So much of technology is boring. From basic black and white cables, to square shapes and dull design, our technology may do wonders for us personally, but it typically does very little for the aesthetics of our homes. Particularly when it comes to midcentury modern enthusiasts, it’s hard to find design-savvy technology, gadgets and accessories.
I have a confession to make: I love midcentury modern design and architecture, and one of my favourite places is palm Springs California, a Mecca of midcentury vibes and desert modernism. But I often find my love of technology at odds with my preference for clean, modern, minimalist and chic design. That’s why I’m always on the lookout for smart technology that’s also beautiful. And more and more I’m starting to find truly great pieces.
So, sleep easy in your teak bed frame, under your Nat Reid print; we’ve got some amazing technology for your smart home that looks like it belongs among your artfully curated midcentury modern collection.
Midcentury modern design meets modern technology
B&O makes pretty high end audio gear that is meant to sound out of this world; fitting then that this flaying saucer-shaped speaker sits on a perfectly midcentury tripod stand. I reviewed the B&O Beoplay A9 speaker in depth here, but suffice to say this artful gadget would be a great fit in many design-forward homes.
Modern design, tech-savvy wake-up
If your aesthetic is more modern than kitschy, you want to find accessories that look like they blend in, not stand out. The Philips Somneo Sleep & Wake clock has a soft concentric circles shape that emits a soft glow to wake you up. The clock can also play music and sound effects to help you fall asleep.
Philips just seems to get it from a design perspective. Their chic Philips Hue Go lamp gives you a soft and portable glow that also allows you to change colours too using the Hue app. It’s a smart light that looks great in an modern or minimalist space. Read more about the Hue Go lamp and what you can do with it here.
Beautiful design & modern technology
Even the most design and architecture-focused home can use a bit of green. Basic plants can be boring, and when it comes to growing your own herbs, that can get messy Not so with this beautiful home gardening kit. Plant life inside your home not only adds colour, dimension and texture, it adds oxygen too. With the Click and Grow Smart garden, you can grow dozens of plants indoors like herbs, mini tomatoes, flowers and more, all without looking like you’re running a grow-op in your mid-mod abode.
So many of today’s technology accessories are basic, black and boring. This chic leather-wrapped wireless Qi charging pad adds style without distracting from your other objets. You can also add this lovely marble charging pad to your kitchen countertop and it wouldn’t be out of place.
