Does anybody know if he ever posted completed pictures of this theater? The last photos I have seen had it looking almost finished but missing carpet.

This was one of the manliest theaters I have seen on the site. You can definitely tell he picked the colors out himself.

This was one of the manliest theaters I have seen on the site. You can definitely tell he picked the colors out himself.

Gotta chuckle out of that. Thanks for the kind words.

Actually as the theater progressed I reached a point where I said "I'm going to stick insulation and fabric on the walls" and my wife went into one of those over my dead body moods. So, I pulled up some pictures of Kirks, Uptown Paridiso theater and she got on board with the concept and the basic color scheme. Now between Kirk's camera and My LCD monitor his theater had a kind of a blue/grey theme. We ordered up some samples from GOM and that's the colors we went with. I actually ordered Kirks fabrics just to look at and it's more green then blue.

As for the status the theater is actually in a big room and I'm working on the back end. Actually I've been doing more planning then working and once spring hit I've been working on the outdoor to do list and we went to the beach twice. I'm also starting a bricklaying class on Monday nights.

The back end is actually a big "concession stand concept" we wanted to have all the dirty stuff done before I had the carpet brought in for the whole area. I've decided to do some surgery on the drywall in that area and I erected a plastic sheet wall.

Concept of back wall
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSCN3293.jpg

Radius edge bar with blue padded,tufted, buttoned front will stand in front.

Ordering the right cabinets has been a PIA. We found one vendor Luxor (Canada) that had a painted european cabinet in the style we wanted and had to wait 2 months just to get a price quote. It came in at $15,000 for the 10 cabinets (without the pulls) uninstalled and we freaked.

Right now I'm reviewing a quote from Cabparts for the boxes, and MaplecraftUSA for the painted slab doors. I will have to mate the doors to the cabinets but the price will be about $4000 for the look we want. I will order the Stainless Pulls from some place like Outwater.

It will be done someday. I may have my second Projector by the time it's done. Got about 700 hours on the 1 year old projector so lack of carpet hasn't stopped our movie watching.

Here is our overall color palette:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSCN3303.jpg

The dark wedgewood blue is for the cabinets, the checkered gray is the carpet. the dark wood is for the floor in the bar area(subject to change) the big roll of vinyl is for the tufted bar front. Blue pearl granite for counter tops, painted gray is the trim and ceiling color.

A part that's done:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSCN3309.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSCN3124.jpg

Big -

As for the status the theater is actually in a big room and I'm working on the back end

I got a chuckle out of THAT! Your room is HUGE! And I 've been SITTING on MY back end!

Same as you, I've been wokring on the outside things to do list. I hope to be getting back to mine real soon. Brit's gotten WAY past me!

Tom

I keep telling myself it's a labor of love, not a race.

But what they say is true. Never hang the projector till it's done. The wife just brought 3 dvd's home from Blockbuster for the weekend.

Mmmm. I like the color scheme!

So is this the official BIGDC Hometheater construction website?
Big?

Wow, looking great. Makes me motivated to get over to your neck of the woods and check it out sometime. It puts my room to shame.

what is the size of the room? I may have missed it somewhere but I didnt notice.

Looks great and I really like the contrast of the white, grey and black...looks very nice!!

Robert

Dimensions? the room is about 900 sq ft kind of an stubby L

JB and all: Is this the construction web site? After the Sandman and others there isn't much I could contribute to the science but If there is interest in HOW I'm going to build the Bar/Concession stand back end speak up and I'll start a documentary of my journey.

Just as long as the moderators don't banish me to the "general purpose room thread" where grass growing is sometimes faster than an update.

Maybe it would spur me on to finish.

All respect to the other great theaters getting put up around here, this (DC's) has always been my favorite.

I am very interested in seeing more pictures and hearing how you did it.

I saw this thread and thought Big had finished and all us NoVA'ers were in for a grand opening treat :D I think were all in awe at Bigs theater .....just want to see it done.....but his yard looks great also (unlike mine)

Alas.....it not be so......looks like Bmackrell will be first in our area. Lets hope the bar is completed at the same time :D

Dimensions? the room is about 900 sq ft kind of an stubby L

JB and all: Is this the construction web site? After the Sandman and others there isn't much I could contribute to the science but If there is interest in HOW I'm going to build the Bar/Concession stand back end speak up and I'll start a documentary of my journey.

Just as long as the moderators don't banish me to the "general purpose room thread" where grass growing is sometimes faster than an update.

Maybe it would spur me on to finish.
I like the bar/concession idea. From the picture, i think it will come out nice.

Has there been any progress here lately...I really like the look of this theater and would love to see some updates

Robert

I too love Big's color scheme. In fact, I loved it so much, I copied a lot of it for my theater:

http://adam-snow.com/house/basement/HT3/DSCN0654.jpg
http://adam-snow.com/house/basement/HT3/DSCN0655.jpg
http://adam-snow.com/house/basement/HT3/DSCN0656.jpg

Hey great work I feel right at home! I'm flattered.

As far as my progress I'm happy to report that on July 20th the cabinets for the back end should arrive and I'll be ordering the remaining appliances this week.

So we should be looking at some real progress And I promise to post some construction shots of the back bar area if there is any interest.

Interest!

Any recent work/pics?

Update:

The cabinets have arrived, The appliances are due next week.

This week I tore off the ceiling soffit area because we have changed the bar location and it just wasn't going to line up right. Need to add some framing, redo the electrical and re-rock.



http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSCN3727.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSCN3124.jpg

I love the spindle decor on the sides. Did you make them or buy them that way? Is there a close up shot of them....?

Im going to guess he made them but thats just my opinion.

Cant wait to see more pics of this build...I really like the color scheme and overall "feel" of it.

Robert

I always like BIGs theater best as well. There are some amazing theaters on here but his just always caught my eye as clean, beautiful, and inviting. I too borrowed some of the scheme.

share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AZuG7Nw5bMWLpI

OK, back from the beach.


Kermie: The designs on the bar ends are scraps of wood. I can't remember which projects I did that I used those pre-made MDF shelves from HD. They come 12 inches wide with a slightly rounded edge. I needed 10 to 11 inch boards so I cut off the edge and I had a pile of them in my "maybe I can use these someday" pile.

I just cut them up in that design. The middle ones are taller and thicker than each piece next to it. I cut the ends with a slight angle. I painted, then nailed in place, patched the holes and touched up the paint.

A&M: great work welcome to the blue/grey club.

Yes, awesome accents. Nothing like deco for simplicity cleanliness and strength.

Art

So now that your back form sun and fun you can get back to work on the important stuff :D

There are a few builds going on here lately that really look great and stand apart and your is certainly one of them!

Robert

Robert:

Thanks for the kind words. Put a few more hours in today on that ceiling. Also spent an hour this AM pulling weeds before it got so %#!$^^ hot!!!

It was worse last week. You picked a good time to get out of NVa. This current weather list actually a relief. (He types while sitting inside a nice AC'd office building far removed from heat....) :)

I find it hard to believe that so many months have passed, time for an update.
I got the ceiling reworked, back wall of cabinets in, Marquee built, Signage Complete..

Column test fitted, need counter top first though. Bar cabinets sitting in place. Now need to build the bar. Front will be rounded with a padded vinyl front, metal trim, brushed stainless foot rest.

Also need to mount all the stainless pulls on the cabinets

but here is a recap:

Plan:
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSCN3293.jpg
Today:
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSC00339.jpg

Emeril should be so lucky with a kitchenette like yours! We are all so lucky to see such a class project!

Thanks Biggie!

Damn dude. Absolutely beautiful. Outstanding work.

Wow, very nice, very nice indeed !!

Hey Big,

Are you sure this is not your full time job? I know most contractors would charge crazy money for that kind of work. Can't wait to see the finishe product.

Keep up great work.

Are you sure this is not your full time job? I know most contractors would charge crazy money for that kind of work.
Keep up great work.

Thanks everyone for the kind words. It keeps me motivated to finish.

JB, If I charged by the job I'd be making less than minimum wage. If I charged by the hour, my theater would cost more than the house is worth. So, I guess I'm doomed to consider it a hobby.

Ok, here is the back of the napkin plan for the back bar.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/backbar.jpg

Big your a good artist and craftsman. Nice to see talent at work.

BigMouthinDC,

That room is amazing. I have actually been looking at stages to use to copy a bit for my HT project and I keep coming back to the elegant, clean, and modern look of your stage. I actually live in MD probably about an hour from you. Is there any way you could help me adapt your design slightly for my room design? My room is not fully symetrical and I have only 89" to the ceiling, but I like the black fabric coated round projection at the ceiling and the simple black fabric background. Is that constructed with a false wall in the front to get the center channel under the screen and L/R speakers to the side? Is there other posts with the details of the stage area construction? Any help greatly appreciated.

BigMouthinDC,

Is that constructed with a false wall in the front to get the center channel under the screen and L/R speakers to the side? Is there other posts with the details of the stage area construction? Any help greatly appreciated.

Yes, the Black area are all fabric panels that hide all the speakers. They make up a false wall that fill in the space between the two columns I created. My room isn't symmetrical either and I will post a few construction pics later today for you.

If you want, why don't you start a thread "help me design my stage" post a picture of the space and I'll comment, Maybe sketch something as well. I'm sure others will contribute.

Man that is a good idea. I really want to see if I can adapt your design to fit my space. I would not be able to do the ceiling trim that you did in white, but maybe some others might have a few good additions. To start here is my drawing of the basement and theater room. The issue is that I need to leave 36" walkway to the left of the Theater seats and that is setting the centerline of the screen. It then leaves more room to the left than I want to take up to the right into the wetbar area. I also plan to build a little wall to finish the end of the stage on the right side. I am also struggling with where to start columns with sconces in the room and how many to install. I will try to start a thread tonight when I get home. I should add that the dashed lines to the right of the theater room is a small soffit that we are going to make simply to allow me to paint the theater room ceiling black without while leaving the rest of the basement celing a different color, so it can be moved. Also the dashed lines directly over the theater seats is the soffit that boxes around the HVAC ducts.

Thanks again for any help.

Dave

Bigmouth,

I've had a tough time finding carpet like yours in this area. I'm moving to a new home in July and want to have a patterned carpet in my room. I really like the one you have. Who makes it and where did you get it? My media room is being finished by the builder. I just didn't have any carpet choices close to that one. I had to go with basic carpet and will want to change it out to something closer to yours.

I love your room btw. It definitely has more then a few elements of my dream theater in it. I especially love the color scheme and the lettering over the bar. Very nice!!

Carpet:

Masland Carpet, Pattern: Quadrate

I still haven't installed it, wanted to finish the back end, but I'm getting close.

I find it hard to believe that so many months have passed, time for an update.
I got the ceiling reworked, back wall of cabinets in, Marquee built, Signage Complete..

Today:
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSC00339.jpg

Big,

Where did you find the rounded light strip for your signage on the soffit/marquee?

I hate to do this but I really must borrow this idea for our game room area. :o

Big,

Where did you find the rounded light strip for your signage on the soffit/marquee?

I hate to do this but I really must borrow this idea for our game room area. :o

Please borrow away, one day I'll call in a favor.

I got it at IKEA!!

Detals and pics of my approach here:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9605434&&#post9605434

Yeah I am going to spend the weekend in my basement pretending its yours.

I thought I had done so well until I see what my place should have looked like.

Beautiful work. BEAUTIFUL.

Thanks,

Here we are today:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSC00363.jpg

drool.

Hey Big!
So you went with metal studs for part of the bar. Any particular reason?
Also, why the intermediate 2x4 between some of the metal studs?
I'm planning my bar outside the theater itself, but like your plan.

Paul

So you went with metal studs for part of the bar. Any particular reason?
Also, why the intermediate 2x4 between some of the metal studs?
Paul

Thanks for the feedback

On the metal studs I had good luck using the FlexC track to form the curve for the soffit and I just used them because I knew they would be straight and stay straight. I also got a heavier gauge then the HD brand.

Here is some more on the soffit and creating the curve:
http://www.smxscreen.com/forum/showthread.php?t=193

As for the wood I'm planning on a foot-rail and those 4 locations are where I'm planning on attaching the brackets.

http://www.lawrencemetal.com/catalogart/large/ms901.jpg

Tomorrow I'm going to start putting on a skin. I have some 11/32 plywood and I'm going to put on 2 layers glued together. Then I'm going to form a smaller panel on the front (again 2 layers) then take that layer to a commercial upholstery shop to have then put on a diamond tufted pattern.

I'm a little concerned that the plywood may be too stiff and I might have to go thinner (3 layers) or get some of the specialty bendable materials instead.

Paul a couple more details FYI

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSC00366.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSC00368.jpg

Big,

You may have answered this already, but where did you get your lettering from? Is it made of stainless, aluminum, or something else?

Thanks,

One last update:

I've revised my plan a bit. The end panels are going to look like the front of my Berkline 099s. The bar front will have a diamond tufted panel like the booth below.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/barconcept.jpg

I've been out a few months due to back surgery. First chance to check up on things and I had to see what you have been up to.

Your work is looking incredible, no surprise there!

Neb: sorry to hear that you were in for repairs.

Recently, I had carpet installed and it cost me an arm and a leg.

I'm planning on waiting until the room is done and furnished and I'll post a Recap Thread of all the details. But right now you wouldn't believe it, but Masland carpet shipped a piece with a big flaw right in the middle of the room.

They had to send out an inspector they just couldn't believe that something sneaked out of the factory with all their quality controls. The verdict is they are replacing the carpet.

Couple shots of the carpet

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSC00540.jpg


http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSC00535.jpg

Shots of the oops. There should be a loop pile square instead of the cut pile in the middle:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSC00489.jpg


http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSC00524.jpg

What color is your carpet? It looks like 3 different colors in those 3 different pictures.

We put Masland in our room as well. We went with the Rhumba pattern, which I think you were looking at way back when. It turned out quite nice, but did cost a bit.

Big,

Even with the flaw the carpeting really makes the room. Great work!

Jay

It's Quadrate pattern, Union Square color.

It's basically a one color grey yarn but looks different depending on whether it's cut pile or loop. It's also different shading depending on which direction you stand. The first two pics are the closest less a little of the yellow cast form the lights.

I goosed the last two pics to exaggerate the problem area.

Big -

I know you have a keen eye, but who REALLY spotted that flaw? I know MY wife would have spotted that thing while it was still rolled up on the truck!

Tom

Big -
I know you have a keen eye, but who REALLY spotted that flaw?
Tom

It was me. As the carpet went down I noticed something. At first I thought it as a crush mark and would spring up. Toward the end of the day when all the scraps were picked up an the carpet was vacuumed it was pretty noticeable.

During the final walk around I pointed it out to the 2 guys (who at by that time had worked 11 hours none stop, complaining about my stage) they said "don't worry it's just a crush mark".

I told my wife that I thought the carpet had a flaw and she spotted it in about 5 seconds.

After they left I got out a work light and got on my hands and knees and could pretty much tell what the problem was. The manager came by the next business day and was expecting to just fluff it up with some cleaner and couldn't believe it.

He e-mailed my pictures to the company and they couldn't believe it. They hired some independent "inspector" from West Va to drive over and inspect it. That was a full day round trip for him (cha ching!). He showed up with his wife who had a great interest in how to do the Linacoustic walls, He had a dinky little pocket digital camera and he snapped a shot.

His conclusion was that at the mill something got behind the carpet raising it up and that section got sheared.

So the replacement carpet is on it's way. The two poor guys who layed it, get to do it all over. Luckily the don't need to do the stairs, riser or stage.

OK, things are moving along so I thought I'd put up a few more pics before my grand finale.

I'm big into the theory of first impressions and here is a shot coming down the stairs to my space:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSC00569.jpg

Still need to skin the bar, add the stainless steel foot rail, counter tops, tile the back-splash, get the blackout shade in, furniture and poster frames.

And now a bunch of other shots:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSC00570.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSC00549.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSC00560.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSC00564.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSC00571.jpg

Absolutely fantastic.

If you're not the envy of the neighborhood, you soon will be.

Thanks for the feedback.

Funny thing. Next door there is a kid who on the way home from the theater last week asked his parents "When do you think the Arbor Oak Cinema will open?". I think I'll be a bigger hit with the kids.

I'm planning on making sure I have an appropriate DVD on hand for next years first Snow Day.

Absoultly stunning and having seen the space before these latest updates I can only think how better it is in real life.

Great job - truly one of the best on the forum.

I'm on my 3rd house 1st HT so I got 2 more houses to be able master my skills :D

Mark

I hate you biggie.. :) It just gets better everytime you post...thanks for sharing.

Mark and Randy thanks for the word of encouragement. It keeps me going instead of just turning off the lights and watching another movie. It's hard to believe that I hung my projector 25 months ago and I'm still not done with the Room.

What they say about never Hanging the projector until you are done is so true. The rule should be Never BUY the stupid thing until the room is done.

I don't mean to be over the top with the praise but when this is done it will put most of the stuff I have seen in Audio Video Interiors magazine to shame.

You should submit this to some different AV mags. This is nicer than the work that pros do.

I totally agree! Big's theater is amazing.

At the risk of resurrecting the wrong thread...I don't think I've seen the final product. Big, are you still watching DIY Network? :o

But really, I noticed there isn't a door at the bottom of those stairs. How is the sound isolation on the main floor? Assuming you have a second floor, can you hear anything up there?

At the risk of resurrecting the wrong thread...I don't think I've seen the final product. Big, are you still watching DIY Network? :o

I too have been hoping to see photos of the finished product. I shared this thread with my wife letting her know that in our next house will have a bar like this in the rear of the theater. Her response, "A BAR? Our kitchen isn't even that nice." She'll get over it. :)

\\\\u89i0[

OK,OK, I have some progress worth showing but I'm still not done.

In the past few days I've reached 2 milestones. I put my 4th bulb in my projector and I got the upholstery back for the back bar.

If you remember this is the concept I had in mind:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/backbar.jpg


This is how it turned out with the upholstery. I found a guy who does restaurant booths to do this for me. The front panel is just resting on a couple rolls of paper towels until I screw it into place. I ended up changing the design of the ends to look more like the arms of the Berkline 099s.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSC01186.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSC01191.jpg

Damn! You take your time! But the end result is simply amazing!

Thanks for the fix Big. I sense a "no shoes" rule at the bar coming soon...be a shame to scuff up that work. Awesome!

Thanks for the fix Big. I sense a "no shoes" rule at the bar coming soon...be a shame to scuff up that work. Awesome!

It's a pretty tough vinyl. I think my concern is High heels.

It's a pretty tough vinyl. I think my concern is High heels.

I can only imagine what you look like in high heels...:) Nice work Biggie.

Beautiful!

I'm still looking for that menu.....

Tom

Wow, awesome.

Very, Very nice........

What the... :confused: How did he? :eek: Absolutely magnificient. What a build!

This will be the finest home theater ever created.

Very Very elegant design. This lobby / bar is one of the best that I have seen on this forum! I guess taking your time actually pays off! Keep up the good work.

If people haven't seen it already, you should also take a look at Big's screenwall thread.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=837848

I love that carpet. If I ever get there it is on my shortlist, even though there is only one Masland dealer in my area (god knows what the pricing would be).

absolutely beautiful... thanks for sharing

Outstanding! Getting more amazing all the time :)
-Cam

What a beautiful layout!!
Very nice work Big. You are an inspiration to all. I can just imagine when people come down those stares and see that bar. What a statement, then when they see the rest of the basement. Your gonna have trouble getting people to leave!!
Do you have plans for a meet when all is complete?

Craig

Hey Big have you gotton the counter tops in your snackbar area yet?

Actually have an appointment today at 10 to sign the agreement with the fabricator and pay my 50% down.

You doing Marble or Granite ?

I'm betting stainless steel.....

Blue pearl granite from Norway.

http://luda.co.uk/italy/granite/images/blue_pearl_no_500.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSC01208.jpg

I did give some thought to stainless

Blue pearl granite from Norway.

I really like that. It will go very nicely with your room colors.

Nice granite!

Blue pearl granite from Norway.

This is a great stone. We have some in the kid's bathroom, it looks really nice installed. I'm sure you'll like it,

-Ryan

That is going to look so much better than stainless would. 100% class all the way. Of course, the thing is going to cost more than my whole house, but totally worth it.

Wow Big, your results never fails to disappoint. Any chance of having an open house-theater? You've been teasing us NoVA members for 32 months. :p

Wow Big, your results never fails to disappoint. Any chance of having an open house-theater? You've been teasing us NoVA members for 32 months. :p

Yes, but you need to realize that my basement building permit was issued Feb 2002. Some things just take time.

My projector is on it's 4th bulb already. Of course I'm only getting 500 hours per bulb. Thank you Optoma.

You did it. I now have eternal envy. You have done an absolutely fantastic job. Great taste, very clean -- perfect!!!

Big,

Any new shots for your fans? Been awhile something must be happening down there ;)

Cheers
Calvin

I like that Big is the only member I can think of who had some one else start his build thread.

I like that Big is the only member I can think of who had some one else start his build thread.

Now If I could just get someone to finish the basement project. I do have a receipt (evidence) that the granite is in the works.

Now If I could just get someone to finish the basement project.

An unknown law of AVS: Number of posts per day is inversely proportional to number of nails per day:).

My kitchen island is about the same size as your bar island and let me tell you, that was one HEAVY piece of granite. I helped the installer guys carry it in. Will look great though, and as an added bonus will hold you house down in the rare case of a tornado ;).

DH, As for the granite, only a few slabs in the region were big enough to do my bar tops without a seam. I had to drive to Baltimore to view at the stone importer. Heavy yes! Tornado? thats why I installed seat belts on my sand filled stage. You really want to talk about tornado you need to read Cam's thread.

Gonzo, it's a race 5000 posts or finish this room. Place your bets.

5000??? Did you forget a zero? I will take the over on that one! Easy money:D

I know, I know, you can't rush perfection. That is what I keep telling my wife.

You really want to talk about tornado you need to read Cam's thread.
Sorry to dissapoint guys... but even that heavy granite won't keep the house down... Just ask the car that was parked on my FRONT driveway and ended up in the BACK yard! :eek:

thats why I installed seat belts on my sand filled stage.
Good idea... It's better to be buckled in for the ride! :D

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w165/videocam/myhouse.jpg

-Cam

Big,

Where did you get your fabrics (on the walls)? Was local to NoVA?

Big,

Where did you get your fabrics (on the walls)? Was local to NoVA?

Ordered free samples from the GOM web site. Ordered fabric from FabricMate.com. Ordered twice, both times arrived in less than 5 days.

Gorgeous, classy, it's all been said before.. Thank you for setting the bar impossibly high..
;)

Biggy:

I thought that building permits in Loudon and Fairfax Counties were good for a short period of time...one or two years?

You take your time but man, I'm in awe of your work!

I'd love to see it sometime!

CJ
(Only 30-40 miles west)

I thought that building permits in Loudon and Fairfax Counties were good for a short period of time...one or two years?



That could be true, I haven't decided if I will ever call them for the final. At this rate I may never finish. I haven't even started to work on the tile and other finishes for the bathroom, steam/shower and sauna a.k.a. the mini spa.

Not being done hasn't stopped them from taxing me. I got a call a while back and they asked how far along I was. I thought it was the inspection office and said 80%, turned out it was the tax office and the correct response was less than 50%. One of those days when I got the call out of the blue and wasn't thinking.

My understanding in Loudoun is that the FIRST inspection needs to be within a year. They just want to know that the permit has not been abandoned. After that, it can take forever. I've heard of some guys "forgetting" to get their final so the tax man never catches up.

Tom

I'm finished with the HVAC work that had to be adjusted and ready or final but have decided not to get a final in case they increas taxes etc. My thought is I can get final when I eventually sell.

Cheers,
Mark

Blue pearl granite from Norway.
Blue pearl granite is great. Had it installed in our kitchen, the blues look amazing under the right light!!

BigMouth:

I love the progress... its a neat feeling when the finished product looks similar to your original drawings, isn't it? I like the blue pearl granite... your picture doesn't do it justice!

Perhaps I should adopt your slogan for my theater, as mine is moving at a rate that is about as exciting as watching paint dry also - which I have done!

I can't wait to see you completed project!

Thanks everyone for your positive feedback.

No significant progress so I thought I'd catch you up on some pics that haven't made it to this thread. Included are a number of concept sketches of I how plan to finish certain details:

The back bar Sketch I took to the commercial upholsterer:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/Theater%20Pics/DSC00469.jpg

The bar behind the seating concept: IF ANYONE HAS SUGGESTIONS FOR OTHER STOOLS PLEASE GIVE ME A LINK!
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/Theater%20Pics/DSC00464.jpg

Location of poster case #1 and plans for a black out shade (complete)

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/Theater%20Pics/DSC00461.jpg

plans for poster case #2

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/Theater%20Pics/DSC00460.jpg

The sconces in the stairway:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/Theater%20Pics/DSC00442.jpg

Where I put the rear surrounds:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/Theater%20Pics/DSC00423.jpg

How I (actually the Wife suggested) solved the problem of a boring gray ceiling each square is 12 pieces of trim combined.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/Theater%20Pics/DSC00413.jpg

Here is the curved piece of plywood that I had to make for the upholsterer. Three layers of 1/4 birch pine glued together. I used the actual bar as the form gluing each layer and holding in place with screws. This is actually the second I made. The first was two layers of 3/8 but it didn't hold the curve. Three layers worked like a charm.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSC00946.jpg

Before and after of building a base for my popcorn machine to give it more of a visual presence in the room. Still need to swap out the back light for a dimmer/bluer version. I think I can just put a Gel tube on the bulb.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSC00610.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSC00601.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSC00615.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSC00619.jpg

warning progress is slow, kind of like watching a pot roast in a crock pot.


- but mmmm tasty when it's finished



LOVE the design on the poster case, that filigree at the top is perfect!

Jeff,

May I ask a source for your columns? I am assuming they are fiberglass? Will you be filling them with something? If you cut them yourself, can you please explain how you did it?

Thanks Happy Holidays!

This just keeps looking more classy by the minute!
Keep it up.
-Cam

Jeff,

May I ask a source for your columns? I am assuming they are fiberglass? Will you be filling them with something? If you cut them yourself, can you please explain how you did it?

Thanks Happy Holidays!

Actually I just bought the PVC pipe column kit.

http://webzoom.freewebs.com/bobscolumns/Home/Kit02.jpg

http://www.classiccolumn.com/

I ordered it from Outwater plastic then bought a large PVC pipe and cut the pieces.

I'm not certain if I am going to keep those columns or make something square. Still up in the air. Also haven't finalized what Color I'm going to do. I could cover the tubes with metal laminate.

Probably would make sense to stuff with insulation just in case.

This theater is really astonishing and the attention to detail is truely inspiring. Thanks so much for sharing this amazing build.

You sure have raised the bar (no pun intended, well maybe a little) for the rest of us. Back to the drawing board...;)

Where I put the rear surrounds:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/Theater%20Pics/DSC00423.jpg



bigs

are the speakers above your head the surrounds in a 5.1 system or the rears speakers in a 7.1 setup. I'm struggling on where to put the rear wall speakers in my area in a 7.1 setup and I could put the rears above my head in the soffit or build some boxes at an angle out of the drop ceiling behind the seating area.

Just curious on how you like your placement

These are pretty cool. Check out there site there are a ton on there. I wish I needed some stools this site has some Awesome prices http://www.morebarstools.com/Linon-Salina-30-Inch-Gunmetal-Silver-Swivel-Barstool-02612MTL-01-KD-U.htm

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa192/W00lly/56005-l.jpg

bigs

Just curious on how you like your placement

7:1, My sides are at the midpoint of my two main rows. In side wall columns.

The ceilings are for the rears since I have no rear wall.
Overall I'm not really proud of the surround sound of my room. It tends to get a little lost.

There are several contributing factors, No rear wall, My sides are not bi/di-directional, My chairs are two high, the room is not symmetrical, and I have a cheap receiver.

But I still enjoy a good movie. I've been to a Dennis E designed theater (CurtisG) with Lexicon processing and Triad $$$ speakers and I was blown away.

Scott I'm putting that stool on the short list. Thanks.

I may have missed it somewhere, but what are the GOM colors on the wall? Simple awesome theater BTW!

Here is the curved piece of plywood that I had to make for the upholsterer. Three layers of 1/4 birch pine glued together. I used the actual bar as the form gluing each layer and holding in place with screws. This is actually the second I made. The first was two layers of 3/8 but it didn't hold the curve. Three layers worked like a charm.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSC00946.jpg

What a quite cool technique!!! ;) So how does the curve stay that way?

I may have missed it somewhere, but what are the GOM colors on the wall? Simple awesome theater BTW!

Thanks for the feedback.

Crystal Blue top
Baltic Blue bottom
Black GOM around screen
Ceiling and trim was Drizzling Mist from Lowe's
I mixed some of my own colors for the Marquee and cabinet sides

What a quite cool technique!!! ;) So how does the curve stay that way?

Each layer puts tension/compression on the adjacent layer and with the 3 layers it will hold the curve. My first attempt with two layers was a disaster.

I used the actual bar front as the form and fit the layers to it with clamps and screws. After it dried and I removed everything it held the curve. It sat at the Upholsterer's shop for a couple of months and when I got it back it still fit the front of the bar perfectly.

As for the glue I used well over a gallon of the Titebound II and put it on with a foam roller.

http://www.titebond.com/images/Products/Titebond2TB.gif

Cool! Thanks for the instructions. :) I also used TiteBond II for building the manifold for the sub. They are very strong.

BIGmouth...I must say that I am very impressed with your theater. Even with all the great theaters on this forum, yours stands out. As I work diligently on my theater, I return nightly to this forum and especially this thread for instration. I wish I had your drawing skills!

I wish I had your drawing skills!

Thanks for the feedback. As for the drawing skills I wish I really could draw. I'm just a hack. I also don't have the patience to do a CAD. I'd rather just grab a napkin.

Hey Big!

I jsut noticed your new sig line....

"warning progress is slow, kind of like watching a pot roast in a crock pot. "

We just had something in the crockpot last week and it only took 12 hours. I'm now heading into the THIRD year! Apparently watching a pot roast in the crock pot is MUCH faster than watching me finish MY basement.

Tom

... I've been to a Dennis E designed theater (CurtisG) with Lexicon processing and Triad $$$ speakers and I was blown away.

Hey Big! Been a long time.
Your HT sure looks great. Can't wait to see it again.

The one thing I learned from Dennis while building my dedicated HT is that the room layout and acoustics are so critical to how the room sounds.

I had much of the same gear before the room was built, but the difference in the sound after the room was completed was night and day!

--curtis

Hey Big!
I'm now heading into the THIRD year!
Tom


I think what you need is a drywall party. We can round up all the NoVA guys and see what we can get done on a Saturday or Sunday. I can't think of a better crew for understanding the concept of not hitting a joist.

You can call it a "screw for beer" bash.

Hey Big! Been a long time.
Your HT sure looks great. Can't wait to see it again.
--curtis

Welcome back. I need to point out to everyone who likes my theater that without Curtis I would have plain painted walls.

I was really hesitant to put up some linacoustic and GOM. I begged Curtis to let me help help him one day and he taught me how to work with the furring strips and GOM.

What was really surprising was that when I pulled up to his house he had the identical floor plan from the same builder. If I would have have know much earlier (like 2 years) I might have copied his Plan. I put my office where he has a theater and my theater is where he has a pool table.

Wow, great work. Getting some good ideas from this.

Thanks Soup.

Some progress today. Granite counter tops, sink, faucet and GE reveal bulbs to make the bar top look bluer.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSC01335.jpg

" " <~~~~~Insert Drool Here.

Big,

It looks fantastic :D it really does !
Excellent work.

Cheers
Calvin

Wow....that looks great....matches the room perfectly

Absolutely stunning work! I love the upholstery and color combo!

Hey Big what is the total depth of the island/bar and over hang. I am in process of finishing my lower level bar area
thanks Jeff

edit: by the way nice edge on the bar granite!

Hey Big what is the total depth of the island/bar and over hang.
edit: by the way nice edge on the bar granite!

Thanks, The top is 129 1/4 long 32 wide at the middle, 22 3/4 at the ends. The lower section is 18 wide. The overhang on the front is 10-11 inches.

The edge is Ogee. selecting an edge was a real process. We also considered half bull-nose, Dupont, and others. In the end we selected the Ogee because if looked good on a sweeping curve and gives the impression of a little more thickness.

Granite part deux.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSC01350.jpg

Looks like the pot roast's getting there... and it smells good :p

Looks sick! Are those GE reveal bulbs halogens?

Looks sick! Are those GE reveal bulbs halogens?

No. http://www.gelighting.com/na/home_lighting/products/reveal_main.htm

If you have a room with a shades of blue/gray and you use yellowish lights things start to look like mud. I used the reveal bulbs in my sconces. It makes the wall look bluer rather than brownish mud.

If you look at the picture of the back bar the wall behind the sink is painted the same gray as the side wall. I put a GE Reveal bulb in the light in the corner and you can see the difference in how the color of the wall photographs.

Man I'm glad my wife doesn't surf this forum. :D Big, that is simply amazing.

That is stunning, the wait has certainly been worth it...

Amazing. Excellent work and a great thread.

When are you going to have a meetup so we can see it in person?

:D

CJ

Amazing. Excellent work and a great thread.

When are you going to have a meetup so we can see it in person?
:D
CJ

HA! need to do back-splash and columns, finish middle bar base painting and trim (some rework), tile bathroom and install fixtures,

Order stools, order back-lit poster frames.

I'll be turning the crock pot up to high.

Looks great Big. I was wondering what was still on the to-do list.

No need for a meet before the spring. Let me move to PA first so I can make an easy drive down. ;)

Everything about your theater is beautiful.

Big

What bar stools did you pick?

Stunning and perfect!

Absolutely gorgeous.

Big
What bar stools did you pick?

I have a few finalists printed out and sitting on my desk.
Next challenge is to get the the WAF.

:D I'm lucky that the wife and I pretty much have the same tastes so we have no trouble agreeing on anything.

Jeff, looks great!

In this picture:
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSC01335.jpg

Is there a specific reason you didn't extend the carpet around the back of the bar? Two reasons I ask. One is spills cleanup easier on hardwood and two, sliding chairs around are easier on wood as well.

Bud

We wanted a hard surface for easy cleanup. Refrigerator, sink, micro-wave, oven and work surface areas are going to be prone to most spills. If this was the only bar maybe it would be make a lot of sense to bring the wood around front. (you call it the back?) But, we have the other bar in back of the seating where I would think more spills will happen in dark. We also looked at tiles in all different colors as well as different colored woods but ended up with what is the only brown surface in the room except for the cupholders on the Berkines, but it works for us.

Anyway we thought about different places to break the carpet and this just worked for us.

are we talking about the same thing? I'm talking about wood around the area where the stools go (where the footrail is), not the counters?

Bud

Right, we made a decision not to do that area.

Bump for the coolest construction thread here!

Hey bigsy... do you get to change your sig yet and say you're done? Place looks finished and purdy enough to go in electronic house and put their theaters to shame. I saw your post about everything that needs to be done but it all sure looks done to me.

Still lot's to do, but have been working on the 1/2 bath upstairs, and other things. With the stock market in the pits I have a hard time making a decision to part with my money.

My latest accomplishment was getting my Directv upgraded to the mpeg4 system. That was a story. Took 3 visits before I got some one willing to climb up on my roof (it's very high).

First guy was scared to go on the roof because of some ice (I wouldn't either)
Second guy took one look and said there was no way it was going to work where my existing 3 LNB dish was mounted because of the trees.
Third guy said he would climb up with the dish and his signal finder and give it a try. Four hours later I was in HD Heaven.

Anyone in the area should request Luis Gonzalez, tech #9410 for their install/upgrade.

i hope you tipped him well :).

finding a good D* installer is a tough thing to do. plus, they dont pay them squat.

later.

swweet.

i hope you tipped him well :).


He left with a smile on his face.

Sorry to dissapoint guys... but even that heavy granite won't keep the house down... Just ask the car that was parked on my FRONT driveway and ended up in the BACK yard! :eek:


Good idea... It's better to be buckled in for the ride! :D

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w165/videocam/myhouse.jpg

-Cam

Bugger me mate what where you watching Twister at 180dbc! :D

I think the pictures speak for themselves, very nice in this thread very nice indeed.

Still lot's to do, but have been working on the 1/2 bath upstairs, and other things. With the stock market in the pits I have a hard time making a decision to part with my money.

My latest accomplishment was getting my Directv upgraded to the mpeg4 system. That was a story. Took 3 visits before I got some one willing to climb up on my roof (it's very high).

First guy was scared to go on the roof because of some ice (I wouldn't either)
Second guy took one look and said there was no way it was going to work where my existing 3 LNB dish was mounted because of the trees.
Third guy said he would climb up with the dish and his signal finder and give it a try. Four hours later I was in HD Heaven.

Anyone in the area should request Luis Gonzalez, tech #9410 for their install/upgrade.

BIG

I had a similar thing happen to me but it only took 2 trips instead of three to get my dish upgraded. The first guy said "No way I'm getting up there"

Couldn't believe it.

Anyway I got mine upgraded a few months and ago and it is awesome

fish

Still lot's to do, but have been working on the 1/2 bath upstairs, and other things. With the stock market in the pits I have a hard time making a decision to part with my money.

My latest accomplishment was getting my Directv upgraded to the mpeg4 system. That was a story. Took 3 visits before I got some one willing to climb up on my roof (it's very high).

First guy was scared to go on the roof because of some ice (I wouldn't either)
Second guy took one look and said there was no way it was going to work where my existing 3 LNB dish was mounted because of the trees.
Third guy said he would climb up with the dish and his signal finder and give it a try. Four hours later I was in HD Heaven.

Anyone in the area should request Luis Gonzalez, tech #9410 for their install/upgrade.
Mine showing us a picture of the house on the outside. I curious how high up this dish is outside.

crap, that is a lot of snow!!

and a big house. :)

later.

I love your house.

A beautiful house to match a beautiful theater!

Where in NoVa are you? I'm in Arlington, and we certainly haven't seen that much snow this year. I'm guessing somewhere out in the Loudon direction?

All you need is a stripper pole in there and you'll be BIGpimpinDC.

Looks awesome mang..enjoy it.

Where in NoVa are you? I'm in Arlington, and we certainly haven't seen that much snow this year. I'm guessing somewhere out in the Loudon direction?

That is just a PIC I had on my HD of the last storm a couple years back. This year was pretty tame.

A beautiful house to match a beautiful theater!

ditto!

Thanks all, the house is actually my 5th. I started with $2000 down on a duplex, living in one side when we were first married in 1975, then just kept trading up.

Thanks all, the house is actually my 5th. I started with $2000 down on a duplex, living in one side when we were first married in 1975, then just kept trading up.

At 24 I'm about to do the same next year, I can only hope to get as high as you have.

Btw, I love the amount of detail and time you're putting into your project. It is really looking magnificent.

Jeff,

Do you have a Cement Pond too??? :D:D

Jeff,

Do you have a Cement Pond too??? :D:D

Funny you should say that. In back of my house there is a storm water retention pond required for county drainage requirements. In essence it's a dry pond. When we get a heavy rainfall the drainage water for my half of the street goes through this pond. It has a 10 inch round metering hole and if it all can't make it through it starts backing up into the pond.

We refer to it as a the cement pond because the metering device is cement.

He gives away his secret. No divorces since 1975 to cut into his real estate or theater budget.

He gives away his secret. No divorces since 1975 to cut into his real estate or theater budget.

no kids either!!!

DINKS! Dual income no kids! :)

We are on the same path just moved into our dream house (4th) house but have 4 kids!

I want Jeff to adopt me :D

I want Jeff to adopt me :D

I'll be your kid for BEER... :) No college, no cars, insurance...

I'll be your kid for BEER... :)

Ha! I'd rather pay college tuition than my bar tab any day!

Bud

Got a PM with some good questions so I thought I would post them here and attempt to answer:

1. What are the dimensions of your screen wall?

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSC01006.jpg

The left and right door "columns" are 30 inches wide. The blacked out area is 12' 6". To the right of the right column is a 39 inch hallway that goes back to my office. Along that hallway is an 18 inch door that provides access to the back of the equipment stack.

2. What is the approximate angle of the wall to the left and right of the screen...where you have your L and R speakers?

I just measured and it is 162 degrees. I eyeballed it and just did something that I thought would look good. The speakers are not set at the angle and are pretty much straight.

I plan to go to a 2:35 screen in the future and will be rebuilding those black panels. The angle will change I'm sure as I'll be adding 20-24 inches of screen width.

3. How did you cover the wall? What material? How are you attaching it to the framing?

The columns have 1 inch thick furring strips, linacoustic and then GOM fabric stapled to the surface.

Some Pics of the column construction:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSCN2536.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSCN2534.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSCN2568.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSCN2576.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSCN2581.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSCN2959.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSCN3394.jpg

4. What is your ceiling height in your room?

8 1/2 ft. and 9. The height at the screen wall is 8 1/2.

5. How did you hinge the door of your equipment rack...where did you get them?

I used a series of 8 1inch by 3inch HomeDepot hinges.

6. How did you deal with the trim on the hinge side of the door?

I cheated:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSC00905.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSC00910.jpg

That thin strip is just a piece of laminate that I painted to match and I think I duct taped into place.

However on the left column I actually made a C shape piece of the chair rail and it's held in place as a unit with Velcro. I rarely open that column and use it to store crap (original shipping boxes for gear). If I had to do over I would stick a bass trap there and make the door acoustically transparent.

7. How are you dealing with air exchange and heat in that rack?

I have an in-line Fantech Bathroom exhaust fan controlled by an attic fan line voltage thermostat. It vents outside which is not as energy efficient as venting it somewhere else in the house where a little heat doesn't matter.

When it's just me and the misses I leave the door open and I don't think the fan ever kicks in.

8. Do you have a pics of the wall construction progress you could share?

some here:http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=837848

Check the ones I posted, let me know what you don't see. I didn't document the regular wall process because there are so many other threads that did a good job. See ChinaDog's

9. At what height did you install the trim in your room...what is that called a chair rail, maybe?

Mine is at 42 inches but it is all aesthetics, do what you think looks good for your room.

Great documentation Biggie! How do you control you equipment? IR repeater or RF?

I suspect you took a while trying to figure out how to make the hinge molding work/look good:). That is something I definitely would of built, un-built, built, un-built....

Great documentation Biggie! How do you control you equipment? IR repeater or RF?


That's a work in progress.

I have the DirecTV HR21 DVR. That unit is switchable from IR to RF. Since I also send content to my office next door I can use that remote in the RF setting in either room.

Before I got the HR21 I picked up a Harmony 890 (RF) on sale and expect to get that thing programmed soon.

bump for the coolest ht thread on da forum!

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSC00549.jpg


Jeff:

Can you share some details about how you did the lights under the marquis? I'm looking to steal, I mean borrow this for my theater, and would like to know how you did this.

Thank you for the help.

CJ

Jeff:

Can you share some details about how you did the lights under the marquis? I'm looking to steal, I mean borrow this for my theater, and would like to know how you did this.

Thank you for the help.

CJ

I actually had a thread on that some time ago:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=699452&highlight=marquee+lighting

One key factor is WATTAGE. I think these are 11 watt bulbs, when you use 50+ it adds up! I tried LED bulbs but they were PRICEY and I hated the color.

I copied someone else but that post is lost in the archieves. Here is another version that added some shiny plexiglass and it looks sharp!

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12639140#post12639140


Also an "update". My last delivery of bar stools is scheduled for Thursday, I'm working on putting lights under the bar counter. Update photos SOON.......... OK, this month.

Thanks, Jeff. I hadn't seen that thread, but I'll look at the details.

First blush, are the panel bottoms flat black or satin?

I was thinking about heat and not too much about wattage, but that makes sense. My area will be about 3 square feet, but I'll work the details on both.

Thank you very much for the help.

CJ

Also an "update". My last delivery of bar stools is scheduled for Thursday,

Did I miss the "which bar stool did you order" post? :)

Getting close! What's on the menu again?

Tom

Getting close! What's on the menu again?

Tom

I hope grilled Loganator with a side of crow stew.

:D

CJ

Here are the bar stool selections:

4 of these in front of the back bar:


http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/yhst-5464491711711_1996_3657332

6 of these commercial stools (MTS seating) for third row seating and pub table.

http://www.mtsseating.com/images/catalog/details/933-30.jpg


Theater to do list:

1) tile back splashes in the bar area, paint and install columns.
2) select a couple of posters and light boxes, order and install
3) A little touch up/modification of molding work on third row bar
4) a little decoration in the stairwell
5) program remote
6) get pub table
7) find recipe for Tom's crow

Are you absolutley, 100% sure that the material on those bar stools actually, in REAL REALITY (as opposed to Dimsension X reality) exisits?

Just asking.

Big,

Just read through your thread...very impressive. Just absolutely beautiful and classy! I have chosen a blue color scheme before seeing your thread and looking at your colors I am just that more sure I am going with the blues and grays. Great work!

Regards,

RTROSE

Thanks, RTROSE.

Loganator: the stools are in, They have the right fabric!!!! The tortoise takes on step forward.

Just another couple of chairs to sit back, relax and not get any theater finishing done in.

Excellent! A step forward beats just standing there everytime!

Keep it going...you've got some momentum...use it!

OK, mark another milestone on my chart Mr. Logan.

I was thinking that when the lights were low that all the effort that went into the bar upholstery got lost in shadows. So after a couple of experiments I ended up putting a string of blue LEDs under the counter top.

Here they are on full, they look kind of bright in the PIC but aren't all that in person. I've also got them on a dimmer so I can dial them in to be just right.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSC01523.jpg

OK, mark another milestone on my chart Mr. Logan.

I was thinking that when the lights were low that all the effort that went into the bar upholstery got lost in shadows. So after a couple of experiments I ended up putting a string of blue LEDs under the counter top.

Here they are on full, they look kind of bright in the PIC but aren't all that in person. I've also got them on a dimmer so I can dial them in to be just right.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSC01523.jpg

I really dig the "Blue Lights in the Basement" !!!!

DANG! Now there's something ELSE I need to copy (I mean, PUT) in my bar.

THAT is about the coolest thing I've seen in a theater. Excellent work!

Chalk one up for Big.

Tom

That is a freaking cool effect with the tufting and all. I really think the blue lights help set the front off nicely.

John

Damn Big! Very very nice.... Congrats !! And maybe a couple of these for the beer? heheheh

http://www.graphicice.com/index.php/action/prodspec/itemID/562601479

DANG! Now there's something ELSE I need to copy (I mean, PUT) in my bar.

THAT is about the coolest thing I've seen in a theater. Excellent work!

Chalk one up for Big.

Tom

I second the using of this Idea! i was going to do the glass block framed front but this looks much easier and pretty freaking cool looking!

i was going to do the glass block framed front but this looks much easier and pretty freaking cool looking!

The tufting is NOT a DIY item. I even rented an Upholstery DVD and after watching it, called a commercial upholsterer.

Putting on foam, stretching vinyl and popping in some buttons is a piece of cake. Getting all those accent folds is an art. If you don't do it right it looks like this. Notice that there are no fold lines connecting the buttons. Not a bad looking door but not as good as it could be.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/Boman20Theater20044.jpg

This is what tufting with folds looks like and my concept sketch that I took to the upholsterer.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/barconcept.jpg

Simply stunning...

The tufting is NOT a DIY item. I even rented an Upholstery DVD and after watching it, called a commercial upholsterer.

Putting on foam, stretching vinyl and popping in some buttons is a piece of cake. Getting all those accent folds is an art. If you don't do it right it looks like this. Notice that there are no fold lines connecting the buttons. Not a bad looking door but not as good as it could be.

This is what tufting with folds looks like and my concept sketch that I took to the upholsterer.


I hear ya loud and clear. As for the Door I agree really nice idea and not bad looking but can see where a pro would have put it over the top.

How did you find craftsman to do this? last thing you would want is to pay and have it turn out not perfect. Although I am in the 3rd largest town in Ia I bet I will have trouble finding someone, at least this is my guess.

Coming together looking great!

Jeff

I did some looking in the yellow pages. I found this place that said they were a commercial upholsterer. I described what I wanted on the phone and they said "No Problem"

I went to their shop with my Pre-made forms and pics of what I wanted. Looked through their sample books to pick the right vinyl.

The owner worked up a quote and I was actually a little surprised at how reasonable it was.

As I talked to the owner it was apparent that their Bread and Butter business is restaurants. They had the master templates for a lot of the local restaurants and actually had pre-made replacement seat covers for many of the booths ready to install.

So you may want to talk to the manager of your local diner for a referral.

Another money shot from an angle you never want to see during a party. As in flat on your back under the bar.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSC01535.jpg

Before any one asks first I silicon glued a 1/4 round molding 1 inch back from the front edge of the granite to hide the led rope from view. Then glued up plastic channel behind it made for rope light.

I made some 1x2 supports that I wedged between the floor and counter top holding the molding and then the channel in place as the silicon dried. In the end of the 1x2 I used a coping saw to cut out the profile of the molding so it fit tight.

Another money shot from an angle you never want to see during a party. As in flat on your back under the bar.



Now that is funny!

It's like the Verizon commercial, Wowwww.

I like your "LED" blue much better than my incandescent blue; great application! You mentioned you have a dimmer; what are you using and how do you like it?

Great looking project, it should be put in the Home Theater and Electronic House magazines. Must be good to have money in this horrible economy. At least someone is having fun. Yes, I'm hating on you.

Bshaw, sorry missed your question. I just used an old rotary dial dimmer I had laying around.

Neverfaithful, Thanks for the feedback. The Money came well before the current economy. In fact the money I spent in this theater came from the Clinton Era.

The tufting is NOT a DIY item. I even rented an Upholstery DVD and after watching it, called a commercial upholsterer.

Putting on foam, stretching vinyl and popping in some buttons is a piece of cake. Getting all those accent folds is an art. If you don't do it right it looks like this. Notice that there are no fold lines connecting the buttons. Not a bad looking door but not as good as it could be.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/Boman20Theater20044.jpg

This is what tufting with folds looks like and my concept sketch that I took to the upholsterer.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/barconcept.jpg

Man I miss the sixties......A real beauty, Jeff.

Ok Big - been over a month now got any more pics?

I'm at the beach. But "I shall return".

Amazing theater I must say!

Big how tall is your bar/table behind your last row of seats? I would think it would be taller so people could see over the heads of people in front of them but yours appears to be about the same height as the seats. Now for the riser/bar did you design this from scratch or did you use some sort of plans to go by?

Vili: thanks

Chuck: The bar top is 43 inches high, my riser is 7 inches. I have the Berkline 099s so your head actually sits not much higher than the back of the chair.


Screen is mounted a little higher than normally recommended.

My screen is currently 100 inch diagonal and it should have been bigger. When I upgrade to a 1080P projector it will be.

Anyway here is a Pic I just snapped sitting at the back bar, elbows resting on the bar top, camera held at eye level.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/june2008001.jpg

Is that a Remote I see - did you manage to change the batteries and start programming :)

That is the remote to the Oppo 983.

I always have an excuse for why I haven't programmed the remote yet and todays excuse is I have a new HDMI switch coming tomorrow from MonoP and Once it's in place and functioning I going to tackle the programming.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

The challenge:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/june2008003.jpg

The challenger:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/june2008004.jpg

The challenged:

http://www.kongtechnology.com/images/geek-monkey.jpg

Big - Does that new Harmony have any back lighting on the buttons so you can see it in the dark? Just curious as it will eliminate the need for the flashlight. If not, take it back and I can get you a Universal Remote with motion activated back lighting.

Jason

I bet it does. I have the 550 and it's got smart motion sensitive back lighting.

That is the remote to the Oppo 983.

I always have an excuse for why I haven't programmed the remote yet and todays excuse is I have a new HDMI switch coming tomorrow from MonoP and Once it's in place and functioning I going to tackle the programming.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

The challenge:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/june2008003.jpg

The challenger:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/june2008004.jpg

The challenged:

http://www.kongtechnology.com/images/geek-monkey.jpg

lol... That the exact same problem I have. My wife is always asking why the "expensive" remote is sitting around not being used, while i have an entire chair arm in the theater filled with the others.

Update:

UPS tracker says "adverse weather conditions" from a location near Chicago with no projected delivery date.

That remote does light up when its tilted or touched, I have the same one. And big you crack me up with your pictures and commentary. I love it....

Update:

UPS tracker says "adverse weather conditions" from a location near Chicago with no projected delivery date.

I have same issue on a package thats going via IL :(

I love my URC MX-980 :D

Big,

Sorry if this has been discussed already, but what is the width of the interior of your AV closet? and does your rack roll out to access the back of the equipment?
Old

Oops, nevermind, I read through the entire post and saw 30" wide. thanks :)

The inside dimension of the shelves is 18 inches. I have a side/rear access door to the rats nest.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/june2008009.jpg

love the side door, must make easy to wire things up.

have you run across any quipment that is wider than 18"?

have you run across any quipment that is wider than 18"?

no

BIG your killing me. If you wanna pm me your devices, model numbers and logitech sign in. I'll do it for ya;).

those are some big napkins you got there. must be for your big mouth.

After seeing Curtis's basement/theater last month its a lot of fun seeing the pics of yours since its a different layout in the same floorplan.

After seeing Curtis's basement/theater last month its a lot of fun seeing the pics of yours since its a different layout in the same floorplan.

Jeff:

Did you ever post a plan?

CJ

BIG your killing me. If you wanna pm me your devices, model numbers and logitech sign in. I'll do it for ya;).

If I fail I think I will take you up on the offer.

Jeff:

Did you ever post a plan?

CJ


You assume I had a plan.

Actually I have the basic floor plan around here somewhere that I used for the permit. At the time I was planning a pioneer 910 RP tv built into the wall, some game tables and a bar. Also a home office as my company at the time had closed it's physical regional offices.

Then I discovered AVS and things went down hill quickly. My productivity went to hell, I lost all interest in work and retired. And suddenly anything I built or bought was never good enough once someone pointed out the flaws on the forum. I discovered a new disease Upgraditis for which there is no known cure.

I Really like how Curtis did his plan and If I had seen that layout and If my house had the sun-room option I would have put my office under the sun-room space and did exactly what he did.

You assume I had a plan.

At least post the evil plan.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSCN2959.jpg




WOW!!!!

Very slick...

giving me some great ideas here, thanx...

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/june2008001.jpg

I just love this room, very classic, not to much or to little, just perfect.

this is exactly what im looking for to do in my room...

Great job!

Thanks for the feed back.

Just to give some credit for my inspiration to Kirk's Uptown Paradiso. It was DE design.

good details here:

http://home.comcast.net/~kirkk/uptownparadiso.html

http://home.comcast.net/~kirkk/2004-03-31/rearrow.jpg

We actually picked the wall colors based on how his pics looked on my monitor. When I found out the actual colors they weren't even close to what we wanted. So in essence my color scheme is due to the fact that Kirk's camera/lighting/mymonitor didn't render accurate colors for his final Pics.

sweet will check it out...

i just show my wife ur room and she want the same one now...lol

We actually picked the wall colors based on how his pics looked on my monitor. When I found out the actual colors they weren't even close to what we wanted. So in essence my color scheme is due to the fact that Kirk's camera/lighting/mymonitor didn't render accurate colors for his final Pics.

That's funny right there...I don't care who you are!

CJ

Here is a Pic he took with a flash and the colors are actually closer to real. A lot more green then we wanted.

http://home.comcast.net/~kirkk/2004_02_15/fabricgoingup.jpg

Did you do GOM on the walls? If so, what colors?

If not, what did you use?

CJ