IT’S THE STUFF OF CHILDHOOD DAYDREAMS: “WHEN I GROW UP, I’M going to live in a house with my very own movie theater.” The glamour and drama of a movie on a big screen in a dark room entrance us as no mere television can, and a home theater provides two things your local AMC can’t: ultimate comfort and ultimate choice. It turns a room of your home into something transportive—and there’s no waiting in line for popcorn.
Says Cory Connor of Cory Connor Designs in Chatham: “A great home theater is about more than just a big screen; it’s about experience and comfort. I treat the room like a sophisticated lounge: rich textures, layered neutrals, deep blues or charcoals and ambient lighting.”
Adds Melissa Selvaggio of Melissa’s Designs & Co. in Upper Saddle River: “We prioritize incorporating a variety of seating options for ultimate comfort. Often we combine traditional movie seats with sofas or oversized chairs and ottomans, allowing viewers to choose the view they prefer.”
What else to consider? “I start with the layout: proper sightlines, lighting control and acoustics,” says Connor. “Walls, ceilings and floors are treated with sound-absorbing materials—think upholstered wall panels, plush carpeting and thick drapery—to create a cocoon-like environment. Lighting is layered: sconces on dimmers, LED step lights and blackout shades or motorized drapery for full control.”
That means you can summon that full theater experience at any time of day and for any occasion—hosting a watch party for the big game, cueing up your favorite flick on a rainy day or cozying up for a date night. Streaming and smart devices put near-unlimited viewing options at your fingertips.
“A universal remote is key,” Selvaggio explains. “It should control not only the screen but also the lighting and any other devices. This way, you’re not constantly getting up to adjust things; you simply sit back and enjoy the experience.”
And what a joy to sit back on this type of seating! “The front row might have deep, low-slung sectional seating for lounging, while the back row features elevated, reclining theater chairs or swivel gliders,” says Connor. “Upholstery matters, and a soft, performance velvet keeps things luxe but livable.”
The finishing touch? Your personality. Decorate with posters of your favor-ite movies or concerts. (Connor suggests minimalist frames.)
You can have any movie you want on demand now, after all. Why not demand, too, the theater experience you once dreamed of?