So you’ve decided to add a private cinema to your Dallas, Texas home. Before you start looking at specific projectors or debating the merits of retractable screens, you have some basic design choices to make. A home theater can be whatever you want it to be, but it makes sense to have a solid plan upfront so that you get an end result that you’re fully satisfied with. These three questions are the first step toward creating a home theater design that’s a perfect fit for your lifestyle.

Dedicated or Multipurpose?

Modern home theaters are not nearly as restrictive as they used to be. The typical acoustics and room layout constraints can be easily circumnavigated via the latest theater technologies, which in turn opens up a world of possibilities for the space. If you are a cinephile who wants to watch the latest films in an environment tailored for maximum enjoyment, then a dedicated theater is the way to go.

If a more generic entertainment space is your goal, then consider a multipurpose media room. Media rooms can be optimized for great acoustics and visuals while still keeping it open for spending time with friends, enjoying a game of pool, or even doing a round of virtual golf. Never let technology be the limiting factor for your design goals. With the right setup, you can have your cake and eat it too.

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Indoor or Outdoor?

You don’t have to stay cooped up in your home while you watch the latest film. Why not enjoy the great outdoors and a great movie at the same time? Imagine watching the latest Oscar Best Picture while relaxing in the pool or Jacuzzi. An outdoor theater also eliminates many of the space constraints that you typically have with an indoor theater. And with advanced weather-resistant devices and screens that reject ambient light, you can get the same audio and visual quality as an indoor theater.

On the other hand, you never have to worry about inclement weather with an indoor theater, and the summer heat or winter chill can be a distraction from the film. Of course, the answer to this question may very well be both—an outdoor theater for when you want to throw lavish parties and an indoor theater for when the weather turns sour.

Themed or Traditional?

Are you a fan of the 1960s drive-in theater look? How about a cinema modeled after the Grand Ole Opry? Or do you prefer the traditional theater look of red carpet and fold-up seats? Now is the time to decide. There’s something to be said for a flamboyant theme for your theater—after all, it’s really the one room in the house where it’s acceptable to go all-out with themed décor. But if you feel like you will tire of such a specific look over time, you’re better off with a muted style that you can adjust to fit changing whims.

After deliberating on these questions, you’ll have a solid foundation for a home theater design uniquely your own. To take the next step, contact a local BRAVAS partner today.