I had wanted to put in a theater screen and finish part of the basement. As part of the process, I also wanted to do something interesting with the alcove below our kitchen eating area. This project started with research on how to insulate in a basement. Although I encountered much difference of opinion, I finally settled on using XPS foam first, with the framing inside. Framing turned into an interesting new experience using .22 caliber powder shot to drive the nails through the pressure treated 2×4’s and into the concrete.

For the framing, I used metal studs. Metal studs have the unforeseen advantage of being easy to carry down into the basement. Joining the metal studs is strangely enjoyable process, and magnetic levels stick, making quick work of plumbing up each new stud. Once in place I ran the electrical, and planned for plenty access to run speaker and audio video wiring. Uniquely, in the Chicagoland area, conduit is required for all electrical work, so a conduit bender and some forethought are necessary. I did put in the green board drywall myself, but had someone else come in and tape and mud the wall. Once finished, we used Sherwin Williams paint, but matched a classic Benjamin Moore color—Revere Pewter. For the walls, I wanted to bring some refinement to the painted charcoal unfinished ceiling, so I added columns and a compound crown molding comprised of a base, crown and cap. The columns with crown wrapped around were challenging, but I definitely like the finished look. In addition to the finished wall for the theater, I also finished around shelving that I had made before, and added another column. To accommodate the 7.1 surround system, I created shelves for the side and rear surrounds to match the look of the molding.