Interior designer Betsy Kraft has helped many local homeowners discover the sweet spot where technology and style meet. From hidden charging stations to artfully placed speakers, she's mastered the art of making modern conveniences feel right at home in both historic houses and contemporary properties.
"Technology is inevitable," Kraft says, and she sees that as an opportunity. Since opening her firm in the spring of 2021, she has developed creative strategies to integrate simple smart home features in ways that enhance both function and beauty.
Her approach starts with thoughtful placement. "Being strategic about the placement of technology and where you put things is key,” she notes. A gallery wall becomes more functional when it artfully incorporates a thermostat, while pop-up outlets in kitchen islands appear only when needed. For entertainment spaces, she favors framed TVs that double as art when not in use, seamlessly blending into the room's design.
Kraft emphasizes adaptability when working with technology. "Don’t lock yourself into today’s technology," she advises. “You want to create things that are timeless that don’t require long-term investments.” For instance, some homes are equipped with once state-of-the-art sound systems that have since become obsolete and difficult to replace. Instead, she recommends choosing timeless, high-quality pieces and designing spaces with flexibility for the future.
Music lovers may appreciate Kraft's audio solutions that she incorporates into her own space. "There’s always music on in our home, so having speakers throughout the home -- some that look like other things like wall art -- it's a really seamless way to incorporate something that's completely functional," she shares. These systems can fit effortlessly into any room while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic.
For family organization, Kraft suggests creating dedicated tech zones. "These new family digital calendars -- don't put it on a random wall but maybe in a nook," she recommends. "Lean into that, and make that your command center -- create a dedicated space that will solve the problem of what that tech is for."
Kraft's projects often showcase inventive solutions. In one home renovation, she transformed an underused basement nook into a functional workspace. "We cut out underneath the desk so there was a space for electric and a place for the printer so it's out of the way," she explains. Simple yet intentional updates like these maximize functionality without disrupting the overall design.
Window treatments also provide opportunities to seamlessly incorporate technology. Kraft is a fan of motorized shades that combine ease of use with elegance. "There are great resources for motorized window treatments and shades that don’t have to be complicated," she says.
Kraft recommends that local homeowners looking to bring tech-savvy ideas into their spaces explore options at shops like Artful Lodger for streamlined furniture and Crutchfield for cutting-edge home technology. And for those feeling overwhelmed by the array of smart home options, Kraft suggests starting small. Whether it’s incorporating hidden charging stations, designing a command center, installing a door camera, or adding pop-up outlets, even minor updates can make a big impact. "Technology is something that's necessary. Just be careful, strategic, and creative about how it's incorporated into your everyday life," she advises.