Remember when I posted that the glamour days of home theaters peaked, oh, seventy years ago? And that home theaters today tend to lack pizazz? That these bijoux aren't really bijou anymore?
Well, I was a tad hasty. And it took designer Ray W. Clarke to set me straight. (Thank you, Ray.) Ray- he of Cleveland, Ohio and Palm Beach- had the vision to design a theater in an Ohio home that is truly like an Art Deco masterpiece on a smaller scale. No, that's not it at top. That is Severance Hall, home of The Cleveland Orchestra, that served as the inspiration for Ray's jewel box creation.
Severance Hall was built in 1931 and is still considered to be one of the most beautiful concert halls in America. Designed by architects Walker & Weeks, the interior is a mélange of Art Deco, Modernism, Egyptian Revival, and Classical design. And by the looks of the photo above, I can understand why the hall is revered by musicians and fans alike.
So what does Ray's interpretation look like? Just look below. Is this theater gorgeous or what? There are grand elements to it- namely the ornate, German silver leafed trim on the walls and ceiling- but the size of the space keeps things intimate and elegant. I adore the velvet curtains, the Deco sconces and ceiling fixture, that upholstered door. And what about those upholstered cinema seats? It really is like a 1930s movie theater!
If I were a guest in the theater, I would feel like I should dress for the movie. Perhaps I shouldn't say "feel" because I would want to dress well for such glamorous surroundings. I only hope that the homeowners include movies like "Dinner at Eight" or especially "The Women" in their repertoire. This theater is made for those movies. Bravo, Ray!
Home theater images courtesy of Ray W. Clarke, ASID. Photo of Severance Hall, copyright Hedrich Blessing.