsung's Frame TV type tv. Tuck speakers into millwork or ceilings so they blend with the architecture. Choose finishes on devices that harmonize with the room—matte, not glossy, muted tones over stark black. 2. Design for Downtime A true luxury home has moments where the eye can rest. That's where tech-free zones come in. Bedrooms: No screens. Instead, layered lighting—sconces, dimmable table lamps—becomes the focus. Dining rooms: Keep this as a conversation sanctuary. I often specify closed storage for chargers and devices so the table remains clear. Bathrooms: Technology here should enhance rituals, not intrude. Think underfloor heating, smart mirrors with subtle anti-fog lighting—not a TV at the foot of the tub. 3. Control the Clutter Before It Starts A nest of cords can ruin the calm of even the most beautifully designed room. Integrated charging drawers in kitchens or offices keep devices powered and out of sight. In living spaces, I build in discreet charging shelves behind sofas or in console tables—easy access without the visual noise. 4. Match the Pace of the Room Technology should adapt to the emotional temperature of the space. In entertaining areas, high-quality audio might be prominent. In a library or reading nook, it might be nothing more than a small, concealed speaker for soft music. The balance is knowing when to let tech step forward and when to let it disappear. 5. Remember: Luxury is in the Editing In the same way I advise against visual clutter—I also advise against overloading a home with visible tech for tech's sake. If it doesn't serve the space or the way you live, it's not elevating the design. The most luxurious interiors are the ones that know what to leave out. Attribution: Rachel Blindauer, Interior Designer, Furniture Designer, Purveyor of Beautiful Things

Balancing Technology with Calm and Luxury at Home These days, tech is woven into almost every corner of our homes — the TV on the wall, the laptop on the table, the phone that's never far from reach. The challenge isn't getting rid of it, it's making sure it works for you without overwhelming the space. Calm and luxury come from intention, and a little editing. Have a few sacred, tech-free spots Pick one or two areas where devices just don't go. Maybe it's the dining table, so meals are about conversation. Or a cozy chair by the window that's strictly for reading. Little boundaries like this give you moments of quiet that help the whole home feel more peaceful. Tuck it away when you can Cords, blinking lights, and stacks of remotes can make a room feel messy no matter how beautiful the furniture is. Use baskets, drawers, or cabinets to hide the clutter. Even something as simple as a decorative box for chargers can make a space feel calmer instantly. Choose tech that looks as good as it works If a speaker or TV has to be out in the open, find one that fits your style. A TV that turns into framed art when it's off, a speaker covered in linen, or even a coffee table with a built-in charging pad can blend right in with your decor. Set "off" hours Luxury living often comes from pace, not price. Try turning off most devices after a certain hour — dim the lights, play some music, maybe light a candle. You'll notice the energy in the room changes, and it's easier to relax. Balance cold tech with warm textures Screens and metal surfaces can feel a little stark. Pair them with wood, woven fabrics, or soft rugs to create a warmer, more grounded atmosphere. The mix makes your home feel layered and lived-in, not like a showroom. Let tech make life easier, not louder Smart lighting that shifts with the sun, quiet background music, blinds that open with a tap — these are the kinds of tech touches that add comfort instead of chaos. When you treat your tech like part of your home's design, you get the best of both worlds — a connected, functional space that still feels calm, welcoming, and just a little bit indulgent.

One thing I've learned: a sense of calm and luxury at home isn't about banning tech—it's about camouflaging it. I don't mean hiding every device in a drawer. I mean designing the environment so tech feels like a natural extension of the space, not a visual or mental interruption. For example, my speakers are built into the walls—not because I'm an audiophile, but because I don't want "electronics" to be the first thing you notice when you walk in. My charging station is a vintage wooden box, with cables threaded discreetly through the back. The router is tucked inside a hollowed-out art book on the shelf. Even my TV sits behind sliding panels, so when it's off, the wall just looks like a clean, minimalist surface. The real trick is that these design choices also act as soft boundaries. If the panels are closed, the TV stays off. If my phone is in the charging box, I'm done scrolling for the night. You don't have to willpower your way into a tech break—it just naturally happens because the devices are out of sight and not begging for attention. The end result is a home that still has all the connectivity and functionality I want, but the vibe is closer to a boutique hotel than a Best Buy showroom. Guests don't walk in and think "gadgets everywhere." They just feel the calm.

I've found that true luxury at home comes from intentional design—and that means carving out pockets of quiet amid all our screens. In our living room, for example, I've created a "no-device" oasis around our cream linen sofa and art-filled gallery wall: a simple basket by the door holds everyone's phones, and we only reconnect with them once we've shared a zero-screen family moment (usually over Bradford's block play). The dining room is also sacred: we've swapped traditional blinds for sisal and mesh-backed shades so the space feels light and uncluttered—perfect for device-free dinners. Even my home office has a little zen corner with a plush chair and a stack of analog journals, so I can scribble out ideas without a blinking cursor demanding my attention. At the same time, I've woven technology into the fabric of our home in a way that feels seamless—not flashy. All our lighting and shades live on a hidden smart panel that responds to voice or a single tap in the corner of the room, and I've run speaker wires behind built-ins so music flows without a single cable in sight. Our toddler's nursery is on a separate mesh-enabled network, which lets me stream lullabies without interrupting the rest of the house. And for my own work, I lean into micro-tech rituals—like grabbing my phone only when I step onto our backyard for a 10-minute brainstorm walk—so I harness digital tools exactly when I need them, rather than letting them dictate my day. It's this mix of beautifully curated analog moments and stealthy smart integration that keeps our home both calm and cutting-edge.

Technology and feng shui aren't always the most yin-and-yang pairing, but when used intentionally, they can absolutely coexist to create a functional and serene home. My best tip for balancing tech while maintaining a sense of calm is to make it as invisible as possible. The less you notice it, the better. One of my favorite examples is the TV picture frame. Instead of letting a black screen dominate the room, I frame the TV so it blends into the space like a piece of art. I set a landscape scene as the default background, which makes it look like a painting rather than a screen. Another game-changing tip: automate your tech. In my home, everything powers down at bedtime. No glowing blue lights, no buzzing routers, just a calm, quiet space. Pre-scheduling this routine eliminated that end-of-day scramble and completely elevated the energy of the house.

Balancing technology and maintaining a calm, luxurious home environment comes down to intentional placement and creating tech-free spaces. I've found that having specific areas where no devices are allowed, like the bedroom and dining room, helps create a peaceful atmosphere. For tech integration, I focus on minimalist devices that blend with the decor, such as sleek smart speakers or hidden charging stations. I also use automation to control lighting, temperature, and music, making it easy to set the mood without constantly interacting with devices. My tip is to schedule "device-free" times, like during meals or before bed, so technology doesn't overwhelm your personal space. This way, technology enhances comfort and convenience without disrupting the serene, luxury vibe I aim to maintain at home. Creating that balance has made my space feel more relaxing while still being functional.

Creating a calm, luxurious atmosphere at home starts with intentional design—both in physical spaces and digital habits. One simple shift that works remarkably well is treating tech like furniture: useful, but not always on display. Smart speakers are hidden in shelves, wires are concealed, and screens are absent from bedrooms and the dining area. Lighting plays a big role too; using warm ambient lighting instead of bright overheads helps reduce screen-related tension. A personal favorite is the "unplugged hour" every evening—devices go on silent, and time is reserved for quiet reading or mindful conversation. It's less about banning technology and more about placing it in the background, so the home feels like a retreat, not a control center.

In my home, I believe the key to balancing technology with tranquility is thoughtful integration rather than complete separation. I've found success in designating certain areas like the bedroom and dining room as low-tech spaces where we prioritize conversation and relaxation over screens. For the rest of our living space, we focus on incorporating technology that truly enhances our lifestyle without creating visual clutter or constant notifications. One approach I've implemented is repurposing existing devices, such as converting older smartphones into dedicated smart home controllers that can be tucked away when not in use. The goal is to have technology serve our needs without becoming the focal point of our living spaces, allowing the design elements and personal touches to define the luxury feel of our home.

Balancing technology with a calm, refined atmosphere begins with designating intentional tech-free zones, such as the dining area and bedrooms, to encourage uninterrupted connection and rest. These spaces are furnished with tactile, natural materials—linen, wood, stone—that subtly signal a slower pace. In areas where technology is essential, integrating devices into custom cabinetry or using concealed wiring keeps the aesthetic uncluttered. For example, a living room media setup can be hidden behind sliding panels that match surrounding millwork, allowing the space to transition easily from entertainment to conversation. Ambient lighting, controlled through discreet smart systems, maintains functionality without overwhelming the senses, ensuring technology supports the environment rather than dominating it.

In my home, I've found that creating a balanced technological environment starts with being intentional about notifications. I discovered that turning off unnecessary alerts and not constantly wearing connected devices like my Apple Watch during certain hours significantly reduces the urge to constantly check devices. For bedrooms and dining areas, I recommend establishing tech-free zones where conversations and relaxation take priority, helping maintain the luxury of undistracted human connection. In spaces where technology is necessary, I integrate devices with elegant cable management solutions and furniture specifically designed to hide technological components when not in use. This approach has substantially decreased my overall screen time over the past couple of years while still allowing me to enjoy the conveniences that modern technology offers.

Creating a calm and luxurious environment at home while living in a hyper-connected world comes down to intentional design. One approach that works is defining clear boundaries—like keeping bedrooms and dining areas entirely tech-free. These zones become natural sanctuaries for rest and connection. Meanwhile, in shared spaces like the living room, integrating tech with subtlety helps—think hidden charging drawers or smart systems embedded into the interior design, so function doesn't overshadow aesthetic. It's about choosing quality over quantity with devices, and making space for presence, not just productivity.

Creating a home environment that feels both calm and luxurious, while still embracing technology, is really about intentional design and boundaries. One effective approach is to designate tech-free zones—like bedrooms and dining areas—to encourage more meaningful, present moments. At the same time, integrating smart home solutions like automated lighting, hidden speakers, or voice-controlled thermostats can add a touch of understated luxury without overwhelming the space. The goal isn't to eliminate tech, but to make it invisible until it's needed. Discreet design choices and clear personal rules—like no phones during meals or screen curfews—go a long way in achieving balance.

Designating intentional tech-free zones, such as the dining area and bedroom, helps preserve a sense of calm while encouraging uninterrupted connection. These spaces are furnished with warm lighting, natural textures, and comfortable seating to invite conversation and relaxation without the distraction of screens. Where technology is necessary, integrating it discreetly maintains a refined atmosphere. For example, concealing speakers within cabinetry, using frame-style displays for televisions, and opting for wireless charging stations built into furniture keeps devices accessible yet visually unobtrusive. This approach allows the benefits of modern technology to coexist with a serene, curated environment, ensuring that digital tools serve the space rather than dominate it.

I have quite a few smart home products, and I have connectivity with those on my phone, and my goal with all of that is always convenience. I carry my phone with me everywhere I go regardless, so that ends up being how I can take advantage of technology without disrupting the sense of calm in my home. I can, for example, control my lights and surround system from my phone, inside and outside, so that helps me always have control over the ambiance of my space.