Decorating Guides
20 OTT But Seriously Sexy High-Tech Home Improvements
Install state-of-the-art technology in your home and become the envy of all your neighbours
Computerised technology in the home was once reserved for heroes (like Batman and James Bond) or wealthy billionaires after a bit of fun (Bill Gates, perhaps?). Now, however, installing a motorised this or an automatic that is much more accessible to the greater population. Sure, it’s still expensive, but the technology is there and no longer seen as something that will exist in the far-off future.
If you look closely enough, high-tech can exist in literally any room of the home, too. The only boundary is the extent of your imagination (and possibly your bank balance). Personally, I’d love a motorised wardrobe like the one Cher uses in Clueless. You know, the one that rotates at the press of a button and even matches her outfits? Best. Invention. Ever.
You’ll notice these ideas range from functional to the overtly playful (hint: look out for the water slide). There are even some extravagant installations that look more like a scene from Entourage than a space in someone’s everyday abode.
If you look closely enough, high-tech can exist in literally any room of the home, too. The only boundary is the extent of your imagination (and possibly your bank balance). Personally, I’d love a motorised wardrobe like the one Cher uses in Clueless. You know, the one that rotates at the press of a button and even matches her outfits? Best. Invention. Ever.
You’ll notice these ideas range from functional to the overtly playful (hint: look out for the water slide). There are even some extravagant installations that look more like a scene from Entourage than a space in someone’s everyday abode.
The glass elevator
Stairs are so overrated. Well, they would be if you had this slick elevator chute in your home to propel you from one floor to another.
Find a designer near you to give your home an upgrade
Stairs are so overrated. Well, they would be if you had this slick elevator chute in your home to propel you from one floor to another.
Find a designer near you to give your home an upgrade
The dance floor
Why go out to a nightclub when you can bring the party to yours? It comes complete with a big screen and state-of-the-art lighting.
Why go out to a nightclub when you can bring the party to yours? It comes complete with a big screen and state-of-the-art lighting.
The pivot doors
Rather than simply sliding open, these giant metal doors are mechanically retracted in one impressive sweep.
Rather than simply sliding open, these giant metal doors are mechanically retracted in one impressive sweep.
The trap-door wine cellar
Hidden underground is an abundance of (probably very expensive) wine, temperature-controlled and accessible only via an automatic stairway.
Hidden underground is an abundance of (probably very expensive) wine, temperature-controlled and accessible only via an automatic stairway.
The flick-of-a-switch shutters
Shutting yourself off from the world (or vast amounts of sunlight) really is as easy as pressing a button here. One touch and these shutters ensure the utmost privacy.
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Shutting yourself off from the world (or vast amounts of sunlight) really is as easy as pressing a button here. One touch and these shutters ensure the utmost privacy.
See more of this home
The mechanical blinds
And here’s its indoor cousin. These swish open just as easily thanks to a hidden motorised mechanism. Handy when you have windows that are large and a stepladder just won’t do.
And here’s its indoor cousin. These swish open just as easily thanks to a hidden motorised mechanism. Handy when you have windows that are large and a stepladder just won’t do.
The hidden TV (part one)
Yes, we agree. Having a television in your kitchen is haphazard and unattractive. Space permitting, this certainly solves the problem.
Yes, we agree. Having a television in your kitchen is haphazard and unattractive. Space permitting, this certainly solves the problem.
The hidden TV (part two)
The disguised-in-a-side-table option is great for when you don’t want a clunky TV set messing with the flow of your room.
The disguised-in-a-side-table option is great for when you don’t want a clunky TV set messing with the flow of your room.
The hidden TV (part three)
And lastly, a television concealed so stylishly you wouldn’t even know it was there.
And lastly, a television concealed so stylishly you wouldn’t even know it was there.
The cool underground cave
How’s this to impress your mates? This pool has won major design awards and was constructed using native boulders. There real hero, though? The hyper-coloured lighting. Magical.
How’s this to impress your mates? This pool has won major design awards and was constructed using native boulders. There real hero, though? The hyper-coloured lighting. Magical.
The mechanical closet
While not as exciting as the cave, this is practical and allows you to access clothes placed way up high via mechanical arms.
While not as exciting as the cave, this is practical and allows you to access clothes placed way up high via mechanical arms.
The appliance hider
Make your everyday appliances disappear thanks to this retractable shelf that lives inside the kitchen island. Mess that’s gone in an instant? Genius.
Make your everyday appliances disappear thanks to this retractable shelf that lives inside the kitchen island. Mess that’s gone in an instant? Genius.
The computerised shower
Program the temperature, pressure and type of water flow. And that’s all before you step in.
Program the temperature, pressure and type of water flow. And that’s all before you step in.
The carousel
Yep, this is a fully functioning electric merry-go-round in what we can conclude is the most amazing playroom ever.
Yep, this is a fully functioning electric merry-go-round in what we can conclude is the most amazing playroom ever.
The retractable table
No fussing about, when unexpected dinner guests pop over you simply extend your dining table by pressing a button.
No fussing about, when unexpected dinner guests pop over you simply extend your dining table by pressing a button.
The recording studio
If the urge to belt out a ballad is undeniable, retreat to your private studio where you can lay down some demo tracks.
If the urge to belt out a ballad is undeniable, retreat to your private studio where you can lay down some demo tracks.
The waterslide
When a high-tech idea meets a little imagination. This awesome tube has power jets galore.
When a high-tech idea meets a little imagination. This awesome tube has power jets galore.
The at-home sports bar
The ultimate man cave. It comes with reclining chairs and enough screens so you don’t miss any sporting action. Ever.
The ultimate man cave. It comes with reclining chairs and enough screens so you don’t miss any sporting action. Ever.
The home-theatre
And finally, the classic choice of technology for film buffs. It features a big screen, sure, but the real-life mechanical curtains are adorable, too.
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A Bar for Every-Sized Home
Tell us:
What type of technology would you love to install in your home? Share your thoughts in Comments below.
And finally, the classic choice of technology for film buffs. It features a big screen, sure, but the real-life mechanical curtains are adorable, too.
Read more:
Houzz Tour: Red & Grey Dominate the Theme of This Mumbai Bachelor Pad
A Bar for Every-Sized Home
Tell us:
What type of technology would you love to install in your home? Share your thoughts in Comments below.
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It’s sole purpose: to house your sports car collection, of course. Simply press a button and it rises from underground so you can go for a spin.
Step inside this ultimate man cave