Minimalism is the aesthetic of choice when designing or renovating a home in 2023, whether you’re looking to channel contemporary, farmhouse, boho, or any style in between. The days of bulky furniture and appliances are long behind us, and we’ve officially entered the era of fully automated home theaters with a sleek aesthetic to match. To inspire the transformation of your living room into a 21st-century home theater, or your plans to create a dedicated entertainment area, we’ll explore the top design and technology trends in 2023 that you can incorporate into your space from lighting and sound, to display and seating. 

Lighting

The amount of light that enters a room can positively or negatively affect how the space makes you feel, and how it works with your display. Light manipulation is significant in a home theater that utilizes a traditional projector that requires the room to be dimmed or blacked out completely. In addition to the natural light that enters through the window, additional light enhancements can add an elegant or futuristic touch to the interior design.

Motorized Blinds

Motorized blinds are a simple way to block out the light from the sun at the touch of a button, and according to a recent article on Wirecutter in the NY Times, they’re one of the best ways to automate your home and simplify the processing of opening and closing shutters. Incorporating motorized blinds in the home theater provides an opportunity to switch a luminous room into a dark space without the use of heavy drapes and curtains. Additionally, the best-motorized blinds integrate with smart-home kits from Google, Apple, and Amazon, and can be operated from your phone alongside other smart appliances.

Light Enhancements 

When used correctly, LED light strips also add a warm glow to any room, and they have the potential to turn a simple aesthetic into a futuristic one at the flick of a switch. Adding RGB light strips or screen mirroring LED lights behind the screen or TV stand can add a unique touch to your living room and home theater. The blinds aren’t the only way to automate the lighting in your home theater room. Smart lights allow you to dim and switch the lights on or off directly from your smartphone when it’s time for the movie to start rolling.

Display

The display is undoubtedly the center of every home theater and entertainment room, and whether you have your sights set on a big-screen TV or a massive projector screen, some options allow you to maintain a clean minimalistic aesthetic while delivering spectacular displays. 

UST Projector

An ultra-short throw projector like the Formovie THEATER paired with a motorized screen blends seamlessly into a minimalistic room when it’s not being utilized and delivers an immersive 150-inch* display on command. While it may cost significantly more than a standard screen or a white wall, a motorized ALR screen brings out the maximum potential of your UST projector and displays sharp contrast and vivid colors even in a brightly lit room. 

Ultra Slim TV

An ultra-slim TV panel isn’t on the same level of camouflage as a UST projector, and it’s significantly more expensive to own one with a screen size that’s comparable to a laser TV. However, when installed correctly, slim TV panels can blend into the room and take on the form of an art piece rather than a square void in the center of the room. 

Sound 

Perhaps the main difference between a regular entertainment room and an immersive home theater is how transportive the sound is. Achieving a surround sound effect while maintaining a sleek aesthetic is easier than it used to be thanks to high-quality built-in sound systems and the growing popularity of beautiful and powerful speakers. 

Built-in Audio

The easiest way to avoid shopping for an external sound system is to invest in a display with an audio performance that’s just as stunning as its visuals. The Formovie THEATER has built-in Bowers and Wilkins speakers that deliver immersive surround sound with Dolby ATMOS enhancements. It’s one of the only UST projectors with Dolby ATMOS and Dolby Vision, ensuring the highest quality audio and visuals with every movie and video. 

External Sound System

The key to achieving minimalism is to mix and match pieces that blend well with each other and other elements in the room. The sound system can be a beautifully designed art piece that gels in or stands out as a conversation starter and adds an extra level of chic to the room.  

Seating

The bulky, cinema-style recliners essential to home theater rooms in the 90s and early 2000s tend to take up more space than they’re worth, and can quickly clutter your minimalist home theater or living room. Add a modern touch to the space with a luxury sofa that accommodates the whole family, and high-quality bean bags that allow your guests to relax fully every time they enter your entertainment area. 

Turn Your Home Theater into a Modern Spectacle

We've uncovered the top design and technology trends that can help you transform your living room into a 21st-century home theater, or create a dedicated entertainment area from scratch. From innovative lighting and immersive sound systems to cutting-edge display technologies and comfortable seating, these trends pave the way for an exciting future in home entertainment. As you embark on your journey to reimagine your living space, keep these trends in mind to craft a space that not only reflects your style but also embraces the convenience and elegance of modern living. Here's to the boundless possibilities of merging design and technology to create the home of your dreams in 2023 and beyond.