The explosion of home automation and the increasing use of home theatres is a great opportunity for designers and contractors. In fact, K&B specialists already have a real talent for the essentials in many spaces well beyond their specialty. The demand for custom cabinetry solutions extends beyond the confines of cooking and bathing, and is often a must have in great rooms, master bedrooms, home offices, and of course home theatres.

While we have done a great many kitchen and bath remodels, we always included it in the entire house plan and used the same cabinetmakers for work through out. We also bundled technology needs with a partner company realizing economies for our clients by using one vendor for all spaces.

Partnering effectively with fellow design talents, contractors and specialists has been paramount in our success. We are able to provide a one stop shop by presenting a suite of services encompassing all job aspects.

Forming strategic alliances benefits all parties. According to Mark Spears, Director of Multi-Family Design and Sales, Living Spaces based in Atlanta, Georgia, their rapport with the technology gurus at Home IQ is an essential element for comprehensive solutions throughout the home with technology. They represent Woodmode and Brookhaven cabinetry and both companies have been in home theatre design for a long time.

The public is clamoring for the latest, greatest, newest, and slickest. Spears declared that "it isn't practicality that people want, it is WOW!" It is a great time to boost the bottom line with add on sales in technology in the kitchen and bath. Jill Koepplin, Senior Manager, Outbound Operations, Best Buy says that "homebuyers are looking to see . . . solutions such as LCD panels and in-ceiling music."

Upgrades like these are often best done at the onset of construction as retrofitting can cost as much as 3 times more, according to Koeplin. While your laptop may be wireless, homes are not yet there. It takes planning in the design stages to really make a difference and create the home a client is dreaming of. As designers we need to stay one step ahead of what they want so that by the time it happens we aren't behind.

Average investments for home theatre packages vary widely and can be designed to fit a range of budgets and home values. Kevin Winneroski, Director of Merchandising for Home Entertainment, Best Buy describes the low end as under $1000 while the high end can run well over $40K.

A whole house system can add tens of thousands in investment but allow convenience and comfort. With schedules becoming ever busier, by the time many get home these days, they don't want to leave again. Homes are their source of entertainment and refuge.

Having completed one client's basement renovation including a guest room, full bath, home theatre, family room, bar, and wine tasting room with cellar, we were delighted to learn that in the ensuing weeks their home has been singularly the most popular in the neighborhood as the best place to hang out for the night. Incorporating technology throughout the space, working closely with the client, and their chosen vendor, Best Buy, we delivered a customized fit complete with built-in cabinetry in the theatre, family room, and bar to suit the needs given. All was completed by our cabinetmakers typically responsible for our kitchen and bath work.

Great design incorporating innovative product and leading edge technology can be truly life transformative. For clients Phil and Gwenn Weiss and their children, they like to joke that rather than "buying a vacation home, we remodeled our basement. It is a lot closer, more convenient, and we are the hub of neighborhood activities now. It is almost like having our own private club."

Gwenn has a Desperate Housewives night, Phil regularly has the guys in for sports and wine tastings, and the kids have their friends over for the latest video or computer game, (well within the watchful eye of their folks, but no so close as to feel confined or regulated.)

Moving into home theatre with cabinet capabilities and on the converse moving into the kitchen and bath with home automation are natural ways to grow business without needing to retool or even get new clients. Providing more extensive services to your already satisfied buyers is always the best way to go. After all as designers our job is to create a custom, unique personal experience for our clients. And in this day and age that means bringing everything they might need, want and desire within arms reach at home.

Copyright 2006 Melissa Galt