Skip to main content

Read Our Latest Smart Home Blog in Chicago's Suburbs

We're here to help you navigate the complex world of home technology. Peruse our blog for the latest information about the solutions that matter most to you.

Subscribe to Inspiration

Stay up to date on the latest smart technology ideas and innovations.

Blog

Explore the Latest Innovations in Motorized Shades

Lutron's exposed roller motorized shade.

Industry News and Product Highlights: The Lutron Triathlon Select Launch

Lutron has long been known as the leader in lighting and shade solutions for smart homes. Their motorized shades come in nearly limitless styles and materials, ensuring the perfect alignment with a home's aesthetics. These shades are known for their whisper-quiet motors and ease of use, with voice, remote, or mobile app control.

As always, this cutting-edge company has continued evolving, adding to its lines as needs change and technology and manufacturers adapt. In 2021, they released the Triathlon line, motorized shades at a more affordable price point than their other lines. Recently, they've added a new and in-demand product to that line.

Here, we'll explore what the Lutron Triathlon Select launch means to homeowners looking for the incredible convenience, beauty, and comfort of smart shades by Lutron. 

  148 Hits

Case Study: Installing an Outdoor TV with 360-Degree Views

case-study-installing-an-outdoor-tv-with-360-degree-view_20241113-233408_1

Enjoying the Big Game on the Patio and Movie Night...

Continue reading
  210 Hits

A Seamless TV Installation Above a Fireplace

A media setup with a TV installed above the fireplace

The Perfect Solution for Comfort and Style

For many homeowners, placing a TV above the fireplace seems like a natural fit, but the height can sometimes lead to discomfort during extended viewing sessions. This challenge was the key focus in a recent TV hanger project where we installed a 75-inch TV above a beautifully crafted wood-finished fireplace. From the beginning, the client had expressed concerns about the height since it was their primary TV and they wanted to be able to watch comfortably.

To overcome these concerns, we implemented a low-profile motorized TV mount, which enhanced the aesthetic and provided smooth, effortless motion to bring the TV down to a more comfortable viewing level. Keep reading below for more! 

  274 Hits

A Custom Home Theater Project to Transform Entertainment

A home theater installation and setup connected to a home entertainment space.

The Perfect Blend of Performance & Practicality

Our recently completed home theater project offers an ideal balance of immersive entertainment and everyday functionality! The client's vision was clear: they wanted a dedicated space for enjoying movies, sports, and entertainment, but they also desired a design that would make the room inviting and practical for other uses.

Our solution was a custom theater that connects seamlessly to the home's main entertainment area, offering both high performance and versatility. Collaborating on the new home build by Newgard Custom Homes, we got to work carving out a dedicated entertainment space that aligned perfectly with the client's desires.

Want to learn more? Keep reading below.

  335 Hits

The Family Room Challenge: Optimizing TV Viewing

Images of the completed project involving the installation of a MantelMount automated robotic TV mount.

Case Study: Creating Comfort with an Above-the-Fireplace TV Installation

In the last several years, home entertainment has transcended the ordinary and entered a world of unprecedented lifelike audio and video. 4K HDR TVs deliver stunning images to nearly every room; crystal-clear audio provides the defining touch. 

Of course, the most common space for a cutting-edge television is the family room. A multipurpose space used for socializing, video gaming, sporting events, movie nights, or just relaxing, it is the home’s beating heart. The challenge lies in setting up the seating to provide the best viewing for everyone present. 

At Avidia, we recently completed a project for a client in Highland Park, IL, who wanted a large TV above a fireplace. This placement created the same type of challenge: how to produce the best viewing in a space not optimally designed for a TV. Here, we’ll explore the solution and the technology that provides optimal viewing, no matter the location. 

  369 Hits

Elevate the Game with Better Surround Sound & Video

 custom home theater space with an open area for recreation near the back of the room

Prepare Your Home Theater for Sports Season with Avidia

As sports enthusiasts gear up for the upcoming season, there's no better time to transform your home theater or media room into the ultimate entertainment hub. A well-designed space that incorporates an immersive surround sound system and a projector/screen combination can make all the difference, bringing the excitement of Soldier Field or United Center right into your Wilmette or Greater Chicago-area living room. 

Below, we’ll share a few images of a recent Glencoe project inspired by a recent custom home theater project we completed in collaboration with Newgard Custom Homes, so keep reading to learn how to prepare your own space for an immersive sports experience. 

  533 Hits

Discover the Benefits of Lutron Hardwired Shades

IMG_5709_1_2

Case Study: Lutron QS Hardwired Shades for Ease and Functionality

At Avidia, we specialize in designing, installing, and servicing state-of-the-art automated solutions. Each of our projects is customized and designed specifically for a client's needs, property, and aesthetics. To accomplish this, we partner with industry leaders in various automated fields. Lutron is one of these brands and the global leader in lighting control and motorized shading solutions.

Recently, we had the opportunity to integrate their Lutron QS hardwired shades into a project. Here, we'll discuss the client's pain points and how Lutron shades offered the solution to each challenge.

Let's explore the difference these automated window coverings made to a Glenview, IL, home.

SEE ALSO: Case Study: Transforming Outdoor Spaces with Progressive Screens

The Client's Preferences

Like many of our projects, these clients wanted to retain their privacy while keeping their rooms bright and enjoying natural sunlight. They also wanted to maintain their home's aesthetics and not see the shade when it was open. 

Continue reading
  710 Hits

Top 4 Ways Lutron Lighting Improves Energy Efficiency

top-4-ways-lutron-lighting-improves-energy-efficiency

Avidia Illuminates Spaces With Ease & Sophistication

Walking into a home with automated lighting feels like stepping into the future. The lights gently illuminate your path as you enter, creating a warm and welcoming ambiance. Indoor and outdoor lighting adjusts seamlessly to the time of day and your activities for added comfort and efficiency. There’s no more fumbling for switches or worrying about wasting energy when your home takes care of every detail, adding convenience and sophistication to every corner of your Northbrook-area home.

With rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns, finding ways to reduce energy consumption can significantly impact your wallet and the planet. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through advanced Lutron lighting solutions and automation. 

Below, let's dive into four ways a lighting system with Lutron control can transform properties into beautiful yet energy-efficient places.

  576 Hits

Discover the Magic of Sonance Invisible Speakers

discover-the-magic-of-sonance-invisible-speakers

How Do Invisible Speakers Work?

Aesthetics and performance often clash when it comes to home audio. Traditional speakers, while capable of delivering impressive sound quality, can disrupt the visual harmony of a well-designed room!

This is where Sonance Invisible Speakers come into play. These speakers are a revolutionary solution that combines high-fidelity audio with seamless integration across your Glenview, IL, home's decor.

But how exactly do these invisible speakers work? Let's dive into the world of Sonance Invisible Speakers and explore the technology behind them.

  585 Hits

Can I Hide My Outdoor Speakers?

three outdoor bullet speakers above a rock retaining wall and fireplace.

The Avidia Team Explores a New World of Backyard Possibilities with Sonance

Imagine enjoying your favorite music in your beautifully landscaped backyard without seeing a single speaker. Sonance is a premium audio brand that makes this possible thanks to its innovative outdoor speaker options that can hide in plain sight. 

For homeowners in Northbrook and along the North Shore looking to revamp or overhaul their open-air entertainment areas, it’s time to consider a premium audio solution. Ready for a speaker option that seamlessly blends into your surroundings, preserving aesthetic appeal while delivering exceptional audio performance? Keep reading to learn how Avidia can make it a reality.

  482 Hits

Categories

Office:
655 Academy Drive
Northbrook, IL 60062
p:  (847) 868-9200
8am -5pm CT

Join our mailing list

Stay up to date on the latest smart technology ideas and innovations.

Office:
655 Academy Drive
Northbrook, IL 60062
p:  (847) 868-9200
8am -5pm CT

Join our mailing list
Stay up to date on the latest smart technology ideas and innovations.