Category: Chicago, IL

IDS Automations offers premier smart home and AV solutions in the Chicago, IL, area.

Lutron D2 downlights in an open-concept kitchen and dining area. A modern chandelier hangs above the table.

Lutron Installers Take Luxury Homes to the Next Level

Posted on | by onefirefly

Here’s How to Elevate Your Clients’ Projects with Automated Lighting & Shading Systems

As a home builder or remodeling company, you know your discerning clients expect the latest technology integrations. They should add convenience and class to their luxury residences without feeling overwhelming or difficult to operate.

Smart home automation, especially smart lighting and motorized shading control, has become a must-have addition to modern living spaces. Lutron is the industry leader, offering a comprehensive ecosystem of lighting controls, stylish shades, advanced fixtures, and complementary keypads. 

However, to create a seamless and reliable system that maximizes the lifestyle benefits, working with a certified professional Lutron installer like IDS Automations pays off. 

Let’s shine a light on the possibilities of lighting, shading, and smart home control with Lutron below.

Continue reading →

A golfer using a home golf simulator takes a virtual swing down the Chicago riverfront.

Home Golf Simulators: The Ultimate Indoor Golf Experience

Posted on | by onefirefly

Enjoy Year Round Golf Practice, Training, and Play Without Leaving Home

If you’re a golf lover in Chicago, you know you have certain windows in the year to play. Shall we say mid-March to mid-November? Those cold Illinois winter months can make it challenging to keep your swing sharp, and the weather here is never fully predictable. That’s why a home golf simulator is the perfect addition to sustain your passion for golf, no matter the season. 

Imagine transforming a room in a home—or even building a dedicated space—where you can play, practice, and improve your game without ever needing to leave your house. For homeowners, architects, and homebuilders, designing a space with a golf simulator in mind can provide a unique, luxury touch that enhances the value and functionality of any property. Whether you’re aiming to refine your skills, entertain friends, or create the ultimate indoor golf experience, a home golf simulator is the perfect way to bring the love of golf indoors.

Continue reading →

two people sitting in plush chairs in a home theater room, facing the screen that’s off-camera

The Art of Crafting Luxurious Home Theater Designs

Posted on | by onefirefly

Elevating Home Entertainment with IDS Automations

Imagine stepping into your custom home theater, a space in your Chicago-area home that’s been meticulously designed for the ultimate cinematic experience. After you press a single button, the room springs to life: lights dim to a soft glow, the projector hums into action, and the screen unfurls with precision. Surround sound systems awaken, enveloping the room in rich, detailed audio that promises to carry you away into the story. 

This seamless orchestration of technology sets the stage for an unforgettable movie night. It encapsulates the luxury and convenience of modern living, turning a simple film viewing into a magical escape from the everyday.

Home theater design merges technology and comfort to make the experience we just described come to life, transforming any room into an immersive cinematic experience. Tailored lighting, acoustics, and seating combine to create a media space that’s an escape that elevates home entertainment for the entire family.

This blog explores how integrating state-of-the-art home theaters can redefine luxury living and why professional design services are crucial for achieving the best results, so keep reading to learn more!

Continue reading →

outdoor view of a patio with Progressive Screens motorized patio shades

Maximize Comfort with Motorized Patio Screens

Posted on | by onefirefly

Discover a New Patio Lifestyle with This Stylish Outdoor Addition

Imagine hosting a summer barbecue on your patio without the hassle of pesky insects or harsh sun rays. At night, you can enjoy the breeze on the back porch, viewing the stars without insects nipping at your ankles. With motorized patio screens, this dream becomes a reality. 

Picture family and guests relaxing in a perfectly shaded area in the heat of the day, then seamlessly transitioning shades up or down without needing to fumble for cords or zippers to open or close them.

By adding motorized screens, you can extend the functional living area of your home while also enhancing the ambiance and comfort of your seating areas. The result? The patio or lanai becomes the premier entertainment hub of your property!

Keep reading to explore our guide on this outdoor solution that can change how you experience your property. We highlight its benefits and customization options with a professional installation from IDS Automations.

Continue reading →

A woman stands in a modern kitchen with a wall-mounted Josh Nano using a sleek coffee machine while surrounded by stylishly arranged shelves.

Why Is Josh.ai the Perfect Smart Home Voice Control Platform?

Posted on | by onefirefly

Embrace Intuitive Voice Control That Respects Your Privacy 

Voice control was always the dream for smart homes, but we didn’t recommend it to our clients when we first started due to its unreliability. Amazon Alexa was the first to change that around 2014, with fairly accurate voice recognition, an affordable price point, and integration with a wide range of devices. Shortly after, Siri and Google Home added other voice-enabled options.

Though these devices have since expanded into multi-device ecosystems, they’re still more geared to DIY installations than fully automated homes. That’s where Josh.ai comes in. Founded in 2015, the company focuses entirely on smart home applications for luxury environments. So, what does that mean for your Chicago, IL, home? Below, we answer some common questions about Josh.ai to help outline how it differs from off-the-shelf solutions. 

Continue reading →