Classic Theater Installation

The primary goal of this client was to have an elaborate setting for entertaining guests, as well as a cozy space for the family. The room, located in the basement, was part of a large open family recreation area. A bar, billiard room and exercise area were attached to the future theater area and the client wanted those areas to be integrated into the overall project.

The first order of business was to remove the entire ceiling in order to build the tray and the lowered ceiling structure to accommodate the fiber-optic stars. This step turned out to be the most time consuming, as we had to install and finish the sheetrock one section at a time so that we could install the fibers. The ceiling was then painted to resemble the night sky. The fibers were trimmed at different lengths to give the sky a more realistic look.

While the ceiling was taking form, we were able to do the real design work. The client wanted a primarily black color scheme. Black curtain, acoustical panels, seating, and carpet complimented the night sky effect along with the lighter colored wood trim. Using the existing furniture in conjunction with the new theater style seats was another client concern. The bar and billiard room would be separated from the viewing area by theater style felt ropes.

The acoustical panels on the walls were floated approximately two inches to give the walls a sculpted appearance. The curtain was made of a lightweight material to allow sound to pass from the hidden front speakers. A curved curtain rod was installed and a curved box was fabricated to enclose the center and sub-woofer.

Now it was time for the good stuff. The theater would be centered around a HDTV capable CRT projector with multiple aspect ratios, THX sound system, and a wide-screen format screen. Ease of operation for the entire system was provided by a color touch screen control. Source components included DVD, VCR, DBS, CD, and AM/FM tuner. All audio and source components were built flush into the rear wall and installed into a custom-made rack. Multi-zone audio was also provided for the exercise and billiard areas. All lighting was automated into the control system.

The finishing touches included a neon marquis, rope light around the raised stage and second seating tier, motorized curtain, and numerous movie theater style posters, finished-off by an antique popcorn machine and a gum ball machine.