4 Stylish Speakers and How to Make Them Work Throughout Your Home

Whether you’re at home or in the office, sound design plays a big role in creating the right atmosphere. At best, it creates the focus you need — at worst, it can create a distraction. Science tells us that music can even help to change your mood.

In fact, a 2013 University of Missouri study found that participants were able to actively improve their happiness over a two-week period of intentionally listening to positive music.

That’s why sound is so important for day-to-day life, though it might not be the first thing you consider when you design a space. We asked tech expert and self-professed audiophile Marc Saltzman about the best ways to create a custom audio experience in key areas of the home with stylish speakers that look as good as they sound.

Living room

Your living room is probably one of the most frequently used rooms in your home. Most commonly, it’s where the TV resides, and in days of yore, you might have even installed a surround sound system there. But gone are the days of heading to your local AV store and dropping thousands of dollars on a sophisticated stereo system.

“People [don’t] have a big stereo system like they did in the ‘70s and ‘80s,” Saltzman says, “For a home theatre setup, it’s not trendy to have a multi-channel surround sound system.”

The reasons for this shift, Saltzman says, are that setting up a complicated sound system can be expensive, technically complicated, and clunky looking. The good news? Some of the best sound bars on the market are great, affordable alternatives.

“A soundbar is a nice clean minimalist approach and it will amplify whatever you’re watching and listening to without taking up a lot of space,” Saltzman advises.

Try: Bose Smart Soundbar 900

Bedroom

Most people see their bedroom as a retreat. Sound can enhance your space by providing a relaxing atmosphere with a personalized playlist or spa sounds.

Saltzman, who recently swapped his old-school clock radio to a bedside Google Nest hub, says the upgrade significantly improved the atmosphere in his bedroom. Not only is it his alarm clock, but it plays white noise, the radio, and he can program it so he can wake up to his favourite songs. The Google Nest even notifies him what the weather is like before getting out of bed. A simple switch like Saltzman’s can modernize a space without compromising on design.

Try: Google Nest Hub Max

Kitchen

Let’s face it: some of your best dance parties probably happen in the kitchen. Whether it’s a jazz playlist that energizes you to get dinner on the go, or some quick instructions from Alexa on how to make your favourite roast chicken recipe, smart speakers can rev up your space considerably.

If you really want to up your sound game, try adding two smart speakers on opposite sides of the kitchen for stereo sound.

Saltzman uses Google smart speakers in his kitchen, but you could use a pair of Apple HomePod minis, too. “We have a left and right audio pair,” he says, “If I say ‘Play Prince’ on the kitchen pair, it knows that I want stereo mode and it’s louder because there are two speakers instead of one.”

Try: Apple HomePod mini smart speaker

Home office

If you’re working from home and are lucky enough to have a dedicated workspace, an elevated sound system is a no-brainer. Not only can upgraded desktop speakers boost your productivity, but it can enhance your audio after-hours, too, whether that includes gaming or playing your favourite tunes.

For those working on-site who may not be able to set up a smart desk, high-quality computer speakers are a simple solution.

If outside noise is stopping you from hitting a deadline, some noise cancelling headphones to help you concentrate can work wonders.

Try: Kanto YU4 Powered Bookshelf Speakers with Bluetooth and Phono Preamp

Although old-school stereo systems are becoming obsolete, levelling up your home audio experience has never been more accessible. And, as companies like Google, Amazon and Apple try to appeal to the wider market, they’ve created stylish options that make your home look more like a chic hotel suite than your dad’s basement.

Read more:

A Beginner’s Guide On How to Set Up A Smart Home

10 Top Tech Tools for Hybrid Work

Virtual Classroom Essentials for Teachers