Hand-Painted Cinema | Best Media Room, Winner

This ‘Hand-Painted Cinema’, crafted by Inspired Dwellings, demonstrates a masterful integration of state-of-the art cinema technology within a décor that echoes a bygone era of opulence and grandeur.

The vision for this unique media room originated from a client with exquisite tastes, who demanded that the renovation of his historic home include a dedicated cinema that adhered to the luxurious design themes prevalent throughout his residence. This space was not merely to be functional but a visual spectacle in itself. To achieve this, every surface was considered a canvas. An artist was specially commissioned to hand-paint the walls, motorised chinoiserie screen, in-wall speaker grills, and the projector screen, ensuring that when not in use, the technology faded seamlessly into the elaborate artwork.

The ceiling of the cinema room is crafted as a scene of the night sky, adorned with constellations of gold stars set against a backdrop of midnight blue, with in-ceiling speakers meticulously painted to blend into this artistic interpretation. This fusion of art and acoustic design creates an immersive environment that captivates both the eyes and ears of its beholders.

Addressing a significant technical challenge, the design team innovated a solution when the original screen location was changed, necessitating a longer projection range in a room with limited ceiling height. Their solution involved mounting the projector vertically, with a mirror positioned at a 45-degree angle above it, cleverly designed to bounce the image across to the screen on the opposite wall. This arrangement was concealed behind another artfully painted panel, maintaining the room's aesthetic continuity.

Technologically, the room is equipped with artificial intelligence for aspect ratio control, using Crestron Home and a Barco Projector. This system detects the type of content displayed and adjusts the image size and masking automatically, whether it's a cinemascope movie or a standard broadcast, ensuring optimal viewing quality. The inclusion of speakers with built-in amplifiers reflects a thoughtful consideration of space, crucial in maintaining the integrity of the property’s historical features.

The ‘Hand-Painted Cinema’ in Belgravia merges the boundaries between the past and the present, creating a space that is both a homage to traditional design and a celebration of contemporary technology. It showcases Inspired Dwellings' commitment to bespoke solutions and meticulous attention to detail, making the cinema not just a room, but a narrative of art and innovation.