Source
By MELODY PARKER , Courier Arts / Special Sections Editor
CEDAR FALLS --- After the movie screen, projection system, plasma TV, Surround Sound, multiple speakers, subwoofers, high-definition satellite TV, multi-disc DVD player, tiered seating and sound-proofing, what's left?
Look up --- the ceiling is the final frontier for the home theater room.
In one Cedar Falls home, the recent installation of a midnight sky creates the sensation of an evening under the stars at an old-fashioned drive-in movie.
This celestial special effect, "Galaxy," is created by the custom installation of fiber optics illuminators concealed behind acrylic panels in the 10-by-12-foot area in a room that is approximately 16 by 20 feet, said Michael Schmitz of Kitchens Plus and Legacy Remodeling and Custom Kitchens of Waterloo, the company that designed and installed the ceiling.
"The homeowners saw something like it in a magazine, wanted it and asked if we could custom-design it. Clients are limited only by their imagination, and whatever they can think of, we'll think of a way to make it happen," said Schmitz.
The African-inspired space has all the accoutrements for a comfortable home theater, including the latest electronics and gear --- a 106-inch screen, Sony LCD projector, Klipsch speakers, THX Ultra system and a DVD carousel --- plus sound-proofed walls and cozy sofa, theater loungers and ottomans upholstered in plush cheetah fabric. African masks are emphasized by wall sconces and recessed lighting.
Framed inside a tray ceiling by crown molding, the twinkling sky is its own focal point --- and nearly mesmerizing with its approximately 1,200 "stars."
Similiar ceiling treatments have been seen in ABC's "Extreme Home Makeover" and in HGTV programs.
"It creates a very peaceful, tranquil setting that would be appropriate in a child's bedroom, master bedroom, above the tub in the master bathroom, in a sunroom, dining room --- anywhere the client wants to create a special effect. Because everything is custom-designed and installed, we can do just about anything, like give the impression of a blue sky by day and stars by night," Schmitz explained.
Bundles of fiber optics are painstakingly arranged to mimic twinkling stars and real constellations set against a dark "sky" of acrylic panels screwed into place. Easily controlled by a switch, the brightness can be dimmed and the speed of the twinkle can be adjusted. Color change wheels and specific effects, such as lettering, are among many options.
For this theater ceiling, the family requested specific constellations and star patterns, including the Southern Cross, Draco, the Seven Sisters and Scorpious.
"It's a challenge because we're working on them upside down so when we put up the panels, they are perfect and exact from underneath. It takes a lot of advance planning," Schmitz said.
He said the Galaxy installation is adapatable to most existing ceilings, which provides flexibility in application. There are no special electrical outlets required, "just the standard plug-in." Prices range from $1,500 and up, which includes fiber optics bundles and illuminators, specific patterns or constellations, acrylic panels and other materials, prep work, installation and labor. Fiber optic lights are cooled by a small fan.
By MELODY PARKER , Courier Arts / Special Sections Editor
CEDAR FALLS --- After the movie screen, projection system, plasma TV, Surround Sound, multiple speakers, subwoofers, high-definition satellite TV, multi-disc DVD player, tiered seating and sound-proofing, what's left?
Look up --- the ceiling is the final frontier for the home theater room.
In one Cedar Falls home, the recent installation of a midnight sky creates the sensation of an evening under the stars at an old-fashioned drive-in movie.
This celestial special effect, "Galaxy," is created by the custom installation of fiber optics illuminators concealed behind acrylic panels in the 10-by-12-foot area in a room that is approximately 16 by 20 feet, said Michael Schmitz of Kitchens Plus and Legacy Remodeling and Custom Kitchens of Waterloo, the company that designed and installed the ceiling.
"The homeowners saw something like it in a magazine, wanted it and asked if we could custom-design it. Clients are limited only by their imagination, and whatever they can think of, we'll think of a way to make it happen," said Schmitz.
The African-inspired space has all the accoutrements for a comfortable home theater, including the latest electronics and gear --- a 106-inch screen, Sony LCD projector, Klipsch speakers, THX Ultra system and a DVD carousel --- plus sound-proofed walls and cozy sofa, theater loungers and ottomans upholstered in plush cheetah fabric. African masks are emphasized by wall sconces and recessed lighting.
Framed inside a tray ceiling by crown molding, the twinkling sky is its own focal point --- and nearly mesmerizing with its approximately 1,200 "stars."
Similiar ceiling treatments have been seen in ABC's "Extreme Home Makeover" and in HGTV programs.
"It creates a very peaceful, tranquil setting that would be appropriate in a child's bedroom, master bedroom, above the tub in the master bathroom, in a sunroom, dining room --- anywhere the client wants to create a special effect. Because everything is custom-designed and installed, we can do just about anything, like give the impression of a blue sky by day and stars by night," Schmitz explained.
Bundles of fiber optics are painstakingly arranged to mimic twinkling stars and real constellations set against a dark "sky" of acrylic panels screwed into place. Easily controlled by a switch, the brightness can be dimmed and the speed of the twinkle can be adjusted. Color change wheels and specific effects, such as lettering, are among many options.
For this theater ceiling, the family requested specific constellations and star patterns, including the Southern Cross, Draco, the Seven Sisters and Scorpious.
"It's a challenge because we're working on them upside down so when we put up the panels, they are perfect and exact from underneath. It takes a lot of advance planning," Schmitz said.
He said the Galaxy installation is adapatable to most existing ceilings, which provides flexibility in application. There are no special electrical outlets required, "just the standard plug-in." Prices range from $1,500 and up, which includes fiber optics bundles and illuminators, specific patterns or constellations, acrylic panels and other materials, prep work, installation and labor. Fiber optic lights are cooled by a small fan.
