Techorating: Geek Chic Home Edition

Tech Trends

It's no surprise that we're seeing an increased convergence between technology and home design. Afterall, our smartphones are virtual roommates, and our TV DVRs have become the BFF who never forgets to record our favorite shows. "Now tech companies are paying more attention to design and breaking out of the black-and silver," says Maxwell.

Sleek Sound

Get rid of your old, outdated speaker systems, advises Maxwell. With companies offering better-looking gadgets, there's no reason to hang on to those hideous speakers from '95, whose cords look just as awful.

Cool Tunes

To replace your old speakers, try this uber-chic iPod speaker, the Phonofone III from Science & Sons. With a nod to the old school, this is a gadget that you wouldn't mind having on display in your living room or family room.

SHOP NOW: Phonofone III, $195

Hide & Speak

Another popular option, according to Maxwell, is the Jawbone Jambox, which is the smallest, best-sounding wireless speaker. Set this little guy on a shelf in your library or on a bookshelf for a nearly hidden sound system. Jam out in a variety of colors to music, movies and games.

SHOP NOW: Jawbone JAMBOX, $200

Unsightly Stacks

CD and DVD towers are so last year. No need to throw away all of your media, but rather you can hide it and put things away to prevent technology from taking over your den or family room. Store DVDs inside ottomans or in TV consoles with sliding doors to provide easy access and stylish storage.

SHOP NOW: Media Console

Phone Home

Whether you charge your phones in the kitchen or the bedroom, those cords can get tangled and be a constant eyesore. Don't ruin a room's sense of calm and beautiful design with that one rogue cord snaking out from beneath the table or out of an outlet.

Cellular Solution

One of the hottest gadgets out is the new Duracell myGrid phone charger. This pad can charge up to four phones at a time and cut out the cord jumble by providing one sleep space for your devices to get a much-needed boost.

SHOP NOW: Duracell myGrid Starter Kit

Cable Chaos

If purchasing a new gadget is not in your budget, opt for a simple and stylish way to eliminate cord craziness. CableDrop can really blend in with your decor, so use them hidden under ledges in muted colors to match furniture or bring them to light by using the bright ones.

SHOP NOW: CableDrops

Trade In

Put away all of those remotes for the DVD player, TV, stereo and everything else in your media room. Trade up to a universal remote, which is available at a variety of prices to control everything in your home. "There are also smartphone apps to control other devices," says Maxwell of new apps that can transform your phone into a remote.

SHOP NOW: Universal Remote

Big and Chunky

Look familiar? Do you have a wall of your family room that you call the "entertainment center"? Displaying that mega-system is out. Hiding with chic cabinets, amroires and shelving is in. Recycle the bulky stuff or simply hide it tastefully. Insetting equipment into your walls is another DIY way to free up space in a room and infuse it with some style, says Maxwell.

Want More?

From simplehuman's automatic kitchen trash cans to Robern's defogging medicine cabinets and VueZone home cameras, techorating can happen all throughout your home. Get more of Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan's tips and tricks in his book, "Big Book of Small Cool Spaces."