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HGTV Smart Home 2014 Vs. Real Home

One can dream about living in a smart, energy-efficient home, until you wake up to a dishwasher on the fritz and reality sets in. Most of us live in a house that's more antiquated than automated.

Photo: Eric Perry ©

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HGTV Smart Home 2014

The built-in coffee maker in HGTV Smart Home 2014 features a water line so the machine can brew while you're still in bed.

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My Home

Measuring coffee when I'm blurry eyed and half asleep means I spend my morning sweeping up more grounds than a theme park janitor on the nighttime shift.

Photo: Eric Perry ©

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HGTV Smart Home 2014

The front door's high-tech lock system means you can unlock the front door without dropping your groceries while you fish for keys.

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My Home

Let's be real, half the time I can't even find my keys. And when I do, I'm putting more scratches on the door handle than my cat puts on his post.

Living Room With White Brick Fireplace, Beige Ottoman and Blue Drapes

Photo: Eric Perry ©

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HGTV Smart Home 2014

Close the drapes to fix the TV glare or program them to open with the sun. Both happen with the remote control at your side or from a convenient app.

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My Home

My lackluster blinds feature a few missing slats, which means there's pretty much always a ray of light gleaming across the TV. Good times!

Photo: Eric Perry ©

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HGTV Smart Home 2014

Do your bicep curls and cardio on a foam-tile floor in this stylish, yet simple gym.

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My Home

The only curls happening at my home are the ones formed in the bathroom with a curling iron.

Neutral Tile Shower With Chrome Rainshower Fixture and Glass Door

Photo: Eric Perry ©

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HGTV Smart Home 2014

Set the stage before setting foot in this high-tech haven. Get the perfect water temperature, adjust the pressure and listen to the news while showering.

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My Home

I get my news in the shower, too. "Mooooooom! We forgot to tell you there's early dismissal today!" Thanks for all the advance notice.

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HGTV Smart Home 2014

Modems and wiring gets stored in this futuristic-looking hub that keeps everything easily identifiable.

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My Home

We have a hub, too. It's a little box outside the house linked to all the outdated, unmarked things on the inside of the house. That means when a fuse blows, so does my temper.

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HGTV Smart Home 2014

Keep your family and your possessions safe with interior and exterior cameras that let you see what's happening in real time – no matter where you are.

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My Home

Our tail-wagging watch dog will gladly fetch his leash for a robber. He's fierce.