Following World War II, the television set procured a place of honor in most American family rooms. The original cathode ray tube (CRT) set, though luxuriously expensive enough to warrant a prime location in any den, was an eyesore of protruding antennae and exposed wire. And though TVs have certainly become sleeker—and for some, sexier—since then, the same in-your-face nature of the things still plague those wanting the focal point of their interiors to be something besides a hulking square of plastic, wire and glass.

For our April color and technology issue, we asked local design and tech professionals their opinion on turntables. Do you still rock out to the old vinyls? Or are these age-old players a thing of the past?

Classic
“We’ve sold more turntables last year than in any prior year. Mostly to younger people!” David Young, The Sound Room.

            A lone woman lugging a baby and groceries ducks out of her lighted garage. As the door shuts behind her, the sidewalk illuminates of its own accord and the gate swings wide. She eases through it, hearing her front door unlock with an audible click. This and a live security camera ensure woman and child an anxiety-free passage to the sanctuary of their home. Sultry Coltrane music fades up, and she smiles …

For our April color and technology issue, we asked local professionals their opinion on TVs mounted over the fireplace. Is it a classic or a craze? Here’s what they had to say…

“A web-based irrigation controller is great to have in the garden. We like the Irrigation Caddy. It has an app for irrigation instead of going to the control box all the time. You can use any web browser or the app to fully control your irrigation system no matter where you are.” Bob Graeler, Chesterfield Valley Nursery.