Sleek, Sexy Home Theater With the Perfect View
San Francisco interior designer Heather Hilliard has recommendations for creating the perfect home theater or media room. "First we ask the client if they would like the true theater experience with special motorized reclining seats or if they prefer the room to look more like a family room with a combination of sofas and chairs with pillows, ottomans, side tables and floor lamps," says Heather. Some things are critical to a successful home theater, she says. "A tiered, stepped floor is key to allow viewers to see over each other when there is seating in three rows. It is important to pay attention to dimensions of the chairs fully reclined with footrests up, to allow clearance space for someone to pass by during screenings."
Materials are also an important consideration when designing a media room. "We use acoustical fabric for wall and ceiling upholstery and carpet to absorb as much sound as possible. I recommend thick plush mohair as it is both durable and luxurious and soft to the touch. Or, if clients are concerned about kids and stains, we use performance leathers and outdoor solution- dyed acrylic fabrics for durability." If homeowners want to go the extra mile, "a well appointed media room will have a bar area at the back equipped with a popcorn maker, built-in microwave, beverage refrigerator, storage for candy jars, snacks, plates and glassware. If there are windows in the room, we include motorized blackout shades to darken the room as much as possible," says Heather.