Basement Media Room, Chelsea, London
This bespoke basement media room was designed to deliver a truly cinematic experience while remaining completely in harmony with the elegance of the space. From the outset, the brief was clear: create an immersive, high-performance media environment that felt luxurious, uncluttered, and intuitive to use, without compromising the architectural integrity of the room.
At the heart of the system is a powerful 5.2.2 Dolby Atmos audio configuration, carefully engineered to envelop the seating area with sound while remaining almost entirely invisible. A James custom-width soundbar was precision-matched to the display, providing crystal-clear dialogue and a seamless front soundstage that feels anchored to the screen. Surround channels are delivered through Sonance invisible speakers, fully concealed within the walls to preserve the clean lines and refined detailing of the space. Dual subwoofers add depth and impact, delivering controlled, cinematic bass without overwhelming the room.
Visual performance is led by a stunning 100-inch Sony display, discreetly recessed into a fabric-lined feature wall. This installation approach allows the screen to sit flush and balanced within the room’s traditional panelling, transforming the television into an architectural feature rather than a dominant piece of technology. Whether used for films, sport, or streaming, the result is a large-scale viewing experience that rivals a dedicated cinema while remaining perfectly suited to a versatile basement environment.
Control and simplicity were central to the user experience. The entire basement media room is unified through Control4 home automation, allowing the client to manage video, sound, lighting, and shading effortlessly from a single intuitive interface. With a single command, the space transitions from a relaxed lounge to a fully immersive media setting, adjusting multiple systems simultaneously without any visible complexity.
Lighting plays a critical role in shaping the atmosphere of the room and is managed via Lutron lighting control, enabling precise dimming and tailored scenes to suit everything from casual viewing to full cinematic sessions. Lutron automated shades add an additional layer of refinement, offering seamless control of natural light while enhancing privacy and comfort. Together, these systems ensure the basement media room always feels perfectly balanced, regardless of time of day or how the space is being used.
This project demonstrates how a basement media room can deliver exceptional performance without sacrificing elegance or design. By combining carefully selected premium technology with invisible audio solutions and intelligent automation, ESAV Solutions created a refined, welcoming environment that elevates everyday entertainment into an immersive and effortless experience.
System Overview:
5.2.2 Dolby Atmos System
Control4 Home Automation
Lutron Lighting Control
Lutron Automated Shades
Sony 100” TV
