Designing home automation and control system for a new loft

I just recently purchased a loft and have the opportunity to design a home automation and control system while it's still in development. Construction starts next month and is scheduled for completion in September 2007. I am planning to run structured wiring throughout but don't know exactly what makes sense.

The floor plan can be seen at

Since the windows face west there will be a lot of light and I want to instill blinds that can be raised and lowered with a remote control and wall mounted panel. After some more research and thought I am also considering:

-Home theater in the den

-TV and speakers in the bedroom

-Speakers in the den

-Speakers in he ensuit bath

-Thermostat control and programmability

-Lighting control for den, kitchen, living/dining and bedroom

-Blind control in the living room

My media collection is stored on my iMac with iTunes and haventt found anything to help control this yet (though I've seen systems to control a docked iPod). I use a wireless AirPort Express to stream audio from iTunes to my receiver.

I expect a few wall mounted panels and the ability to use a handheld remote control in any room.

The ability to display RSS, weather and other data on the wall mounted panel would be interesting (but not mandatory).

Any suggestions on wiring this new place and what could be automated? So long as I start with a flexible wiring plan I hope to slowly expand the system over time. I've been looking on eBay to see the cost of used Crestron systems.

Thanks in advance, Brian