This kitchen sizzles, thanks to a combination of commercial-grade appliances and top-notch entertainment, control and networking equipment. Music and scene-adjustable lights were must-haves for the homeowners. Two AMX keypads are used to access and control music from a remotely located MP3 server, CD player and XM radio. The music spills into the room from four SpeakerCraft speakers mounted flush with the ceiling.

The kitchen gets its fair share of video too, thanks to the big screen that’s visible in the adjacent great room.

Because the owners use the kitchen for more than just cooking, being able to set the lights for different activities was a top priority, and the programmable Vantage lighting control system delivers. Eight circuits of lights in the area can be adjusted by pressing a single button on any of four Vantage wall-mounted keypads. The scenes set the lights for entertaining guests, cooking, relaxing and eating. When the homeowners are ready to call it a day, they can press the nightlight button to keep some of the lights on at a very low level in case they need a midnight snack.

A six-burner Viking stove, three Fisher and Paykel dishwashers, a Subzero refrigerator and a powerful commercial vent hood over the island make this kitchen a top performer in all areas.

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Home of the Year
Gold Winner: An Avatar Is Born
Silver Winner: A Work of Art
Bronze Winner: Timber!

Home Theater $250,001+
Gold Winner: A Cut Above
Silver Winner: Deep Rooted Theater
Bronze Winner: Simply Stately

Home Theater $100,001-$250,000
Gold Winner: Magic Shell
Silver Winner: The Bass-Master
Bronze Winner: Up and Away

Home Theater $50,001-$100,000
Gold Winner: Pump Up the Volume
Silver Winner: Contemporary Road
Bronze Winner: Something from Nothing

Home Theater $25,000-$50,000
Gold Winner: Whole Lot of Fun
Silver Winner: The Big Bang
Bronze Winner: Livin’ in Paradise

Kitchen
Gold Winner: Convenience is Served
Silver Winner: Breaking the Mold
Bronze Winner: Sonic Feast

Master Suite
Gold Winner: Home Suite Bedroom
Silver Winner: AGreat Getaway
Bronze Winner: High-Stylin’ Suite

Media Room
Gold Winner: The Power Party
Silver Winner: Hidden Grandeur
Bronze Winner: Beaming Sounds

Outdoor Space
Gold Winner: Pathway to Heaven
Silver Winner: When Nature Calls
Bronze Winner: Home Sweet Casita

The Fun Room
Gold Winner: Boogie Fever
Silver Winner: Let’s Go Bowling

Wow Factor
Gold Winner: A Life of Its Own
Silver Winner: Entertainment for All
Bronze Winner: Got Game?

Award Categories
Home of the Year 2006
Home Theater $250,001+
Home Theater $100,001-$250,000
Home Theater $50,001-$100,000
Home Theater $25,000-$50,000
Kitchen
Master Suite
Media Room
Outdoor Space
The Fun Room
Wow Factor