Build an entertainment center

       I recently custom built a home entertainment center in my own home. I was looking for a multifunctional unit which I could share with my family and friends. This unit is a focal point in my family room and one which is contemporary in design. If your creative and handy get started on your dream otherwise get someone to help.

      Millions of Americans have had a love affair with their TVs and multimedia for decades and with the new flat screens it has opened up a whole new way to watch, listen and decorate.

  

     Give us a place to sit and a TV and we are in heaven. But for some of us we want more.

 We want the look, the feel and the excitement. For the past several years people have become more creative on their personal entertainment area in their homes. The flat screen TV’s have opened up a whole new line of entertainment furniture and unique ways to enhance your space. Man caves are developing into very complex entertainment areas with very large flat screens and theater like sound, popcorn machines and full bar.

  This past 2011 holiday season, prices for flat screens have never been better, which got me motivated to build this unit. I used 2x4’s and dry wall on this project. I added an electric fireplace for that warm home feeling. Venetian plaster was used to decorate the surround and the mantle. The five square openings at the top have lighting which gives a nice warm glow in the evening.

      Floating shelves are a great place to add your favorite things to display or you can put your stereo system there. There are countless options to choose from to fit the mood you would like to create and your personal style.

     The wall unit is approximately 9.5h x 12.5 ft.w and 2 ft. deep from the mantle. Keeping simple added to its contemporary style. Two colors were used to paint the unit, Benjamin Moore # 1122 flat latex on the shelves and rear walls, #1124 on the center unit also in flat latex. The top moldings were painted with # 1122 flat.

      There are two Venetian plaster colors # 1122 on the fireplace surround and # 1125 on the mantel. The mantel has two colors which I applied one over the other sanded and then burnished. The fireplace is electric and looks so real. Above the mantel is a compartment which holds all my CD’s, cable box and all the wires from the Flat screen and other electronics.

     Take a look at the before and after pictures, what a change.  So turn that boring wall into something special and sit back, relax and enjoy! Well, got to go and watch my favorite show.