A Deluxe Greenwich Media Room

Just off the main living area, this 300-square-foot media room boasts a water-feature view and stadium seating. Interior designer Laura Bohn chose the lively rug and color scheme, and Advanced Home Audio installed a nearly invisible sound system that includes speakers hidden below the walnut counter.

The owner wanted a place to sit and enjoy traditional media. Walnut beams create a warm feel and complement the colors, while a poster brings the movie-theater vibe.

It took meticulous attention to install the felt soundproofing panels; recessed overhead lighting gives them visual interest.

Carol Kurth says it’s time to take the media room out of the cavern.“Most people these days think of a media room as lower level, dark, enclosed,” Kurth says. “But that makes it a real effort to get to.”

Kurth, who is both a licensed architect and interior designer, prefers to create media rooms that are centrally located. At this home in Greenwich, it’s right off the main living space on the first floor. “In this case it’s more of a room where the family can hang out,” she says. “It’s casual, it’s not off the beaten track, it functions as a media room, but you can also cozy up there and read a book.”

Which is exactly what the owners like to do. During the day, light pours in through a wall of glass, drawing the eyes to a water feature in the garden outside. The owner enjoys sitting in a chair by the window, says Kurth. “That’s his special spot.”

When it’s movie time, the room does that well, too. It’s a few steps up from the main entertaining area, so it’s a little bit private but also quick to get to with popcorn and drinks. The top level of a tiered banquet provides a comfortable nook, and there’s plenty of stadium seating on the lower level for a passel of kids. A floor-to-ceiling barn door coupled with blackout blinds closes off the space and creates the feeling of a warm cocoon. A three-dimensional felt surface on the back wall that’s accented by lights in a recessed trough above insulates the sound while also providing visual interest.

Cellar-dwelling media rooms are simpler to build, of course, and have far fewer issues with light infiltration and reverberating sound. “We could have put it in the lower level,” Kurth admits, “but this way the room doubles as a family gathering place. It’s more accessible. Everybody loves it.”

Project Team
Architecture: Carol Kurth Architecture + Interiors
Interior design: Laura Bohn Design Associates
Builder: Legacy Construction Northeast
Audio/video design: Advanced Home Audio