Homes Plus
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/256954
By Jody L. Mayers HOMES PLUS CORRESPONDENT WAUKESHA – Home technology has greatly expanded in recent years, moving beyond the base- ment home theater to multipur- pose, high-tech family rooms and open-designed kitchens. "It used to be that a home the- ater was a dedicated room with special seating, a projector, and a large wall-mounted screen," said Rick Goodman of America In- Home in Brookfield. "Now projec- tors and large wall screens are largely being replaced by large flat-panel TVs, Smart TVs and Blu-ray players with apps that pro- vide more entertainment options, including YouTube, Facebook and Internet radio." As a result, the trend nowadays is about how consumers are defin- ing a specific place in their home. "Today's homeowners aren't reserving one room just for enter- taining guests. Because of new technology, it can be a reading room, a place for kids to surf the net and do homework, or a place to relax and watch TV and listen to music," Goodman said. David Frank of Fox Point has been working to update and expand his former country club- turned-home since 2007. Most of these home improvements have incorporated the services of Tech- teriors LLC in Delafield. "We have used their services for a new telephone system, an audio and video system and monitors," he said. "The process has always been easy from my standpoint. Technology and how you are able to use it changes often and they are always patient and willing 236652004 C O N T E N T S Looking to 'smart' your home? Home Improvement Show features something for all ■ Time to look ahead to spring ■ Perennial plant of the year ■ Creating independent and peaceful setting Submitted photo A combination home theater and game room on the lower level makes for a great place for families to enjoy quality time and entertain guests. There are uncomplicated solutions for all budgets See 'SMART'/Page 5 Coming up What: "The Differences Between Working With a Design Firm And an Architect," a free seminar When: 6:30 p.m. Feb. 19 Where: Ron Ziglinski Education Center, 11815 W. Dearbourn Ave., Wauwatosa Panel: Chris Egner, Four Seasons Sunrooms, New Berlin; John Phillips, The Cabinet Maker, Milwaukee; Jim Pitzen, Pitzen Design Ltd., Brook- field; Bob Sebastian, Burback Builders, Muskego Registration: 414-771-4071 or email info@milwaukeenari.org. HOMES HOMES WAUKESHA + Your Guide to Homes, Home Improvement, Lawn & Garden and MORE! A publication of the Waukesha Freeman and Oconomowoc Enterprise • February 2014