Two-part harmony

The simplest things are often the most difficult to create. Behind the sleek lines of a contemporary design are hundreds of hours of planning and craftsmanship, both of which are evident in this Chicago home. Its three stories of brick make the building appear as if it has been in this urban neighborhood for generations, yet this home is a new construction. Inside, its clean lines provide bright and open spaces that are warmed by comfortable, earth-toned furnishings. It's clear that some serious thought and planning went into the design. If it weren't for the plasma-based video monitors here and there, one might think there wasn't much technology in the home. But as with any great design, there is more than meets the eye. In fact, the residence is packed with electronics, from whole-house audio and video systems, to a serious media room, to lighting- and climate-control systems. All of the home's systems are designed to be as discreet as possible--and all are very simple to use. But that simplicity in both design and usability is never an easy thing to create. See this slide show

 To see more Hot Houses such as these, subscribe to