Technology & Gadget Blog

Speaking of camouflaging your home tech, check out this fun update for unsightly cables. For flexible cables, there are tons of solutions for wrapping them up to hide them, but what about the old school ones that have a fixed shape? You know, the ones you find in old apartments and lofts that ruin the perfect look you’re going for.

Well, when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. Try jazzing up stubborn cables with cute decals like these from PA Design. I would probably paint the cord the same colour as the wall as well, so that is blends in. Let’s be honest though — this is definitely a project you can do at home to save a few bucks and have fun with your space.

Good morning, sunshine! Chase away the winter blues with Philips’ innovative new Wake-up Light, which simulates dawn, has FM radio and nature sounds. Thirty minutes before the alarm goes off, the light grows brighter, preparing your body to wake up. Not a fan of bright light in your eyes? Adjust the light setting to a level that suits you. Wake-up Light, $190, philips.ca.

These days, there’s no reason to have any part of your home look unsightly. I’ve always had problems with outlets, though, as they rarely look seamless with wallcoverings, whether paint or paper.

I’ve fallen in love with this fab outlet from British brand Forbes & Lomax. Made from acrylic, it disguises itself on the wall, letting your paint or wallpaper show through.

Genius!

Available at Forbes & Lomax.

I’m on the fence about whether or not I like wall decals, but I simply adore this one. Meant to placed at the front door, this decal is a fun reminder not to forget your on-the-go essentials, including your personal tech like cell phone and MP3 player. I also love that the type is created with the iPod headphones. Tres cool.

While this wouldn’t look great in all homes, it would fit in well with modern condos or lofts.

Available at Hu2 Design.

In the words of celeb stylist Rachel Zoe, “I die”. That is, when I first saw this incredible laptop sleeve from mister Marc Jacobs himself. It’s totally sassy in raspberry red and a fun animal print, and it dons stitched letters all over (plus, let’s not forget the designer’s signature black and gold-tone plaque on the front). Looks like I’ll be retiring my 2-month-old laptop bag, because this beauty is a winner.

$68 US, available at net-a-porter.com.

Oh, this is exciting.

If you know me at all, you know that I love my iPhone (love is perhaps too weak of a word). I also adore Chilewich, the company that makes fab vinyl textiles. Now Chilewich has gone the way of the Apple and has created a fab iPhone case. With Chilewich’s signature woven vinyl on the outside and a shatter-proof inner shell, this case is pretty darn close to perfection.

$45, apple.ca

Switchplates can often make a room go from pretty to pretty fugly, so when I spot a cool one, I’m all over it like white on rice. I adore this funky cubic switchplate that adds a fun dimensional aspect to boring electrical outlets.

$8 US, Design Glut on Supermarkethq.com.

The editors of Style at Home have long been lovers of online arts and crafts marketplace, Etsy. So you can imagine my excitement when I found a similar site called Supermarket. Like Etsy, Supermarket allows advanced crafters to create online shops and sell their goods to the public. So what’s the diff? Supermarket is very design oriented and modern, so there’s no need to wade through any junky items to find what you want. Below are some of the neat finds I found while rummaging through the site.

1 Andalucia pillow from Etcetera Media, $78 each.

2 Pod vase from Kim Westad, $80.

3 Hanging cuckoo clock from Decoylab, $28.

4 Hello! blank cards from In-Vita Paper Studio, $11 per set of 6.

5 Letterpress coasters from 12fifteen, $12 per set of 8.

6 The Four Seasons cup set from Bailey Doesn’t Bark, $92 per set of 4.

Much like what you wear is a reflection of your style, so are your personal tech goods, in my opinion. You won’t catch me with an ugly laptop sleeve, iPhone case or mousepad. Which is why I L-O-V-E these wallpaper options for your PDA’s, by top designer Jonathan Adler.

Simply stunning and sized perfectly for 6 different smartphones (iPhone, Palm Pre, and an array of Blackberry’s), these wallpapers will guarantee you nods of approval from stylish techies and design lovers alike.

To view the whole collection, visit jonathanadler.com

It’s that time again folks — the Fall Home Show is in town! It’s being held from October 1st-4th at the Better Living Centre, Exhibition Place, Toronto, and I will definitely be there. But wait… I’ve also got 10 pairs of tickets to give away! Here’s what you won’t want to miss at this year’s show:

* 250 + retailers
* Save at the Home + Style Studio Tour
* Free advice at Destination Renovation by BILD
* Decor consultations at What’s Your Design Dilemma?
* Entertaining and Renovation on The Planning Stage by Lowe’s
* Tech Style with ConnectPro by Future Shop
* Wine & Spirits in the Modern Living Lounge
* Bryan Baeumler and other experts at the HGTV Workshop Series

So, how do you win? Just leave a comment telling me why you want to attend and I’ll choose my 10 favourite responses! Don’t forget to include your email address so I can notify you if you’re chosen as a winner.  For more information, visit fallhomeshow.com.

Contest closes September 28, 2009 at 12pm EST. Open to all residents of Canada, except those in Quebec. Not open to any Transcontinental Media employees, their families, or any other persons with whom they reside.