Home Theater Design and Construction

**raw23062** · **02-06-08, 10:29 AM**

Here is my latest project on the home renovation... thought Id share since Im on here for inspiration. The large opening is custom built for the 65 in HD, the 3 across the top fit the 3 32 in flat screens, as well as all slots custom fit for the surround equip. Added a/c vent and fans behind for cooling also had multiple circuits run to breaker panel. Thats the latest.

**raw23062** · **02-06-08, 02:32 PM**

Ok guys, after reading a bunch in here today, Ive become very inspired, but also have a greater expectation of what I can do with my space. After reading the entire Tanner Ridge build, I think I'd love some suggestions with how to maximize my space and experience. Initially I was just going to put a dark brown/tan paint on the walls and ceiling, I've already wird the room for hidden rope lights that go all the way around the room, Ive wired up 8 seperate outlets behind the entertainment center, but past that I hadn't gone much further in my planning. I realize my room leans more towards the sports bar theme than a theatre, but Im open to how to make it have a split persaonality. Im all ears and would love some reccomendations and ideas. Thanks to all for your greater than expected inspiration.....especially Tom of Tanner Ridge....WOW. Thank you in advance.

**tritonman** · **02-06-08, 09:14 PM**

That bar is amazing! I cant wait till I can get to work on mine..so much to do and so little time..

**** nice work.

**YW84U** · **02-07-08, 12:09 AM**

That is one fantastic bar! I'm picturing a couple of beer pulls poking out from the countertop !!

A Stella, please!

I appreciate the kind words earlier (if only Sonnie has some sort of blush smiley thing!)....I'm far from being any sort of expert on this kind of stuff, and have learned what I can from many other DIY HT guys (and gals) who have plowed the road ahead of me.... I just hope I can pay it forward

I think if you have maybe a floorplan or sketch of the area with measurements, us collective Shaksters could help kick around some ideas with you. I think a lot will depend on your plans/goals - is there any sort of 'theme' you have in mind? Any wants or needs in relation to audio or acoustics? What sort of seating are you considering for the theater side? Once we've got a better idea of what you're looking for and your space limitations, there is a ton of talented people here in the forum that are great resources to tap into!

Looking forward to your HT journey!

Cheers,

**raw23062** · **02-07-08, 07:48 AM**

Thanks guys, I REALLY appreciate it. Yes, the bar has been my concentration and pride and joy. Tom, you will be happy to know the kegerators are already here and waiting for me to put down the tile, I got a two tap tower that should be pretty cool, also added an undercounter fridge,freezer,and wine chiller. Sink also has to go in as well as a bunch of stain,sanding, and clear coat. As for the theatre area, I guess Ill take some photos today to show you all the lay out, and give some measurements so you can see what I am working with. As for a theme, it's definitley more media/sports bar than theatre (although thanks to you guys Im already scouting out other areas of the home to build a dedicated theatre!) THANKS! Guess the boat will have to wait another summer...or two. So the theme is pretty much media with the desire to maximize movies and surround.....I guess I want to build a sports bar/theatre hybrid???? Thats where I'm looking for all of your expertise. After reading a bunch on this site, I realize some things I would have already done diferent if I had found this earlier, so my desire is to maximize my efforts from this point forward. I'll post what I have so far in a few, and hopefully get some feedback from the experts here. Thanks again to all for the inspiration! By the way, thanks for turning me on to Modern Home Theatre, that has pretty much ruined me!

**raw23062** · **02-07-08, 08:55 AM**

Ok guys, here is what I have. The theatre/media room measures 14ft wide and 20ft long with one wall open to the bar area, the other long wall has two windows, and a door on the back to the outside porch. I have run multiple outlets 4 banks with two outlets, and 1 bank with 2 outlets. As seen in pics, I've built supports behind media center to run wires. You can also see in the pics, there is a bathroom behind the wall I built the media center on, so I put a door in the bathroom to access all of the wiring easily behind the media center. (I thought it was genius!) Wife just shook her head, she does that alot. My surround system(which feels completely inferior now) is an Onkyo 7 speaker plus sub system. Like I said before, 3 32in Sony flatscreens go across the top, and the Sony 65 fits in the slot in the middle. My goal from here is to make sure I set it up correct, run the right wiring, place things in the correct locations, add in any special features or neat ideas, etc..... I already switched paint color from an orangish brown to a dark brownish green, I've wired the room for a hidden rope light around the top of the room about 12-16 inches from the ceiling. What else ya got??? I want this place to be as cool and neat as possible!! Learn me boys! Thanks in advance.

**raw23062** · **02-07-08, 11:43 AM**

Also, I was wondering how I could do a rendering of some of the ideas for the final project, Ive seen the computer renderings for some of your HT's and think I'd like to do it. ???? Help.

**YW84U** · **02-07-08, 01:04 PM**

Quote:

raw23062 wrote:

Also, I was wondering how I could do a rendering of some of the ideas for the final project, Ive seen the computer renderings for some of your HT's and think I'd like to do it. ???? Help.

There's a free one from Google called Sketchup - it may seem a little daunting at first, but it takes about an hour to get used to, and you can get wonderful results. If you go to the Google '3d warehouse', there's a ton of pre-made elements (lights, chairs, kitchen sinks) that you can download and incorporate into your designs. With some minor practice, it can turn out like this:

I spent a lot of time in the planning stages playing with Sketchup to figure out what goes where, what fits, what colors......and found it quite invaluable. I'm currently re-planning my outside deck with it

Cheers,

**raw23062** · **02-07-08, 01:38 PM**

You da man, thank you!

**mitchok** · **02-07-08, 04:51 PM**

Wow... very nice. I like the bar! Got to have your priorities straight. Your columns look very close to what is planned in the MitchOK Theater. We ended up with a mixed bag downstairs when we originally built the house... a mix of library column and fluted columns. We are going with fluted upstairs... two each on side walls will have sconces.

Look forward to seeing more progress.

MitchOK

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