A classical touch

A home theater in an open circular room? And with the screen and front speakers facing five sets of windows and glass doors? For many home-theater designers, that's their worst nightmare. Light from the windows and doors alone can wash out the best picture, and all that glass presents a harsh, reflective surface for sound. You couldn't fault a home-theater designer for running into the hills outside this western North Carolina home. However, Scott Varn and Harmony Interiors stuck around for one very big reason: The homeowner is a big fan of classical music, and he wanted more of a "live" or reverberant room for enjoying favorites. In addition, says Varn, the open spaces around the room lent the audio system a more spacious sound--also ideal for enjoying some of the classics. See this slide show

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