In association with Crestron
a bespoke control panel, for example, that is going to be used and, therefore, touched regularly you might want to advise your clients to use a type of leather that’s more durable,” explains Whistler’s Mossa. “Suede, for example, might not keep its aesthetic appeal for very long in that particular specifi cation.” Of course, the integration of technology
into interior design doesn’t just begin and end with altering the aesthetics of the keypads, screens, or remote controls. Exploring the design possibilities even
further brings us onto the impact home automation and technology is having on the development of furniture. “The amount of decorative ideas that our
clients are coming to us with is changing,” Crestron’s Pini explains. “Obviously we [Crestron] don’t sell leather or fabric – we sell white and black plastic panels and remote controls. As we’ve discussed, more and more people are asking for these to be covered in different fabrics or fi nishes to give them a look that’s bespoke to their client. However, the relationship between design and technology doesn’t end there. “Collaborating with furniture designers
and manufacturers is another important way to inspire new ideas and possibilities in the home. That’s where our [Crestron’s] showroom comes in, because it’s the perfect place to show ideas and inspire people. “We have technology in here that people
can’t even see until we point it out. Conversations usually start with lighting systems or automated shades, moving onto the beautiful, bespoke cabinetry that hides the 65in television screen.”
Collaboration Richard Davidson, the co-founder and chairman of luxury furniture manufacturer Davidson, explains the impact technology is having on the brand’s approach to design. “We’re increasingly having to incorporate
technology in the furniture we design,” he says. “Bespoke cabinets to house television screens are probably our most common request. The trend may be for big, widescreen TVs – but because they’ve become so slimline, we’re designing cabinets with remote controlled sliding doors. Furniture design is getting slicker thanks to technology. “Virtually everyone who’s having a desk
Top: Fabric from Altfi eld is applied to Crestron’s award-winning TSW-760 touch screen to
demonstrate how you can create a bespoke fi nish.
Above: The expert panellists discuss how the rise of home automation is impacting on interior design.
Top left: The Cameo keypad from Crestron has been wrapped in one of Whistler’s striking leathers, to give it a bespoke faceplate.
Left: Whistler leather is applied to Crestron’s Horizon keypad (far left) and its TSW-760 touch screen.
designed these days wants cable access for internet and AV included. That’s just standard now, whereas 10 years ago it was hardly ever mentioned. We’ve also had requests for desks and dressing tables with pop up computer screens. “Our biggest challenge is incorporating
the technology into the furniture without compromising the look of the fi nished piece. In a desk with internet access, for example, you have to work out a way to hide the cabling.” It’s fair to say that lifestyle, interiors,
and technology are almost completely intermingled now. Technology is shifting boundaries in all aspects of life and designers shouldn’t feel limited by the choices they can offer their clients – because, with the right collaboration, bringing bespoke design to home technology is easy.
27
Crestron Showroom
Second Floor, South Dome, Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, London SW10 0XE 020 7352 0028 /
crestron.com/showroom
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