There isn't a best that boils down to two sentences. Everyone's gauge on importance/value will differ. That said, the one thing that resonates, time and again, with automation fanatics is the concept of the Wife Acceptance Factor. Or spouse acceptance factor if you want to avoid a pointlessly polarizing argument distracting from the basic premise. That premise being, do not let your hobby turn into a point of conflict with whom you share your domicile. Make sure whatever level of integration you chose meets the expectations and tolerances of those that will have to deal with it. If everyone's a gadget freak, well, have it with the Rube Goldberg lash-ups. But if they're not, well, temper the installation within the limits of their patience.