What happens when you take an underutilized bonus room—previously home to boxes of holiday decorations—and turn it into a luxury, three-level home theater? You get a cinematic experience that rivals any movie theater—but with way better seating, custom finishes, and zero sticky floors!
This project was an absolute labor of love, and I can’t wait to take you behind the scenes—from the sourcing of custom art at HPMKT to hand-selecting the perfect furnishings for ultimate comfort.
The Before: A Space Waiting for a Story
The clients had a spacious bonus room that was essentially a storage zone for seasonal décor and forgotten items. They wanted something more intentional, more functional, and—most importantly—more FUN.
When they approached me, their vision was clear:
✅ A fully immersive home theater experience
✅ Comfortable seating for family & guests
✅ Moody, sophisticated color tones
✅ Smart lighting & acoustic elements for the best sound quality
With that in mind, I got to work designing a space that was both stunning and incredibly functional.
The Vision: Sourcing Art & Furnishings for the Ultimate Theater Experience
Before the transformation could begin, I took a sourcing trip to HPMKT (High Point Market), North Carolina, the mecca of interior design inspiration.
✨ Sourcing Custom Art: One of my favorite moments was discovering an artist whose work I knew would be perfect for the acoustic panels. I met with Chelsea Fly while HPMKT. Her work was exactly what I had imagined for the space, both moody and nature inspired. Now I had to find a functional way to incorporate it into the design. This is wher Splashworks came in! We collaborated to bring her art to life as sound-absorbing statement pieces for the space. These pieces serve a dual purpose—functioning as both art and sound diffusers to enhance the acoustics.
✨ Testing Out the Perfect Seating: A home theater is only as good as its seating, so I made sure to test out every single chair and sectional to find the perfect combination of comfort, durability, and style. I then had my rep sit on the sofa as reference. He is the same height as my client and it was the perfect fit! The final selection? A plush sectional for casual movie nights and ultra-comfortable recliners for the full theater experience.
✨ Color & Material Selection: My client loves greens and a very modern yet cozy aesthetic. We selected a lightly patterned plaid carpet, and then selected the upholstery for the furnishings that would “play well” in the room. I had an absolute blast selecting the rich, moody green paint color, which became the star of the show. All the trim was painted in the same shade, creating a seamless, cozy, and high-end aesthetic.
The Transformation: From Storage Space to Statement Space
Once everything was sourced and finalized, we began the physical transformation of the space. Here’s how it all came together:
Three-Level Theater Layout
We installed three distinct levels to create a true stadium-style viewing experience. The bottom and middle levels feature soft carpeting for warmth and sound absorption, while the top level boasts beautiful cork flooring, which is not only stylish but also functional for noise control.
Acoustic Felt Tile Feature Wall
The back wall of the room was transformed with pixel-inspired acoustic felt tiles—a design element that is as visually stunning as it is effective at absorbing sound.
Wood Slat Wall with Integrated Lighting
This was both a fun and challenging project! We carefully selected wood slats and measured each strip to create a "random look" that feels effortlessly natural. Our electrician worked magic by integrating hidden LED lighting between the slats, adding a warm glow that enhances the ambiance.
Moody, High-Contrast Paint
The rich dark green walls and trim create a cinematic, cozy atmosphere, making the entire space feel high-end and immersive.
Blackout Window Treatments
To ensure total darkness during movie time, we installed window treatments on a hidden track, eliminating any light leaks and fully committing to the theater experience
Plush, Luxurious Furnishings
✔️ A deep, cozy sectional (because let’s be honest, this is where the family will be lounging when guests aren’t over)
✔️ Recliners that offer premium comfort without sacrificing aesthetics
✔️ Low-profile accent tables with chic accent lamps, providing just enough light for guests to find their snacks without disrupting the movie
The Jewel of the Room: Custom Acoustic Art Panels
A true showstopper in this home theater is the custom acoustic art panels—made possible with the help of Splashworks and Chelsea Fly, the incredible artist I met at HPMKT.
These oversized panels serve as both acoustic treatments and statement art pieces, balancing design with functionality to ensure perfect sound quality while enhancing the space visually.
The Final Reveal: A Space Made for Connection & Entertainment
This home theater is now a standout feature of the home, designed for both cozy family movie nights and entertaining guests. The clients are absolutely thrilled, and honestly? So am I!
From the sourcing process at HPMKT to working through the details of acoustic design and lighting, this project was an absolute joy—and proof that any underutilized space has the potential to become something truly extraordinary.
Ready to Transform Your Own Space?
If you’ve been dreaming of a home theater, a cozy media room, or any high-end interior transformation, I’d love to help bring your vision to life.
Click the button below to start a conversation! Let’s make your home the ultimate destination for comfort, connection, and luxury design.