Interior Design for Residential Cinemas Part 4: Design Scheme
Colour and tone
Colours and tones should be dictated by the overall design scheme. It is tempting to think cinemas must be use dark finishes, however with a considered lighting scheme this isn’t necessary. Light or mid tones can also be used. It is advisable to avoid too much contrast however, when lights are dimmed for screenings the design scheme should fade into the background.
Minimalist/Maximalist
There is no definitive answer to how minimal or maximal a cinema design scheme should be. However, it is important to consider the primary purpose of the room, to view content on the screen. Avoid design details that distract from this goal.
Mood
Residential cinemas are places to relax and be entertained. This should be reflected in the general mood the design scheme delivers. They are also often seen as luxury spaces, the definition of luxury will be dictated by the overall scheme, however the execution should feel as luxury as the budget allows.
Design Inspiration
Like any room design inspiration can be sourced from a wide range of places and client preferences. Below are some starting points and sources to consider.
Art Deco
The birth of cinema coincided with the popularity of the Art Deco movement, as such the two have become synonymous with each other. Art Deco remains a popular design scheme for cinemas and when clients refer to a “Traditional cinema” it is often Art Deco they are referencing.
Futuristic
The mix of technology and Light Walls LED lighting and control options make a futuristic look an ideal and popular starting point for cinema designs. Darker, grey coloured walls allow the LED to stand out and combined with dynamic, controllable lighting creates incredibly immersive spaces.
Traditional home
Many residential cinemas occupy space in large, traditional, sometimes listed properties. Clients may wish to ensure the cinema room is in keeping with the rest of their home. Take inspiration from old libraries, games rooms, parlours and smoking rooms. The Fabric Walls panelling solution is ideal for this design scheme.
Movie Inspiration
Cinema rooms are inspired by the end client’s favourite; some will take this to the full conclusion and create theme park like replicas of movie sets. However, there are subtle interpretations. Fans of Tron’s aesthetic may look to the Futuristic inspiration outlined previously, while budding Godfathers may look to Traditional style rooms, replicating the feel of Don Corleone’s luxury home.
Car and Yacht Interiors
Interior designers for cars and yachts face many of the same challenges as those designing for cinemas. Designing a shell to both mask and work in harmony with critical technology are experiences common in these markets. The technical and creative solution found in these spaces can provide inspiration for design in cinemas.
Luxury Lifestyles
Typically, high end residential cinema projects will be created for end clients with a high spending power that often move within luxury spaces and purchase luxury products. Immersion into those environments and products can be beneficial in the cinema design process to understand how other industries are successfully targeting this audience. High fashion, jewellery and watches are all strong indicators on what styles and trends are popular. Additionally looking at high end environments like hotels, spas, restaurants, bars and designer stores can be beneficial. Many environments can be visited in person or found on sites such as Dezeen. Fashion and related products can also be found online at sites such as Hypebeast, in stores especially locations such as Regent St London or through magazines such as Vogue, Vanity Fair and Esquire where additional inspiration can be found in the staging of photoshoots.
