Shading System Shines in Historic Mansion

Whole-house control and motorized shades highlight a contemporary kitchen tastefully done inside this 19th century mansion.


Stroll through this 19th-century New Jersey mansion once owned by the Astors—that’s right, 19th century, as in grand staircases, rich woods, gold trim—until you arrive at a stunningly contemporary kitchen? No, we didn’t place the wrong pictures with this article. This ultramodern kitchen and dining and family room area are part of a 5,000-square-foot addition to this mansion from the monied set.



“The addition made this a very interesting installation,” says Dave Randolph, vice president of engineering for EDG (Electronic Design Group) of Piscataway, NJ. “The homeowners tried to preserve everything they already had.” Whole-house control and audio had to be completely hidden in the old part of the house, while some of the cutting-edge goodies are on display in the new wing.

In the kitchen and dining area, the family wanted a bank of floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding doors that was 40 feet long. Add a steel beam to span the length for structural support, and there’s no problem—until the sun shines in. The solution was a Lutron Sivoia motorized shading system. Seven shades stretch across the space, and the low-voltage motors are recessed into the header, where the shades disappear when opened.

For more info on this home, as well as a better peek inside, go to [Link: electronichouse.com]