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Corridor home theaters take center stage
By This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it | Corridor Living Staff Writer
Originally published Winter 2007/2008

      

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     For some, going to the movies is a thing of the past.
     From popcorn machines and hot dog warmers to stadium-style seating and refrigerators stocked with beer and soda, the movies have officially found a place in the home.
     Home theaters, a room with a TV screen at least 32 inches plus a surround sound system, are finding their way into homes across the nation. The trend is a combination of technology advancing, high quality electronics and the desire to snuggle up at home. 
     Approximately 22 percent of U.S. residents have a home theater system in their homes, according to Parks Associates, a Dallas-based market research and consulting firm that provides information and analysis on emerging technologies. 
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     “The No. 1 thing I hear from contractors and home designers is that the home theater is the new pool,” said John Stumpf, sales manager at Station Earth, an Ontario-based home theater design and installation company. “You can never drown in it, it requires little maintenance and it’s in the comfort of your own home.”
     The ultimate movie experience can be yours for anywhere from $30,000 to $500,000 or more depending upon how elaborate the project, added Stumpf.
     “In 10 years, everyone will have a home theater and architects will start putting them into their designs,” he said. “People are nesting more, entertaining more and wanting to stay in.” 
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     Paul Self, director of marketing for Audio Visions, a California-based electronics contracting firm, said at-home viewing is much more appealing than public movie theaters.
     “The ability to go to the movies when you want and not have people kicking you in the chair and do it on your schedule is appealing,” he said.
     Karen and Skip Lewis decided to convert their Elkridge basement into a home theater complete with a 110-inch flat movie screen built above a stage and seven plush recliners.
     “Instead of paying for the movies, we just say ‘let’s go downstairs,’” said Karen. “We also thought it would be a great place for our children so they can be here, we know where they are, we get to know their friends and we all save some money.”
     The purple and black theater room, in honor of the Baltimore Ravens, displays football memorabilia around the two tier stadium-style seats. 
    

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Karen and Skip Lewis transformed their basement in Elkridge to the Skipodrome Theater, which includes a 110-inch flat movie screen, stadium-style seats, a hot dog warmer, popcorn maker and martini bar. Photos by Marilyn DiMarco.
“We have a huge Super Bowl party every year and people wait for that invitation,” said Karen laughing. “Instead of going out to a restaurant or bar to watch football we’d rather be here enjoying the game.”
     The couple took on the project themselves working every night and weekend. After nine months, the “Skipodrome Theater” came to fruition in 2005.
     “It’s close to our hearts because we put a lot of time and sweat into it,” she said.  
     Gunfire and explosions sound especially real with the chairs’ ability to shake and rumble allowing guests to fully experience action movies.
     “At home, you can put the movie on pause or get something to eat. It’s something for the whole family to enjoy,” said Karen.
     While the movie experience varies, the Skipodrome Theater has something for everyone.
     A sleek silver martini bar with a portable ice maker is a chance for guests to kick back and relax.  
    
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The wall near the martini bar is lined with portraits of the Lewis family’s favorite stars. Photo by Marilyn DiMarco
The bar, which also has a view of the movie screen from its six bar stools, sits in front of yet another plasma TV.  
     The bar area is nestled between a pool table and seating area complete with a black leather sectional couch and an LCD TV.
     An iPod docking station built into the wall just outside the theater room enables music to be played throughout the basement.
     And a home theater wouldn’t be complete without a touch of Hollywood.
     Above the couch, hang 11 celebrity portraits — including John Travolta, George Clooney, Jennifer Aniston and Johnny Depp —  a reflection of the family’s favorite stars. A Hollywood-style dressing room doubles as the bathroom.
     While the bulk of the project is behind them, the reels are always turning.
     “I’d like to put the five family stars on the wall like in Hollywood and black velvet rails down the stairwell,” said Karen. “It’s so exciting to walk down here; I’d do it all over again.”

 
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