Lights, Camera Action: 3 Tips for Creating a Home Theatre
Are you looking for ultimate comfort when watching a newly released blockbuster? Consider incorporating a show-stopping home theatre into your new home. Perfect for movie enthusiasts and homebodies alike, a home theatre can bring Gold Class luxury to the comfort of your own couch!
Lights, camera, home theatres!
Unleash your playful side and bring silver screen luxury straight to the comfort of your couch with a home theatre. Creating a dedicated theatre space gives you the opportunity to bring a touch of magic to your own home, by adding features that you wouldn’t necessarily find in any other room.
This could mean projecting a virtual night sky to your ceiling to replicate that drive-in feel, or even featuring thick drapes and framed movie posters to really bring the cinema experience straight into your own home.
If the last year and a half has taught us anything, it’s the value of being able to immerse yourself in the adventure of an entirely new world without stepping outside of your front door.
At Simonds, we’re all about making the little moments count in big ways. And relaxing back for Friday night footy, bingeing Netflix or taking your gaming experience to a whole new level has never looked so good than in your very own home theatre.
Whether you’re envisioning your very own Gold Class experience, or you just want to add some special, personal touches to a separate living room, keep reading because we have some big hints and tricks below…
Immerse yourself in the Gold Class experience with your very own home theatre
Open plan living is our bread and butter, but that isn’t to say that we don’t love to incorporate spaces within the home that you can escape to. A home theatre or a dedicated media room in your new Simonds home provides the perfect space to kick back and relax in, either as a whole family, or just by yourself if you’re in need of some down-time.
If a home theatre room is for you, our New Home Specialists and interior design qualified Gallery Consultants are here to help ensure that it ticks all of the right boxes. Repeat after us: acoustics, lighting and comfort.
Image: Reach the mid-way point of your hallway to find your very own cinema space in the Nowra 26 (previously the Highbridge 27), on display in Lilydale, VIC.
Acoustics
What is the cinematic experience without jaw-dropping sound effects and suspenseful silences? Nailing the acoustics in your home theatre starts right at the beginning with your floor plan. In our home designs, we love to have theatres tucked away, so that they’re separate from the children's sleeping wing and the family TV zone. Plus, having a clear separation from the main living space means that you can retreat to a private haven and leave behind the hustle and bustle of your day-to-day life.
Imagine first stepping into your home theatre through grand double doors. Not only do they bring the Hollywood style glam, but they’re also effective when it comes to sound dampening. For a little bit extra, we recommend pairing double doors with acoustic panelling and SoundScreen insulation to the walls. This will stop the latest blockbuster from echoing throughout the entire home and disrupting family members who are working from home, studying or sleeping. If you’re a fan of decorative wall panelling as much as we are, head to our Master Bedroom Blog for the ultimate inspiration guide.
Lastly, you can’t forget your viewing set-up. We’ll have you sorted with pre-wiring for surround sound or a projector if retro viewing is more your style. Or alternatively, we can install a full theatre system if you’re ready to go all out. That way, as soon as you get your keys, you’ll be ready to kick back at family movie night.
Image: Design a dark, dramatic home theatre space. As seen in our Lomandra 42 (previously the Empire 42), on display in Clyde North, VIC.
Lighting
Next up is the all-important lighting, which is essential for setting the mood and creating a cosy retreat. Incorporating an L-shaped bulkhead with LED to your ceiling, expertly creates dimension to your space, while also emphasising how the theatre is tucked away from the rest of the open plan living areas. We also can’t go past dimmer switches, as they’re perfect for taking you from suspenseful thrillers to kids cartoons with the twist of a switch.
It’s important that you have no direct lighting on the screen or coming from behind the viewer. Block out curtains from Australian and family owned Lovelight are a no-brainer. We also recommend directing light to the ground with strip LED lighting at the base of your raised platform. It’s a small, playful touch that will really make you feel like you’re off to the movies.
For the ultimate viewing vantage point, incorporate a raised platform into your theatre space. It’s typically one step high and prevents aches and pains from craning your neck. If this sounds right up your alley, we recommend having a chat to your New Home Specialist during your pre-construction stage and they can walk you through all of the ins and outs.
Image: Embrace the summer breeze by connecting your home theatre to the alfresco. As seen in our Riverway 26 (previously the Camden 26), on display at White Rock Estate, Whiterock, QLD.
Comfort
Last but definitely not least, is ensuring that you have a comfortable haven to retreat to. Think plush carpet, fluffy throws and a comfy couch that’s big enough to fit the whole family (four-legged, furry friends included). Things to consider are the size of the couch and its distance from the TV screen, as well as leaving space to the side of the room for furniture fit-outs. Our ultimate home theatre addition? Become the envy of friends and family with a built-in bar, loaded with endless snacks and drinks. Did someone say, at-home choc-tops and popcorn?
Why stop at bar joinery, when we can also incorporate built-in, low line media and TV units, which are a sure-fire solution for storing gaming consoles and hiding away clutter. Matching your home theatre joinery to the rest of the home is also the perfect way to add a consistent flow throughout your home, even to rooms that are tucked away out of sight.
Image: Create a warm and moody theatre space, while still giving a nod to fresh and invigorating green hues. As seen in our Berrima 28 (previously the Whitelock 28), on display at the Atwell Estate, Deanside, VIC.