New focus sets screening room in right direction

Audrey is a budding film director who quit her full-time sales job a couple of years ago to pursue her dream of making movies. It was a risky move, but one she doesn’t regret. In just a brief period of time, she has produced and directed several short films including a recent admission to an international film festival. When Audrey is not on set, she is busy working on scripts in the three-story house she shares with her partner, Steve. The only problem was that her home office was a third-floor attic that was awkward, dated and completely lacking in style.

She craved a creative and feminine environment that would serve on several different levels: as an office, as a place to meet with producers and actors, as a screening room, and as a place for the occasional guest to bunk down. So I called on my cast of design stars and got set to give Audrey an award-winning director’s office and screening room.

The office was actually comprised of three separate spaces — two small rooms with a closet in between. So, the first thing I did was tear down the closet in the middle to create one big, open space. I then got down to the business of giving this space a real “loft” feeling. I installed a new, light-toned wood floor throughout that brightens up the room. I also put up a new reclaimed wood-look ceiling, complete with added faux beams for architectural interest.

To complement these light tones, I selected a color palette of greens, blues, tans and creams. I chose a mixed-tone paisley as my main fabric, which adds a feminine and bohemian feeling. For added interest, I used this paisley inspiration for some unique rub-on wall graphics.

I then divided the space up into two main areas: one side for making movies and one side for watching movies. In the “making” zone, I installed a custom-made desk that’s flanked by cabinets for computer equipment and a shelf to display all of Audrey’s awards and mementos. On the opposite wall, I put in a long bench with storage for all of Audrey’s movies; this bench connects to another cabinet for her television.

At the other end of the room, I created the “watching” zone, complete with a big, comfy cream-colored sectional, a gorgeous paisley-covered chair and a light blue pullout couch for guest sleeping. I also designed a refreshment zone that incorporates a beverage fridge and a countertop above which boasts a funky new popcorn maker. But the big news here is the window area, where I installed blackout blinds, a layered drapery system and a high-tech motorized screen that comes down from the ceiling when needed for screening films.

In the middle of these two areas, I installed a small meeting area, comprised of a dark wood table with some unique chairs upholstered in a light green fabric.

Lighting is very important for a director, so I installed track lighting on the ceiling, a variety of lamps and one very sparkly pendant above the new meeting table.

After a few more accents and accessories, this third-floor loft space was ready for its debut. By opening up the space and filling it with airy finishes, feminine fixtures, comfy seating and high-tech touches, I was able to give Audrey an office worthy of a movie mogul. Now it’s time for lights, camera, action — and a little bit of popcorn. How divine!

Interior decorator Candice Olson is host of HGTV’s “Divine Design.” For more ideas or information visit www.divinedesign.tv. Her column is syndicated by Scripps Howard News Service.