Interior designers, help your clients create a destination in their homes to gather and make memories—a media room! In a dedicated media room, families can enjoy the high-resolution entertainment of a private theater with added freedom to chat over drinks or play pool while the game’s on. They can settle in the dark to watch a film on the big screen or play cards while music swells from speakers and a subwoofer.

To truly ‘wow’ with design, we’ve rounded up the latest media room installation trends that your clients will love. And if you’re in the Charlotte, North Carolina region, The Integrated Home is your partner for all entertainment installations. Continue reading to learn more!

SEE ALSO: Install Media Components Into Any Room

1. Float the Furniture

It’s many people’s instinct to push couches and seating against a wall. But when you ‘float’ sofas in the middle of the room, you’ll create a space behind seating for games, a wine bar, and other activities. Folks can still relax and watch the screen from recliners and couches or have fun on the other side of the room. This will make the media room appear longer, freeing up space for more possibilities.

2. Hidden Technology

Is there a way to make a large TV screen and speakers appear minimalist? Yes, there is! If your client strives for sparse design, incorporate hidden technology solutions like an in-ceiling projector screen and in-wall speakers. When it’s time to start a movie, all your client will need to do is press a button on their smartphone or remote to lower the screen. In-floor screens that rise are a possibility, too. For robust surround sound, speakers can be placed inside walls, reducing the appearance of bulky technology. Plus, new mirror and artwork TVs disguise the screen’s appearance when not in use, so clients can enjoy the background while chatting with guests.

If you’re considering a new home technology project—whether it’s a security system, smart lighting, whole home audio, or all three—be sure to work exclusively with an HTA-certified integrator. Members of the Home Technology Association are experts in the field and will provide excellent services, installation, and support. In the Charlotte, North Carolina region, The Integrated Home is proud to be your HTA-certified technology company.

But what makes an HTA certified business better than the rest? Continue reading to find out.

SEE ALSO: Is Your Smart Home Up to Date?

What Is the HTA?

The Home Technology Association (HTA) was formed to empower homeowners with a reliable method to evaluate a company’s competence, customer service, and reputation in the industry. With rigorous standards, a board of HTA members decides which technology installation firms deserve certification. The association was created because previously, there was no qualification for a business to call themselves a ‘home technology professional,’ leading to subpar technology experiences. Just like Michelin stars tell you a restaurant is high-quality, an HTA-certified firm is one you can trust.

North Carolina in the summertime means heat—and lots of it. With the humidity, it’s nearly impossible to get by without air conditioning flowing through your house. However, cooling costs can rack up your monthly bills immensely and negatively impact the environment.

Well, what can one do? Sweltering inside your home in the name of being resourceful isn’t a practical option. But with smart home technology like motorized shading, there are handy ways to save energy and stay cool at the same time.

To learn how to permanently optimize your Lake Norman, NC home’s energy use year-round, continue reading below!

SEE ALSO: Why Motorized Shades Are An Essential Addition to Your Space

1. Add Motorized Shading to Your Home

Motorized shades are an excellent option to routinely preserve a cool indoor temperature. With automated blinds like Lutron’s Serena smart shades in every room, you can easily connect each window to your smart control system like Control4. Set your shades to a timer based around your work schedule, or swipe on your smartphone to automatically lower every shade before departing.

There’s nothing like a beautiful day on the green with friends, but in sweltering summer heat or under stormy weather, your golf plans may get put on hold. But practice makes perfect, and to get in the most time on your swing, a home golf simulator is an excellent option to lower that handicap. Like a bowling alley for golfers, a home golf simulator lets you work on your game offseason in private or over drinks with friends and family.

If you’re curious about adding a golf simulator to your Charlotte, NC home, continue reading below to discover four ways it will perfect your swing.

SEE ALSO: Top 4 Benefits of A Golf Simulator in Your Home

1. Use Your Own Equipment

Unlike other indoor sports videogames, a golf simulator allows you to use your real clubs and balls. With lifelike image quality on the screen that reacts instantly to your motions, it will give you a better feel for how your gear operates at different approaches. Since you’re using your own club, you won’t feel any difference between the mat and the real course.   

2. Instructional Aid

Many professional golf simulators include an educational component that will track your club head’s movement as it approaches the ball. The information will provide an analysis of your swing and suggest methods to improve. Common statistics include swing tempo, club head speed at impact, face angle, path, ball speed and launch angle. It’s like having your own golf coach right at home! 

With a quality multi-room audio system, you can elevate any get-together, event, or relaxing time simply by pressing a button. Add whole-home audio your Lake Norman, NC, living space and watch how it transforms every listening experience for everyone.

Whether you’re rocking out to the latest album from your favorite artist or wanting to relax by the pool with a podcast or audiobook, you can optimize your audio system for any occasion.

In this blog, we’ll take you through the top ways you can integrate your whole house audio for any event or circumstance. Keep reading below to find out more!

SEE ALSO: WANT MUSIC PLAYING THROUGHOUT YOUR WHOLE PROPERTY?

Your Day-to-Day

You can add some spark to your regular routine by having pop and dance tunes play all throughout your home while you go about your day.