Eric and Christine have always loved movie nights. Having both grown up in Barrington, they have fond memories of the historic Catlow Theater. They even had a home theater in their previous home to enjoy family movie nights with their growing children. After moving three years ago to their current home in Barrington Hills, their movie nights weren’t the same without an intentional home theater.
They decided it was time to invest in a dedicated home theater but knew the job would be complicated. The couple envisioned a completely raw portion of their basement to become the home cinema of their dreams, equipped for cinematic fun for all ages and inspired by the rich colors and classic design elements of a traditional theater. Seamlessly blending the rich colors and classic design our clients loved with modern cinematic technology was key.
Successful Partnerships
The couple began working with Mills Technologies to design the immersive audio and visual aspects they wanted in their home theater. Having completed a successful bath remodel with Advance Design previously, Eric & Christine knew who to call when it came time to bring their theater vision to life once the technical side of the project was in place.
Advance Design worked in tandem with Mills Technologies to design and build a home theater and lobby with classic design details and state-of-the-art cinema technology throughout.
“This was a complicated project- not only working with clients, but with Mills and CinemaTech with coordinating plans…logistically it was very complicated. ADS worked very well with those other partners and with us,” Eric said.
Marquee Entrance & Lobby
For Eric & Christine, the Catlow theater in Barrington embodies the idea of what a real theater experience feels like, and they wanted to bring those memories home. From the marquee entrance all the way through to the back row of the theater itself, their new home theater truly encompasses the classic cinematic charm they love.
During the redesign process with the Advance Design team, a large lobby space and snack bar were added into a portion of the raw space just outside the actual theater. This addition enhanced the entrance and overall experience of the cinema.
No movie night is complete without everyone’s favorite candy, drinks, and of course popcorn! As you enter the lobby, grab your favorite treats from the snack bar before entering the theater. The bar includes four pull-out glass display drawers, glass shelves, a mirror backsplash, a beverage cooler, and custom candy bar display shelves. The custom dark brown cabinetry and gold hardware complement the classic design Eric & Christine envisioned.
Authentic Theater Details
Rich red, yellow, and brown tones continue from the lobby into the theater room. Theater-quality speakers and subwoofers are hidden on behind the red wall panels on every wall and in the ceiling for an immersive audio experience whether you are front row or sitting at the counter at the back of the theater.
“The quality of the work is fantastic. ADS is an expert at what they do. The attitude was always positive and friendly with Nick and every other team member we interacted with,” Eric says.
The couple partnered with CinemaTech to furnish their theater with eight luxury cinema recliners. A lighted tray ceiling adds visual interest and enhances acoustics in the space.
“Everyone is excited about it, everyone wants to spend time together for family movie night! Our kids have already had friends over a couple times, having this space for them and their friends is pretty cool too,” Eric says.
Their family loves having access to an immersive theater experience without having to leave home. The space elevates any movie night and is a fantastic space for Eric & Christine’s kids to host friends.
Eric and Christine are thrilled with their classic home cinema and each authentic detail in it, and they enjoyed their experience working with the Advance Design team to create a space for their family and friends to enjoy for years to come.
We’re ready to help bring your basement project to life! With our “Common Sense Remodeling” approach, the process of renovating your home has never been easier. Let’s get started! Call us at 847-836-2600 or schedule an appointment with one of our talented designers.
