Today's kitchen and bathroom spaces which are far more multi-functional living spaces in their own right than single function rooms. Everyone in the household uses them and each for a different reason every time - and this is why audio and video technology has targeted these rooms with the latest kit.

For example, multi-room audio is especially attractive for kitchen and bathrooms. The freedom to change music quickly and easily to suit different moods and tasks is an empowering lifestyle advantage for the client and all achieved without a CD case, radio, trailing wire or ugly stereo system in sight to clutter up the space and destroy the room aesthetic. Concealed, moisture-proof, in-ceiling speakers are available to deliver the sound, wiring is hidden behind walls or in ceiling voids while sources, specific tracks or radio stations can be accessed by smart, easy to use low voltage, wall-mounted keypads.
 
At the same time, flat screen technology is allowing designers to select from a raft of high quality TVs that can be professionally installed and flush-mounted into kitchen or bathroom walls. Rather than think about a TV in the kitchen it may be more helpful for designers to think about a screen that can access all video sources. The screen can be used for watching Sky or terrestrial TV, or as a computer monitor to access the internet, or it could even be integrated with a security camera so the client can see who is at the front door when they're cooking.

A multi-purpose screen for a multi-purpose room makes great sense. One that can save space is a massive bonus and pull-out wall brackets and flip down options mean that screens can easily be viewed in different locations and pushed back out of the way into the wall or under a kitchen cabinet when not in use.

Bathroom TV gives clients the freedom to choose how they want to relax and unwind. As with a kitchen screen Sky, CCTV and DVD can all be fed to TVs specifically designed and safety rated for bathroom and wet area applications, allowing consumers to catch up with their favourite soaps or watch a movie as they choose. Screens can be integrated into plain or tiled walls for an attractive finish.

Designers could even opt for a TV integrated within towel rails, if required. Waterproof or splashproof remotes are readily available and, indeed, essential for wet areas and the screen itself must be properly safety rated and designed for use in a wet area.

Installation
Bathrooms and kitchens need to be carefully planned so that the installation is as discreet and reliable as possible, and complies with current safety legislation. CEDIA professionals have experience in designing and installing systems as well as working with other trades. For example, in a bathroom all mains voltage supplies need to be installed outside the bathroom and the screen must be IP rated and use safety glass. Very often, as part of an entertainment system solution, we integrate mood lighting control into the design, which will need to be designed and planned well before the first fix electrics are installed. If the client wants to watch a program stored on a central Sky+ box in the bath or a DVD player located in the living room then the cabling must be put in place at this stage too.

Designers can find technology inspiration and ideas by taking a trip to the annual CEDIA Expo held in London in June (www.cedia-expo.com) which showcases all the latest electronic systems and technology for home integration. Whatever the kitchen or bathroom design scheme, AV and entertainment technology exists to fit within it. Increasingly, it is evolving to make the client's lives better and more enjoyable whilst making the designer's life easier, and potentially more profitable too. It's the task of the CEDIA member to help you make the technology deliver to meet your client's aspirations.

Jane Scotland will be presenting a seminar entitled 'Incorporating Technology - Entertainment Systems' at 12 noon on Tuesday 15 May at the Bathroom & Kitchen EXPO 2007, ExCeL London. For more information and to register for the show visit www.bkexpo.co.uk.