Have you ever set up a Home Theater System before? I can’t remember what sent me down this path—wait a minute! Yes, I do! It was the idea of creating a fun place for my grandsons to enjoy when they visit. I’ve had this idea in the back of my mind ever since I purchased this velvety-soft sectional sofa back before Christmas. Sometimes I feel like a cat chasing a laser pointer. I’ll begin work on one project in the Dollhouse, run into a stumbling block, or see something that’s perfect for another project, and BAM, I’m off in a completely different direction. Anyone else do that with projects around the house?
One of the reasons I chose this sectional, besides its reasonable price and family-friendly fabric, was for all its amazing storage. We have for sure taken advantage of that, filling the storage under the seats with board games and plenty of cozy throws. I love how the sections can be positioned in so many different configurations. We’ve been playing around with that over the last few days. (This sectional sofa is available here: Modular Velvet Sectional Sofa.)
So, back to the “Home Theater” aspect of this project—over the past couple of weeks, I’ve gotten super-motivated to add a big ‘ol TV to this room. Buying a TV is a very strange move for this crazy woman since I haven’t had a TV in my home for 10+ years. The last TV I purchased was for my kitchen, and that was around 20 years ago. I gave up on TV when they took away all my favorite HGTV shows. I never watched a lot of TV anyway, but I do enjoy streaming the occasional movie on my computer.
So, I decided if I’m going to create a Home Theater in the basement to enjoy with family, I would love to go with a good-sized TV, one that gives a more immersive experience. That idea led to many hours of watching TV reviews on YouTube, culminating in the scheduled delivery of a TV this Friday. I must admit, I’m pretty excited about the idea of watching movies on a big screen, so much so, I have purchased a few of my absolute favorites on 4K Ultra HD. I should do a post sharing some of the movies I’ve purchased. I’m sure I’ll be streaming most movies, but I love the idea of having a few favorites in physical form. Plus, I’ve heard that the movies look their absolute best when played via a physical 4K DVD. Hope I’m not getting my expectations too high. Ha!
I’ve ordered a few additional pieces for this room, as well. Hopefully, on Monday, I’ll have a fun reveal for you for Metamorphosis Monday. Another item that I purchased recently was something I’ve needed since the day I moved in. Per the various electricians and AT&T professionals who have visited my home over the past year, old houses like mine have unusually thick walls that block Wifi signals. I hadn’t realized just how poor my WiFi signal was on the lower two levels until recently when my grandsons had issues connecting their iPads to my Wifi while playing in the basement.
I fixed this issue yesterday by connecting an Eero mesh WiFi system to my AT&T fiber network. I went with the Eero 6+ system that supports internet plans up to 1 Gigabit. You’ll find the Eero System I chose here: Eero Mesh Wifi System. If your internet plan covers up to 500 Mbps, the Eero 6 should work well. You’ll find it available here: Eero 6 for Plans Up to 500 Mbps. I placed one of the Eero modules in the basement. It’s just resting on a shelf until the console I’ve ordered arrives.
I placed another Eero in the living room. It’s currently on the bookshelves in that room since I don’t have furniture in that room, yet.
The third Eero is hanging out here in the upstairs hallway, supplying fast WiFi to all the bedrooms on that level. The Eero system has completely solved my WiFi issue, the WiFi is great now on all three levels, including the basement.
Switching gears: The wallpaper sample I ordered for the guest/half bath came, and I do like this design a lot. The pattern is not quite as “distinct” as I thought it would be, so I ordered another sample from a different wallpaper company to compare.
Maybe the design is supposed to look this way. It feels more like a painting than a drawing, if you know what I mean. I do love it, though! Once the other sample arrives, I’ll begin the search for a great wallpaper hanger/painter in my area and get the paper ordered. I can’t wait to get this room done!
See you tomorrow for Tablescape Thursday!
As an avid tv watcher I would recommend turning your sectional so that it faces the tv. If you leave the room configuration with sofa against the wall everyone will have a crick in their neck turning their heads for an hour or two. They make some great consoles that have stools which can go behind the sofa and the boys can have their snacks on a “bar”. The console can also hold your lamp and other accessories.
Don’t worry, Janet. The TV you are seeing is the one that is being removed, it was left by the sellers. The new one will go on the wall directly across from the sofa. Thanks for warning me about that, though!
That’s awesome! You’re going to be the best grandma in town! My grandson’s are 14 & 16 and they drive themselves over twice a week for dinner and a show! Aren’t we so lucky to have them!
I always love seeing your projects, Susan. I wish I had the time right now, (and the money), to do some wonderful things to my house. I have so many ideas!
Last December I bought a Smart 4K TV for a downstairs room after the old one finally gave out. It’s a far better viewing experience. Very recently I gave up my cable TV provider, as it just became more and more expensive, and their customer service was terrible. So far I’ve subscribed to Sling TV and Paramount Plus, and I will most likely add one more. It’s very different scrolling through all these apps in order to watch what you want, and takes some getting used to. I will say that my tech skills are sorely lacking, but I was able to master it, with some assistance.
I have the same problem with my wifi as I, too, have an older house.
I am curious to know if you have ever installed peel and stick wallpaper, and if so, is it difficult to remove should you want a change?
I haven’t before, but I’ve read where some folks have issues with it coming back off the wall. I think some papers are probably better at sticking than others. If I purchase this paper, I’ll ask the person who hangs it to prime the walls really well and to use paste so I know it won’t fall off. But I do want the option of being able to remove it without destroying the walls if I one day want something different in that room. I don’t think I’ll tire of this paper, though…it’s just so fun and whimsical.
Love the wallpaper!
ABSOLUTELY L-O-V-E the wallpaper!!!!!
We also have an Eero mesh system for the same reasons you found: 1948 home, thick walls plus two i-beams in the basement. Definitely not conducive to sending signals across the house. It’s been a game changer. We have one unit in the basement where we entertain and one on my desk in my office over the garage. The main unit is on the first floor. It was always such a struggle for me to get good connection working from home – not anymore!
I do like the wall paper, in fact, I follow someone who lives in Lake Geneva, WI that has it in her home. That being said, I am curious as to why people living in the Midwest or “up North” choose paper that totally does not represent where they live. There are no starfish or whales or palm trees in Lake Michigan or Wisconsin…and yet when I go on a house tour I will inevitably see a house that sits next to the Lake or Bay with this type of decor. It would be like choosing wallpaper for my cottage in Florida that had lilacs, Lily of the Valley or white pines and log cabins. Sorry to be such a wet blanket but it is just an opinion.
My next door neighbor has a beautifully decorated home in a coastal style in a house hours from any coast. It brings her great joy. It seems terribly limiting to have such a requirement for decorating. Aside from the lack of imagination, it would be tough to source wallpaper and decorative items that are indeed native to the location. Houses that reflect the owner’s personality and imagination have a special quality. Why not have lilacs and lilies of the valley if they evoke pleasurable memories and put a smile on your face no matter where you live? PS I’ve stayed in a log cabin among pine trees in Florida – there are many native species.
My home in Georgia has a screened porch that I often decorate in a beach motif and it’s 6 hours to nearest beach, but I sure do love it for summer! Decorate with what you love and what brings you joy!
Regarding faux flowers for window boxes, go to Jeffrey Surle Designs in Dunn N.C. Website, they have some gorgeous faux flowers and tips for outside containers and window boxes. You can also find him on Instagram. He is a hoot and a wealth of information. Just a suggestion for you!
Love the wallpaper. You might consider removing the “chair rail “ board in your room. Its placement is a bit odd for starts- cuts your room in odd proportions. Also, this type of pattern is best not interrupted….my opinion
The molding/chair rail appears to be original to the house, so I wouldn’t want to remove it.I like how chunky it is. I may put some type of picture molding below, not sure. I’m not a fan of beadboard, so def won’t be using that below.
The wall paper will bring some fun and delight to your guests~ you have a great imagination!