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Integrating speakers into contemporary decor - can WAF ever be overcome?

This is a topic I'd like to see discussed more.  Not a speaker issue per se, but it's speakers that usually cause the problems. My partner is a hard core interior design/aesthetics type. We will shortly be combining households with all the benefits and challenges that this presents. We're both fans of a "Music In Every Room" (MIER) lifestyle, so that's a good start. But we quickly diverge. And to be clear, we're not talking about giant screens on the wall or home theater. This is audio only.

Anyway, her idea of MIER is built-in speakers or, at most, tiny Sonos units on a bookshelf or behind furniture. I had some of that in my house albeit BlueOS stuff. That's OK to a point. But my LR had KEF LS50's on stands. Obviously difference in sound is dramatic, and she admitted it. But she doesn't care. For her the improvement in sound quality is negated by aesthetic horror of visible speakers.

It's worth mentioning that the decor/design aesthetic in question is basically high end transitional with mix of contemporary stuff, Asian antiques, some colonial antiques, large format abstract oils, etc. It's >not< traditional or frou-frou, really a look where the right speakers could easily be interpreted as industrial design pieces that mesh well with the rest. The LS50s fit that description I think.

So, getting to the question here... Has anybody had any luck convincing spouse that speakers can be a part of the decor?  To think of them as some kind of sculptural elements, not "just ugly speakers?"  That they're industrial design elements that somehow add to space? Have links to pix of living spaces that integrated speakers into the look? Any help or ideas would be great. Thanks for reading, a kind of odd topic, I know. Cheers,

128x128kletter1mann

Showing 3 responses by ghdprentice

ghdprentice
6,455 posts
 

First of all remember you are both living in this space, so you should be allowed input. On the other hand you can adapt by getting some speakers that are not an affront to the aesthetic. So, do some looking… there are absolutely drop dead gorgeously stand mounted speakers that will look and sound better than those KEFs. Cough up the money. 
 

Also, pick your spot… find one of the locations to be your spot for really enjoying music. Stake your claim. 
 

Also, when you have a plan or Whang to buy something… go all out, wine her, dine her, shower her with gifts.. then bring up what you want to do… how could she refuse such a wonderful guy.

When I was building my audio system my partner (of 37 years now) was into aesthetics of the house and home theater. So I would buy her a really great piece of high end home theater gear… and then buy myself an amp… or speakers… or whatever. Once you treat her first, she will have a hard time denying you. 

 

ghdprentice
6,455 posts
 

@soix 

Ok, I just saw your first post… good one. Those are perhaps the worst looking speakers I have ever seen… and your description perfect. No apology necessary. Yuck… yuck…😂🤣

ghdprentice
6,455 posts
 

 

I have been fortunate to have only one partner for the last 37 years. We have a very supportive relationship. She has done everything she could to enhance my life and dealt with me working all over the world and my audio obsession, even when it clashed with her aesthetic. I always tried to make her life better… expand her experiences (she is disabled) and she has always done everything in her power to make my life better.

When I think back on the women I did not choose they were in the relationship for them and not me. I think I chose wisely. We have had a really caring relationship for nearly 38 years, trying to help each other achieve their goals.

Thinking about what I have said. My advice should be clear.

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