Colors, textures set the mood in home theater
Advances in entertainment technology have changed the look of many American homes in recent years. The home theater, once rarely seen outside the Hollywood Hills, is now routinely found in more modest environments. Video and sound equipment are only the basics for such a setting. For the sake of comfort as well as appearance, equal attention should be paid to furniture, color and lighting, although the look of some home theaters clearly indicates that the team theater may just be a far-fetched description.
Q. With the kids now grown and gone, we're planning to convert a rec room in our basement into a place for watching movies and listening to music - sort of a home theater. We've begun talking with dealers about equipment choices, and we'd like your advice on furnishings and a look.
A. There are now a couple of standard "looks" for home theaters: They're either sports-themed or takeoffs on the art deco design of many early movie houses. Both usually feature dim lighting and overscaled seating. While you may or may not find one of these options appealing, let me outline a few principles that apply in every home theater in a reconfigured rec room.
Colors should be deep in a dimly lit setting, and textures should be soft and plush - not only because they're comfortable, but for their acoustical properties as well. I therefore would choose wallcovering over paint and carpeting rather than a hard floor surface. These and other suggested choices can be seen in the accompanying photo. It comes from "Basement Ideas That Work," a new Taunton Press book by residential designer and builder Peter Jeswald.
Please note the structural features in this model, especially the covelike effect where the ceiling meets the side walls. This arrangement allows lighting to be installed inside the deep crown molding, resulting in a truly theatrical effect. The ceiling beams and pilasters are made of painted wood, which, again, offers acoustical as well as decorative advantages.
Sconces were used to enhance the room's soft lighting and to create an illusion of greater ceiling height - a smart strategic move in a basement space. I might not go with the sofa seating seen here. It depends on the size of the room, and on whether a large piece of furniture will fit through a basement door and down the steps. Swivel-type lounge chairs would be a good choice, as they allow more flexibility and better viewing for those not in the first row.
Be sure to include small movable or folding tables for snacks, along with cabinets for storing glasses, plates and a CD/DVD collection. A console-style bar with a sink is always an asset in a home theater. As you can see, the possibilities are numerous and varied. Budget considerations may limit your options, but shouldn't impinge on your enjoyment, so have fun!
• You can e-mail general interior design questions for Rita St. Clair at rsca@rita stclair.com.