It’s not an upscale resort, but the way this outdoor space has been decked out the family members can feel like they’re on vacation every day. Dallas-based custom electronics pro Elliston Systems & Design outfitted the area with A/V akin to any indoor media room. A 50-inch Samsung LCD, mounted above the outdoor fireplace, provides high-definition pictures supplied by any of the family’s four sources of video distribution (Escient media… View this story
Deck and Patio • Home of the Year Awards 2009 • Cool Homes

These homeowners have catapulted a 50-year-old ranch-style home into the 21st century with modern, minimalist design, with the help of custom electronics pro London Audio. Blonde woods, glistening stone, premium leathers and polished chrome replaced the Cold-war design elements during this complete home makeover. And the basement bonus room has taken on new life as a dedicated screening room. “This young and stylish couple had little interest in an Art… View this story
Home of the Year Awards 2009 • Home Theater • Audio • Cool Homes

Randy Murray thinks of his theater as a “modest” effort. While that may be true when compared to the lifestyles of the rich and famous, we prefer Randy’s cozy, complete theater experience. When we say “complete,” it’s because Randy’s entire basement level is dedicated to making the perfect movie night. Walk into this basement, and you’ll be treated to a pre-show experience—as well as a complimentary box of Junior Mints.… View this story
DIY Home Theaters • Home Theater • Cool Homes • Slideshows

Unless you grew up on a farm, the thought of jumping on the back of a horse stirs up plenty of apprehension in most people. Words of encouragement can help, but there’s no better form of comfort than music, says Shery McDonald-Galbreath. The owner and president of the SaddleUp! Foundation and Riding Academy, a non-profit therapeutic horseback riding organization in Parker, Colo., Shery plays music during every riding class she… View this story
Miscellaneous • Audio • Cool Homes

This 9,000-square-foot backyard boasts a custom swimming pool that spans one-third of the length of the yard, waterfalls, a walking bridge over the pool, an elevated hot tub with waterfalls, a putting green, basketball court, tether ball, and batting cage with pitching machine. From there you can make your way into the outdoor gazebo/kitchen, or sitting areas near the fire pit. And, oh by the way, there’s a ton of… View this story
Deck and Patio • Exterior • Home of the Year Awards 2009 • Cool Homes

Not everyone likes to see their audio and video equipment blinking and buzzing away in the corner. Nor do some people admire speakers set out on the floor. The owners of this renovated basement wanted absolutely nothing but the screen to be seen in their theater, posing an interesting challenge to the home theater designers at Media Rooms Inc. in West Chester, Penn. “One wall was the foundation with very… View this story
Basement • Home of the Year Awards 2009 • Home Theater • Cool Homes • Slideshows

A great theater at a low cost? The result of this nifty project had one designer estimating that it cost $40,000, when the reality was under $15K, according to custom electronics pro Surreal Systems. The room was designed for use for the family including two young children, to enjoy movies and sporting events. Along with keeping costs down, “we had to compete with the homeowners’ desire to have a lot… View this story
Home of the Year Awards 2009 • Home Theater • Cool Homes

When the Lowes step into their theater, sometimes they don’t even bother to turn on a movie. There’s just too much other eye candy to savor besides the 125-inch screen. Designed in an Art Deco style, the 330-square-foot space is embellished from top to bottom like a 1930s movie palace. Remarkably, nothing was ordered from a catalog, came from a store, or was pulled out of a box. Each piece,… View this story
Home Theater • Cool Homes • Slideshows

You’ve heard of bicycles built for two. How about an outdoor entertainment paradise built for two—two families, that is. This spacious New Orleans-style expanse incorporates the back porch lounging area of a large family home (see “1” in photo below); the upstairs veranda of the guest annex; a front porch dining and relaxing area for the mother’s conjoined smaller home (see “3” in photo); a pool/fountain/spa combo with sunning and… View this story
Deck and Patio • Home of the Year Awards 2009 • Cool Homes

This family kitchen was part of a whole-house install, but stands alone as a very elegant place to cook and eat. “The biggest challenge we faced on this job was integrating A/V equipment into a humongous home, and making sure that it was not going to overpower the aesthetic quality of the decorations,” says Chad Lofgren of custom electronics firm Hi-Tech Home. “We got involved in this home while it… View this story
Multiroom Audio • Kitchen • Home of the Year Awards 2009 • Cool Homes