City Lifestyle

Want to start a publication?

Learn More
Featured Image

Featured Article

How to Create a Home Theater: 4 Expert Tips to Turn Your Living Room into a Cinema

The perfect setup for every home theater

Article by Kim Wicklund

Photography by Kim Wicklund

Dreaming of bringing the big screen home? With the right setup, your living room can become a

fully immersive home theater—no tickets required (just popcorn). We spoke with Gary Lewis,

co-owner of custom installation experts Cornflake, to get his top tips for designing a cinema-

quality experience at home.

1. Start with a Soundbar

TVs today might look great, but their built-in sound often falls flat. Gary recommends investing

in a quality soundbar like the Sonos Arc to instantly upgrade your audio experience. Want the

full surround sound effect? “A 5.2.2 Dolby Atmos setup—nine speakers total—can be both

powerful and discreet,” he says.

2. Choose Built-In Speakers

For a sleek, clutter-free design, built-in speakers are a game-changer. “They solve lots of design

issues and can be placed where they’re needed most,” Gary explains. He notes that in-wall

speakers tend to deliver more immersive sound than in-ceiling ones, which can feel detached

from the action.

3. Go Custom for the Ultimate Setup

Every space is different, which is why a bespoke system offers the best performance and style.

From hiding speakers behind fabric panels to concealing projectors in the ceiling, a custom

installer can help create a cinema that disappears into your décor until showtime.

4. Plan Early

“The real work happens behind the scenes,” Gary says. Planning your home theater at the start of

a renovation allows for clean cable runs and power routing. If a full remodel isn’t on the table,

consider a premium 85-inch TV for a big-screen upgrade with less effort.

Essentials for a Great Home Theater:

  • TV or projector with screen

  • Surround sound system (preferably in-wall)

  • AV receiver to power the setup

  • Comfy, cinema-style seating

  • Dimmable lighting

  • Blackout curtains

  • And yes, plenty of popcorn

With thoughtful design and the right equipment, you can bring the magic of the movies into your

home—and never worry about sticky floors or sold-out shows again.

Businesses featured in this article