Smart and Stylish TV Storage

Hiding electronics is easier than ever with beautifully crafted furniture and innovative ideas.

They say you can never be too rich or too thin. While that clearly is not true for celebrities-ladies of Hollywood, please acquaint yourselves with an all-you-can-eat buffet-it's very true for televisions. Advances in technology are making these black boxes sleeker every day. Better yet, this slender shape is much easier to hide when it's not in use.

Inspired Idea

Designer Tracy Collins was shopping for furniture at Acquisitions, a Charlotte, North Carolina, store that carries antiques and quality reproductions, when she came across a great idea.

"There was a hutch that had a plate rack in the center and two doors on either side of it," says Tracy. "I thought, 'Why couldn't you have that made with the doors in the middle and hide a TV in there?'"

Tracy had a similar piece made for Rob and Margaret Mitchell's home in Cornelius. Because they already had a plasma TV, the hutch was built to accommodate it. The doors fold back flush against the cabinet to reveal the screen. Drawers are the perfect spot for corralling remote controls. Tracy had the piece painted a muted sage green and distressed for antique appeal.

"I think people will love this idea," Tracy says. "So many women wonder, 'What am I going to do with this 40-inch plasma my husband just bought?' This project really turned out well."

-AMY BICKERS MERCER

above: A custom cabinet offers plenty of storage and display space in a lovely living room.

above, right: Surprise! Inside this tasteful piece is a plasma television.

More Hide-and-Sleek Ideas

* Mirrors that reflect normally when the television is turned off, but allow images to show through when the set is on.

* Art that rolls out of sight with the click of a button to reveal the TV behind it. Visit www.vutec.com/ artscreen or www. mediadecor.com to see examples.

* Furniture lift systems that move televisions up and down on demand. This allows a TV to be stored at the foot of the bed in a pretty trunk.

* Shelves that rotate. Visit www. dannantiques.com to see a rotating plasma bookcase. One side reveals a mounted W; the other side features bookshelves.

For More Info Hide your TV in style: southernliving.com/march2007

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Mar 2007
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