Every homeowner will get excited about the idea of installing a new HVAC system for many reasons. For some, it would be for the aesthetic appeal a modern HVAC unit adds to their home, while others will rejoice over the improved air quality. In the midst of the excitement and anticipation, many homeowners don’t pause to think about the implications a unit may have on their homes’ interior design.
If you’re upgrading your HVAC unit or introducing a new one, you must have a design plan on how to fit it seamlessly into your home. Below, we’ll look at some practical tips that you can use to blend your interior design with your new HVAC installation and performance.
Seek Professional Help From the Start
As early as possible, it’s best to seek the help of HVAC professionals, especially those who have worked with a similar unit you intend to install. The professional HVAC installation expertise that contractors bring on board beats the intermittent DIY experience you may have gained over the years.
Since you intend to blend interior design with the HVAC installation, you should consult an interior designer as well. They can help suggest how to fix the unit in a concealed way. To make the process much more aligned with your needs, you can search for local HVAC experts who perfectly understand the local requirements for an effective installation. With the expertise and experience they have with the local HVAC installations, they can ensure your system is perfectly installed, connected, and working at optimal efficiency.
Conceal the AC Unit With a Box Frame
Some types of air conditioners, especially the self-contained ones that aren’t often part of the infrastructure’s original design, can break the synchrony of your interior design features. These types of units are more common today as they don’t take up too much space, but still achieve remarkable air conditioning. If you have or are planning to install any of these in your home, you might have to use a box frame to conceal them from sight. This is important, especially if the unit doesn’t naturally align with your interior design.
By covering the unit with a simple box, you can transform it to act as an effective decorative element that aligns with your interior decor colors and design. With the help of a professional designer, you can use the box frames to enhance your interior style and boost the unit’s protection against falls.
Cover it with a Piece of Furniture
Depending on how and the position your unit is installed inside a room, you can have it concealed in an unconventional way, so it’s not easily noticeable. Whether it’s installed on the wall or the ceiling, like in the case of a ceiling cassette, concealing an AC unit can be a challenge. However, a professional interior designer can help you create a prominent statement piece such as an entertainment unit, a floating shelf, or an open-style bookshelf to conceal the AC unit.
Once you have the perfect furniture in place, you can further decorate it to enhance its aesthetics and make it blend more seamlessly with your interior. You can add flower vases, picture frames, books, and entertainment systems like speakers, depending on where they fit perfectly on the furniture. The statement furniture and its decorations add a distraction to the eye, making your HVAC unit less noticeable.
Choose an Appealing AC Unit
When you choose an aesthetically pleasing AC unit, you’re most likely not going to need to conceal it, as it can just act as an additional decorative feature by itself. You have to ensure the unit you buy aligns with your modern interior design themes. For instance, if you’re maintaining a minimalistic design theme, you can choose an AC unit with sleek lines and minimalistic features that will barely stand out.
If your interior decor is traditionally inclined, you may look for an AC unit with decorative grills or classic detailing to blend with your existing style. You can also take your traditional decorations to the next level with vintage-style registers or an exposed duct system for a customized, unique style. If the unit’s design looks great but the color won’t blend in seamlessly, you can consider painting it to match other surrounding features and walls.
Buy a New Thermostat or Decorate an Existing One
More often, HVAC thermostats are installed in common areas like hallways and living rooms for convenient access when controlling temperature. However, this makes them conspicuous, and sometimes they may just interfere with the existing decor flow. If your thermostat’s backlight and casings don’t match the interior decor or wall color, you can either replace it or decorate it to align.
If you choose to replace, consider a new model with a sleek appearance that won’t negatively contrast with your existing decor. Also, consider checking the contemporary models that feature elegant color options and designs that match your specific room designs and decor. For instance, you can choose a glass casing for lighter walls, and a black casing for darker walls.
Choose an Ideal Installation Location
Your HVAC unit’s location can determine how best it supplies air within the room it’s situated in. However, finding the perfect location where a unit operates efficiently while also aligning with your interior decor can be challenging.
Sometimes, you may have to rearrange cabinets or artwork to create room at the perfect spot you’ve identified for the installation. Doing this may reorganize a big section of your existing interior design plan, prompting a more detailed restructuring. An ideal location also offers enough space for air circulation and easy access to ensure the unit works perfectly throughout the year.
Get Customized Vent Covers
While many homeowners delay changing their vents for fear of interfering with the perfect airflow, this is something you should do both for airflow management and aesthetics. Leaving your vent covers unchanged for long can lead to blockages that may affect the unit’s optimal operation and also compromise its appeal.
By installing customized vent covers that match your interior decor, you can solve two problems at once. You get to remove the piling dust and debris causing blockage while also improving the unit’s appearance to fit your interior decor standards.
HVAC systems play a critical role in ensuring your home or workspace is comfortable. By finding the right way to install them without interfering with your home’s interior decor standards, you can enjoy the best of both worlds-comfort and beauty. Ensure you work closely with professionals to achieve the best outcomes.
