provided is a method and an apparatus for controlling an electric device . the apparatus includes a cabinet defining a recess , and a sensor disposed within said recess for sensing the presence of a foreign object in close proximity to the sensor . a veneer at least partially conceals the sensor disposed within said recess from view when observed from an ambient environment of the cabinet . a controller is responsive to a signal transmitted by the sensor indicative of the presence of the foreign object adjacent to the sensor to transmit a control signal for controlling operation of the electric device operatively connected to communicate with the controller .