Oscar-Worthy Home Theaters

We wanted this theater to mirror the inside of a yacht, says David Scott, principal of David Scott Interiors in New York City and a Zillow Digs Board of Designers. "High- gloss teak on the ceiling beams and around the 110" movie screen, white patent leather wall panels, and sconces that mimic portholes add to the look." The reclining chairs can be easily moved around the room, while the end tables—finished in a metallic glossy glaze—provide the perfect spot for popcorn and drinks. "Ultra suede on the ceiling and an Edward Fields wall-to-wall carpet help with the room's acoustics," adds Scott.

The homeowner wanted to combine a home theater with a bar and microbrewery, says Norm Lecuyer, president of Just Basements in Ottawa, Canada. "So we divided the space into three sections — a theater with a 110" screen and seating for six, a lounge area with a four leather Barcelona chairs and a bio-fueled fireplace, and a bar with three kettles and wine storage." The chalkboard over the draft tower features the beers on tap.

The theater's soothing blue-and-white color scheme works in harmony with the calming views of Lake Michigan, says Peter Gluck, principal at GLUCK+ in New York City. "The scalloped cutout in the ceiling was covered with a sheet of flexible PVC called Barrisol, a stretch material that changes color depending on how it's backlit," notes Gluck. Forbo, a cork-like material that never crumbles, runs along the length of the wall so the owner's kids can post their artwork. Modular leather chairs make it easy to rearrange the seating.

This sunny living room transforms into a dark movie theater thanks to the blackout draperies hidden behind the sheer curtains, says Mark Cravotta, owner of Cravotta Interiors in Austin, Texas. An extra-deep sectional sofa seats six comfortably ("ten if you're friendly," laughs Cravotta), while the steel, brass, and glass pendant — a modern version of a sputnik fixture — and Picasso-inspired wall art pay homage to the room's midcentury design.