The Rise of the Media Room
When concepting this small bedroom, turning it into a closet made a lot of sense. A whole room dedicated to “media” felt far-fetched—especially considering I hadn’t owned a television for the better part of twenty years. And yet, this room has quickly become my favorite space in the house.
The irony isn’t lost on me.
This media room isn’t about screens or scrolling. It’s dedicated to quiet reflection. To magazines dog-eared and stacked. To books pulled from shelves and read slowly. One day, I’ll even learn how to turn on the television that seamlessly blends into the wallpaper—but for now, it remains mostly off, exactly as intended.
I’ve always found television to be a distraction from most things. There is so much real beauty in the world that escaping from it feels unnecessary. The constant hum of the news, the background noise—it’s just that. Noise. I remain, perhaps ignorantly, peaceful without it.
And maybe that’s why I love the idea of the modern media room. Not as a place to consume endlessly, but as a space intentionally dedicated to living. A room that invites you to slow down, sink in, and stay awhile.
How to Style a Media Room That’s Made for Living
Couch Goals
Layer on plush throw blankets and pile up the pillows. The coziest couches are always the ones you never want to leave—and that’s exactly the point.
Tray Chic
What are the odds? For me—everything. I style in groupings of three to five. On a coffee table, think candles, a sculptural vase, and potted florals, all anchored on a chic tray. And don’t forget the match strike—functional and beautiful.
Shelf Life
Floating shelves transform a small nook into a major styling moment. Layer books horizontally and vertically, lean art instead of hanging it, and mix in collected treasures. Drawing the eye upward instantly makes the space feel larger.
Look Up
Don’t forget the fifth wall. Dressing the ceiling creates an unforgettable moment. Fun fact: this magpie wallpaper was a custom design originally created for The Knot Gala, an homage to my love of birds—and to my father, who was a paper hanger for nearly twenty years.
Stacked Style
Give tables and shelves height by mixing tall and low book stacks for instant dimension. Choose coffee table books that genuinely interest you—they double as effortless conversation starters. I often remove the dust jackets to reduce visual noise and shop used or like-new books online to support smaller bookstores.
Lit Layers
Top book stacks with a candle to add warmth, height, and that final layer that makes every vignette feel intentional.
In a world that’s always asking for our attention, the greatest luxury might just be a room that asks nothing at all. The future of media rooms isn’t louder screens—it’s quieter living.
You can shop the full look here on my LTK page, as well as shop book stacks here on my LTK page.
Design | Ghost Host by MB
Project Management | Rooted In Harmony Interiors
Photography | Eli Turner Studios
