Michelle McCarthy

Premiere Design
One Chance To Make A First Impression
Michelle McCarthy  |  Aug 22, 2013  |  1 comments
Some people revel in the process of executing every single step in the home theater build process, painstakingly picking out color swatches and test-driving cup holders. And then there are those who have their eye on the prize: kicking back and enjoying their favorite flicks. First Impressions Theme Theatres is in the business of helping the latter group with its complete architectural and interior design-engineering services for dedicated personal cinemas. Its services include end-to-end building, shipping, and installation projects. The company handles all woodwork, upholstery, seating, and special effects packaged into a comprehensive, performance-based contract.
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CinemaStyle
Star-Studded Decor
Michelle McCarthy  |  Jul 02, 2013  |  2 comments
Your favorite celebrities and movie characters need not be strictly relegated to the big screen in your home theater. With life-size cardboard cutouts, you have yet another choice when it comes to decorating ideas.
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CinemaStyle
Concessions in Session
Michelle McCarthy  |  Jun 06, 2013  |  6 comments
Let’s face it—everything’s better with snacks. If you want a truly authentic moviegoing experience at home, you gotta have your concessions in order. Plus, what’s a movie screening without the familiar sound of crinkling candy wrappers, the smell of buttery popcorn in the air, and a Milk Dud or two on the floor? Add in some professional-grade signage, and your guests will never want to venture to the local cineplex again. Better buy your Duds in bulk.
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CinemaStyle
One Man’s Trash...
Michelle McCarthy  |  Apr 17, 2013  |  0 comments
Jason Mecier combines his crafty nature and a love of pop culture to create these unique mosaics. About 20 years ago, the San Francisco–based artist wanted to take macaroni art to a new level and made more than 200 bean and noodle portraits, mostly of ’70s TV icons like Charlie’s Angels, The Dukes of Hazzard, and Mary Tyler Moore. Feeling limited by the earth-toned palette, he started working with bright-colored candy. Then came experiments with yarn, pills, fake fingernails, makeup, and finally anything he could get his hands on.
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CinemaStyle
Mad Props
Michelle McCarthy  |  Apr 02, 2013  |  0 comments
In the past, we’ve shown you options on how you can decorate your home theater with movie-prop replicas from some of your favorite blockbusters. But how about we take that a step further with props that were actually used on set? Hold the knife that Arnold Schwarzenegger wielded in Terminator 2, sport a helmet used in a battle scene in Gladiator, or try on one of Jet Li’s costumes from The One. Then show them off to your friends when they come by for a weekend double feature.
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CinemaStyle
A-List Oscar Party
Michelle McCarthy  |  Feb 15, 2013  |  1 comments
For the past year, you’ve watched some of the best (and worst) Hollywood has to offer. Now it’s time for the Academy Awards. What better excuse to host a party? But you can’t just invite a bunch of friends over and pass the chip bowl. On a night that celebrates glitz and glamour, why not follow suit and roll out the red carpet? Here are some tips on how to throw the ultimate Oscar-viewing party.
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Custom Installation Equipment ReviewsCinemaStyle
Acoustic Treatments: Ugly Duckling No More
Michelle McCarthy  |  Jan 02, 2013  |  2 comments
Acoustic treatments have long been considered home theater eyesores. While they’re essential to sound quality, their lack of style, to put it nicely, has left a lot to be desired. But many manufacturers have realized you can have it all and are now offering more aesthetically pleasing options. Here are five examples.
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CinemaStyle
Walk The Line
Michelle McCarthy  |  Nov 14, 2012  |  6 comments
Designing a home theater can be a bit of a balancing act. You want to position your gear for optimal sound. But then there’s the matter of integrating it into a room your family may also use on a daily basis. How do you give equal attention to both form and function? Harmony Interiors in North Carolina (harmonyinteriors.com) combines interior design with engineering for a complete solution. Owner Scott Varn gave us some advice on how to make everyone happy.
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CinemaStyle
Let’s All Go to the Lobby
Michelle McCarthy  |  Oct 30, 2012  |  3 comments
Since the goal is to re-create the local cineplex in your living room, you might as well go the whole nine yards and include concessions. What’s a movie-going experience without popcorn? And we’re not talking about the kind you drop in the microwave or shake over an open flame till it expands. We mean the authentic, buttery goodness that is often devoured before the first preview rolls. And there’s an added bonus to popping kernels in the privacy of your home theater: You can always press pause when you need a refill. Here are a few of the best popcorn makers on the market.
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New Products
Supporting Cast: Mounts & Furniture
Michelle McCarthy  |  Sep 07, 2012  |  2 comments
As home theater technology continues to advance and evolve, so must the accessories and accoutrements that add to the overall viewing experience. Whether you’re looking for more comfortable seating options, a better solution to hide your components, or a mount that can suit your family’s multiple needs, there are plenty of products out there to choose from. These 11 models represent a sampling of the latest and greatest home theater mounts, racks, chairs, and cabinets.
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