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.