SUPER BOWL READY! Look Ma... No Cords! (Or cable boxes, or remotes...)

Marriage... some people say it's the epitome of compromise.  But hey - can't it just to be two people, two minds, two (typically very different) opinions... that come together and form one kick-ass team?  So then, it's really not a compromise - just building on each other's ideas to come up with an even cooler one.

One area of home decor that's sure to call for such conversation between man and woman... the TV.  I can easily accept (and actually kinda like... shhhh!) all things masculine when it comes to a good movie-watchin' room... but there's never gonna be any love for cords or cable boxes.  Ever.

Fortunately, my Mr. understood - and even agreed.  He was able to hide all of our cords and boxes and he got us down to one (yes ONE) remote that even a blonde like me can work!  Here's how:

~ He cut and wired a new outlet directly behind the TV to plug the power cord in to.  We just wrapped the additional length of the cord and tucked it behind the TV.

~ We then ordered a Sony Wireless HMDI Transmitter (retails for $1,000 - ouch! - but we found one for 75% off on Ebay!).  This enables all equipment to run wirelessly (no HDMIs running the to TV).  This look can still be achieved without the wireless transmitter, just run the cables through your wall.

~ Next, the remote of all remotes!  This baby is so easy to use and, even better, eliminates your need for a cable remote, surround sound remote, DVD remote, you get the picture.

The Logitech remote - a universal remote that can even control your lighting and heating/cooling... now that's what I call a lazy Sunday!

Not only does it eliminate multiple remotes, it also goes through doors!  (Magic, I know.)  So, we were able to hide all of our equipment in the cabinets... Yay!  You have NO idea how happy that makes me. :D

No cable modem, or DVR box, or transmitter box, or wireless router showing...

No DVD player, or Bose something, or Apple TV component...

No Monster Power strip, or another Bose something, or Playstation...

Just THIS.

Three cabinets, always closed, hiding away the boatloads of 'essentials', and perhaps in need of some super cute hardware.

Next, it's on to 'blending-in' the surround sound speakers.  We would have gone with flush-mount ceiling speakers, but we tend to move a lot and wanted to be able to bring it with us.  That left us with the Bose surround sound, which came in either black or white speakers.  We wanted black for the front speakers that go next to the TV, but preferred white for the rear speakers that get hung from the ceiling.  Of course, that wasn't an option.  (Hey, Bose... are you listening?)  

SO, it called for a little savviness.  We bought the system in black, ordered two brand new rear speakers in white from Ebay, and then sold ours.  It didn't cost us any more and the Mrs. got her wish!

Rear speaker in white blend much betta with the ceiling.

Here's an example of how to sexify a bedroom TV that only has a cable box to consider.  

~ Once again, the hubby cut and wired a new outlet directly behind the TV to accommodate the power cord.  

~ Then we simply tucked the cable box into the space between the TV and the wall.  It rests on top of the mount, so it never slips or comes loose.  

Cable boxes and remotes these days do not need a direct line of sight, just a proximity; Therefore, most remotes do not have to be directly 'hitting' the cable box to operate.  I guess design can thank modern technology for this one!  I'd love to do a gorgeous frame around this TV, but that'll have to wait for our bedroom remodel, and remember, this is a post on nixing all things plastic and technical ;)

Without a visible cable box, our shelf can be used simply for decor (and yes, I know that it needs more of it).  P.S.  Our bedroom isn't olive green, it's just the pic.  I'd love to give you a truly beautiful name of the wall color, but that's not an option either.  The 'non-olive' walls were pre-us and are next to go!

And finally, the room that only a woman could ever understand its undeniable need for company in the form of a telly.  I seriously spend probably 90% of my at-home time in this room... THE KITCHEN.  

I decided a few months after moving into our house that I really wanted some 'company' in the kitchen.  I wanted a stainless steel TV but no stores seemed to carry them.  Resorting to the internet I found just what momma was looking for:  A 20" Stainless Steel LCD Toshiba.  Upon further deal-surfing, I was able to order this $750 TV for only $250 from mcmelectronics.com.  Score.

Football nut (Mr.) + Indiana native (Mrs.) = nonstop NFL network lately.

We went with a swivel and tilt wall mount for the kitchen and are SO happy with that decision.  I can position it for easy viewing while I'm cooking away, chopping away or sitting at the table blogging away.  The best part?  It matches my appliances which just makes me smile :)

Since this TV is quite a bit smaller than the others, we couldn't attach the cable box to the back of it.  So, Mr. Inventive came up with a super cheap and super easy fix.  Two basic brackets, less than $1 each at our local hardware store, mount the cable box underneath the upper bookcase.  The cords are ran through a thin white pipe for a less-conspicuous look. 

More game talk.  At least it's paired with a pretty pic of the 'Welcome to Australia' flowers Lou gave me (in the spirit of the upcoming lovers holiday).

Ok, so now that us ladies are going to have our no cords, no cable boxes, no dvd players, no gazillion remotes... let's at least give our men everything that makes game day FUN.  You know my theory, I'm all for classing up any situation.  But I don't think that we should ever forego the fun stuff in an effort to be 'design-right'.  Sometimes, you just gotta let your hair down when it comes to decorating and party planning... in the interest of a good time. 

So let your hubby put out his helmets,

...grab that 'team-themed' chip bowl,

...aww hell, let him have his homemade Lombardi trophy too - complete with duct tape and all (I know I know, but the big V-Day is coming up... might as well remind him just how cool we are.)

Be proud of your paraphernalia and just have a good time!  Your hubby deserves it.  After all, he's worked hard hiding all of those wires ;)

My Super Bowl prediction:  I'll definitely be cheering for the Colts, however I think that the Saints have this one.

Who's your Super Bowl pick?

My Super Bowl Advice:  If you're considering purchasing a TV prior to the big game, I wouldn't recommend.  Our pre-game purchase last year dropped $1,000 in price only 3 months afterwards.

Thanks so much for joining me in my fight to end all public cording.  Please let me know if you have any questions and I'd love to learn if you have other ways of 'hiding'.  As always, I love love love your comments!

~ Joanna

P.S.  I will probably leave this post up until after Super Bowl Sunday.  Catch ya next week!