Media Room Reveal

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The basement of our new home is “finished”, which is something I’ve never had before in any previous home I’ve owned! It was one of the things that drew us to a new construction if I’m being perfectly honest. As our kids grow up and get bigger (and louder, and smellier), we knew that having some separate space to retreat to would be such a plus for our family. Plus, it would enable us to explore some concepts we didn’t have in our old place– like a custom playroom…and a MEDIA ROOM! Truthfully, the “theater room” type vibe was never really my thing. Even though it seems slightly counterintuitive, I actually like watching TV and movies in a room with a lot of natural light, and to be in the mix a bit more. Yes, I’m that person who doesn’t even close the blinds to watch a movie…it drives my fiancé crazy. But when Ian and I were touring our home for the first time, he remarked as we ventured down the stairs to a very spacious but completely plain and windowless room, that it would make the perfect Media Room.

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To be honest, I had to agree. The room is opposite our new gym, so it makes for the perfect space to throw a show or movie on for the kids while we sneak a workout in. It also was big enough to hold our family room couch from our last house! Immediately, I starting dreaming and scheming up what the perfect media room would feel like for me. I was drawn pretty quickly to the idea of doing something very Old Hollywood, with lots of vintage flair and retro movie posters. I was envisioning a space that felt cozy, and layered, and kind of like a little jewel-box Speakeasy. A space where popcorn and a dirty martini would feel equally at home.

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Couch

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Dress

I found some movie posters on Etsy that I absolutely loved, but I knew to truly bring the space together I had to have a super special wallpaper. The one place I had to look first was Hygge & West! I love their papers so much because there is truly something for everyone- and every project! From graphic neutrals to Maximalist designs, florals, and even murals, Hygge & West brings together gorgeous prints and elevated color palettes for wallpaper that makes a big impact. There is something so special about their moodier prints in particular. When I stumbled upon the “Symmetry” wallpaper in the ebony colorway, it was as if the vision that I had in my head for the room suddenly came fully into focus. I could tell it would be perfect!

I’m completely obsessed with how this little retro media lair turned out. We spend so much time cuddled up here as a family, and I love that besides the posters and one piece of furniture, this room is filled with furniture and decor pieces that have evolved with our family through many phases. I painted the seated figure, hanging above the couch, when I was in high school. Ian brought the table lamp with him when he moved in, and we chose a new shade together. The rug was in various bedrooms in various homes I’ve owned in the last decade. This room feels so fresh, but also so nostalgic in so many ways– just how I like it! The best part is that we can grow into this room as a family. I know we will have so many fun nights in here sharing our favorite movies and making memories.

I’m putting all the design details below, but feel free to reach out with a comment below if you have a question that isn’t answered.