Media Rooms.

Media rooms and home theaters have become the centerpiece in many homes.  They provide television, movie and game entertainment in a relaxing environment.  Although they span a variety of styles, media rooms should be both comfortable and friendly.

Framed movie posters add a personalized touch and create anticipation for the "main feature".  Popcorn machines add the true theater smell and experience.  A miniature refrigerator will store cold snacks and drinks.  Adding a sink is also a nice feature.

In Ralph Lauren's island media room, the atmosphere is light and open.

Media rooms can be small, cozy and inviting and still provide plenty of room for entertainment.  With plenty of soft surfaces and additional task lighting, this room is ready for some serious relaxing.

Furniture is one of the most important considerations when designing a media room.  You and your guests not only want plenty of room, but the utmost in comfort.  L-shaped sofas provide plenty of room to stretch out or lay down.  Ottomans allow you to put your feet up.  And, don't forget to include an abundance of pillows.

While some people create media rooms as a place to relax, others design them to be a popular hangout or to enjoy group screenings and sports games.  The black walls in this media room allow the images on the screen to pop.  The clean lined furniture allows you to keep your eye on the main feature.

 

The focal point in the room should be the television. Today, there is nothing better than a flat panel widescreen HDTV and the bigger the better. The true experience of the movies and television shows are ultimately complemented with a surround sound system. The dark walls in this media room keep distractions at bay.  Two large coffee tables provide a place for drinks and snacks, as well as to put your feet up.

This media room, designed by Peter Dunham, is full of both function and style.  With a warm palette and plenty of books, it provides for a multitude of tasks.  I love the textural shearling sofas.

In this masculine and futuristic media room, designed by Chris Coleman, bright colors and metallics abound.  Featured in the 2009 Kips Bay Show House, the look is hip and trendy.

In this warm and inviting media room, the television is demurely hung above the fireplace.  The wood ceiling is beautifully detailed.  The stone fireplace and lantern bring a rustic sensibility.  A small table provides room for playing board games.

Designed by Vicente Wolf, this loftlike media room also serves as a living area.  Usually placed against a wall to save space, the television has been strategically mounted on a Magasin Sennelier french oak easel on casters, allowing it to move around the room.  All of the surfaces are wipeable making it truly kid friendly.