Outdoor Technology Playing a Growing Role

Trends show that Outdoor Technology is playing a big role in new or updated outdoor spaces. A recent study by Houzz shows that over half of homeowners spend more time outdoors after completing landscaping projects.  More than 750 homeowners on Houzz shared details about their landscaping projects in an online survey. Outdoor Activities Increased Post- Project…

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Outdoor Audio Solutions – ‘Tis the Season for Outdoor Entertaining

The season of barbeques, outdoor entertaining, pool and beach parties is almost upon us. Is your yard ready for the season? What’s a party without great music? Good quality speakers are key to outdoor audio systems. First, they need to withstand the elements. And, of course, they need to sound great too. So, what type…

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2017 Holiday Gift Guide

Mills was an annual guest on the Siskel & Ebert Holiday Gift Guide program.  Watch our very own Fred Thomas discussing home theater technology with the legendary Roger Ebert.  As a throwback to those days, we offer our own holiday gift guide. Our top picks: Music Music for any budget: Sonos: A Sonos music system is a great…

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Making Your Home Smarter with Lighting

Lighting control systems have evolved rapidly and increased in popularity over the past few years. According to data from the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), more than two-thirds of all homebuilders offered automated lighting controls as an amenity in their newly constructed homes in 2015. Lighting control systems offer…

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Motorized Shades – Benefits and Common Misconceptions

Every home has windows. And, probably most homeowners would agree that window treatments are necessary for privacy and cosmetic appeal. But, should you install motorized window treatments? As a homeowner, you make a significant investment in your home and its interior furnishings. And you likely have an interest in protecting them. Motorized shades bring real…

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Hidden in Plain Sight – Hiding Technology

Technology in the home can be visually distracting, but it doesn’t have to be.  Home technology can be designed to integrate seamlessly into the design and décor of the home.  To preserve the sleek contemporary aesthetics of this downtown condominium, Mills Custom designed solutions that make the devices low-profile or hidden until the homeowner is…

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Industry Trend: Outdoor Technology

 In which “room” in your home do you most frequently entertain guests?  A recent study by interior design and decorating website Houzz shows that outdoor spaces are most often used for entertaining. In the study, 83% of respondents use their backyards as entertaining spaces (download the full Spring Houzz Landscaping Trends Study here).  Additionally, 56% of homeowners…

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Project Case Study – Stone Terrace Bed & Breakfast

The Stone Terrace Bed & Breakfast is located in Evanston, Illinois a few blocks from Northwestern University overlooking Lake Michigan. Conceptually, the luxury B&B is meant to be an alternative to the standard hotels in Evanston and be a unique lodging alternative for the many academic, political, cultural and other visitors to the University. Design…

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